Spirit Animals and Birth Totems
Most people know the sign of the Zodiac that they were born under. That is your Sun sign. The animal totem or birth totem associated with your birth or your Moon Sign. There are a set of native totem animals for each of the 12 moons of a year and we carry them with us throughout our lives. We are given totems by Mother Earth according to which of the Moons we were born under. Totems of distinct animals, plants, minerals, colors, elements (fire, water, air, earth), and wind directions. We share our basic dispositions with the basic characteristics of these totems. We can learn everything about ourselves by studying these birth month
The Spirit Animal is often considered to be a gift sent from the Creator to guide us on life’s journey. The Spirit Animal you are meant to have will choose you. The Spirit Animal who chooses you will represent various aspects of yourself, and will serve as a meditative, healing presence as you walk a road of wellness. A Spirit Animal will often present itself to you during landmark moments in your life. When a Spirit Animal is nearby it is trying to tell you something. It is important to honour the Spirit Animal who chooses you and by displaying an EL HOBO Birth Totem or Spirit Animal you can keep your animal close with its wisdom and glory.
Goose
December 22 – January 19
Empathic • Protective • Communicative
The Goose is a symbol of unwavering loyalty, deeply committed to finding a partner they will protect and defend for a lifetime. They embody devotion in its purest form. As a natural nurturer, the Goose often dreams of a large, loving family. In a partnership, they take pride in building a home together, carefully gathering the perfect twigs and leaves to create a secure, peaceful nest. Geese share the responsibilities of parenting equally, working as a strong team. Their greatest joy comes from caring for their young—when their family is content, they are content
Otter
January 20 – February 18
Playful • Inquisitive • Active
The otter embraces every opportunity to relax, explore, and enjoy life. While playful, the otter is far from lazy—he is goal-driven and understands the importance of balance. Though sometimes cautious, he remains unshaken when challenges arise, always prepared by noticing the small details others might miss. The otter flows with life’s natural rhythm, never trying to force change but adapting effortlessly to whatever comes his way. As a lifelong learner with an action-oriented spirit, the otter quickly becomes a wise and grounded totem. His inquisitive nature fuels a deep understanding of life’s complexities, often inspiring him to channel his energy into creative, artistic pursuits.
Wolf
February 19 – March 20
Loyal • Instinctive • Free
Wolves are deeply connected to their pack, forging strong bonds built on trust and mutual respect. While there is a hierarchy within the pack, the idea that wolves constantly fight for dominance is a misconception. They may assert their strength in social settings, but their focus is on the pack’s welfare, not personal rivalry. Research shows that a wolf’s position in the pack is flexible, shifting over time and even across seasons. Regardless of his role, the wolf is playful, social, and emotionally rich, cherishing his family deeply. Wolves teach us to reflect on our own tribe. Are you surrounded by those who value your presence and contributions? What are you willing to give up for the sake of your family?
Falcon
March 21 – April 19
Wandering • Agile • Insightful
The falcon is a master of vision. With eyesight that’s two and a half times sharper than humans, his eyes are uniquely designed to protect and enhance his clarity. A second transparent eyelid shields him from the elements, while a ridge above his eyes acts like a natural visor, blocking the sun’s glare and helping him stay focused on what’s ahead. Falcon invites you to sharpen your own focus, guiding you to keep your eyes on the prize and visualize the life you truly want to create.
Beaver
April 20 – May 20
Diligent • Industrious • Resourceful
The beaver, Canada’s national animal, was chosen for his relentless work ethic and industrious nature. The phrase “busy as a beaver” captures his ability to work tirelessly, driven by enthusiasm and determination. With his strong will and dedication, little can stand in his way when it comes to reaching his goals. Beaver takes great pride in creating a home that brings him comfort and satisfaction, and his remarkable building skills showcase his artistic flair. Using mud, rocks, branches, and other natural materials, he turns what’s old and discarded into something functional and beautiful. Beaver’s resourcefulness teaches us to view our environment and tools in fresh ways, finding potential in the overlooked. Generous by nature, he builds not just for himself but for the countless creatures who rely on his wetlands, ponds, and dams. If you’re seeking inspiration or motivation to begin a project, look to Beaver’s creativity and determination as your guide.
Deer
May 21 – June 20
Ambassadorial • Peaceful • Purposeful
Deer are social beings, often found in groups where they nurture and support one another, seeking comfort in the company of a like-minded herd. These gentle creatures are natural peacemakers, gently guiding others toward love and harmony with a quiet yet persistent presence. At their core, deer yearn for peace and unity, not just for themselves, but for all living beings. Self-love plays a crucial role in their journey, as it fosters inner harmony and balance. Deer remind us to extend grace, both to ourselves and to others, nurturing compassion and peace wherever we go.
Woodpecker
June 21 – July 21
Persistent • Opportunistic • Loving
The woodpecker ensures that we notice him with his striking colors and relentless drumming. His persistent pecking and vibrant presence make it impossible to ignore him in the wild. Not one to follow the crowd, the woodpecker breaks free from societal norms, reminding us that there’s room for everyone to carve out their own unique path. His boldness encourages us to embrace our individuality and march to the beat of our own drum.
Salmon
July 22 – August 21
Resilient • Intuitive • Bold
It is said that Native American cultures view life not in terms of linear progression, but as a circle. The salmon embodies this cycle, symbolizing both the journey and the rebirth that follows. There is a quiet wonder in the way the salmon navigates its path—how does it know where to go? The answers seem to be embedded deep within its spirit. This can be a profound meditation: to truly understand who I am and where I am headed, I must first know where I came from. In its selfless journey, the salmon sees beyond its own life, sacrificing itself so that the next generation can carry on. A salmon totem encourages us to stay grounded, focused, and persistent on our own path.
Bear
August 22 – September 21
Unwavering • Logical • Strong
Bears are dependable, loyal, and always thinking ahead. When times are good, they don’t waste them on carefree play; instead, they focus on gathering, planning, and storing resources for the leaner times ahead. With their diligent and methodical nature, bears remain strong and resilient through challenging periods. When conditions shift and food becomes scarce, you’ll often find them resting peacefully, having prepared wisely for what’s to come.
Raven
September 22 – October 22
Self-Reflective • Mysterious • Intelligent
Ravens are endlessly curious, scavenging their environment and collecting unique treasures, from shiny objects to curious oddities. If Raven is your spirit, you have a natural talent for finding the silver lining in any situation and effortlessly making the most of it. You rise above challenges, always seeking opportunities for growth and transformation. Raven’s energy inspires you to embrace change and constantly evolve.
Snake
October 23 – November 22
Prosperous • Confident • Enigmatic
The snake is often misunderstood, viewed as a sly and sinister creature lurking in the shadows. Yet, these misconceptions contribute to its mysterious nature. Cautious and discerning, Snake trusts only its intuition. Through the act of shedding its skin, Snake symbolizes rebirth and fresh starts. If you are patient and willing to look beyond its exterior, you may discover that Snake holds deeper layers, and, in time, may be rewarded with a loyal and true companion.
Owl
November 23 – December 21
Transformative • Persistent • Passionate
Owl captivates with its mysterious and extraordinary gifts, inspiring others to be bold and embrace their uniqueness. Its rare qualities evoke wonder and encourage a deeper appreciation for our differences. Owl never doubts itself; it trusts its intuition and wisdom without hesitation, even if it struggles to fit the conventional mold. With over 250 species spanning every continent (except Antarctica), Owl has become a symbol across cultures, representing mystery, sacred knowledge, and the ability to look beyond appearances to uncover deeper truths. While some cultures associate Owl with death or the spirit world, this is often seen more symbolically, signifying the need to release old habits, suppressed emotions, relationships, or situations that no longer serve us. Owl teaches us to embrace transformation and seek the truth within.
Spirit Animals
The horse spirit animal represents personal drive, passion, and an unyielding hunger for freedom. Of all the spirit animals, the horse is one of the most powerful symbols of motivation, carrying you through life’s challenges with determination. The meaning of the horse can shift depending on whether it’s wild, tamed, free-spirited, or restrained.
Horses generally symbolize:
• The driving force or ambition that propels you forward in life.
• A balance between your wild, instinctive nature and the more controlled, tamed aspects of your personality.
• Sexual energy, particularly masculine energy, though it can encompass all forms of passionate expression.
• Strong emotions and intense desires that fuel your inner fire.
A deeper exploration of the horse spirit animal considers both its positive and negative symbolism, offering a fuller picture to help you identify what resonates with you personally.
