​What is the difference between the spirit animal and the power animal? This article will provide a brief explanation of these two powerful animal guides from the natural world. Both, Spirit Animals and Power Animals carry special significance and can give you the crucial guidance that you need to live your life with harmony and purpose. 

There is some confusion in these terms and many a times, we find that they are used interchangeably by nature practitioners. Power animals and spirit animals have similar characteristics, and sometimes synchronicity can occur. A spirit animal as well as a power animal can also represent personal characteristics and abilities. And ofcourse it is very true that both these guides are from the natural world and they indicate significances of the animal, but what they mean to you as an individual and how their messages relate to you can be very different. 

So, what is the difference between the spirit animal and power animal?

​Spirit animals can represent your true self and feelings. It can be a guidance you receive to identify the crux of a problem you are facing, or the deeper meaning of any situation. At times, it can also be the manner in which you will be able to rise above and tarry through a particular situation. Though we typically think of receiving these spirit animals during challenging times, it is not necessarily so… Each one of us have many deeper layers of thoughts, feelings and emotions and the spirit animals can provide better clarity about our inner dimension.

For e.g. the wolf spirit animal can represent a person, situation, or event in your life where you were threatened. It can reflect the many layers of your inner emotional landscape. A wolf can remind you to remain true to yourself and to trust your instincts. 

A spirit animal can teach you the skills and knowledge needed to handle life's challenges. They are not demi-gods, nor are they a spirit-companion. They act more like spirit messengers from the natural world. Also, you may actually encounter your spirit animal in real life or see visions of them during prayer and meditation, where they may be visiting you in spirit.

Either ways, i.e. in person or as a vision, a spirit animal brings you key messages that can help you address a pressing problem or challenge. A spirit animal can provide you with insight and perspective. Keep in mind that you could have a spirit animal that guides you through a short but significant challenging time or be a guide for a longer phase of your life. 

Power animals also seem to have a personal relationship with their chosen person, though sometimes this can expand to a group or larger community within a region. A power animal is an animal that embodies a specific characteristic or trait of its owner. This unique connection can be helpful in various situations. In very simple terms, power animal would represent the characteristics and traits that you would like to embody… this could be in order to address a particular challenge or situation in your life or it could be as a guiding emblem for a longer duration in your life.

The difference between a spirit animal and a power animal is important in identifying the one you are most in tune with. A spirit animal can teach you about your inner dimension, your deeper animal nature, and at times can even teach you to better relate to your power animal. Whereas, when it comes to the power animal, it is essential to make sure your power animal embodies the qualities you wish to have. This connection is key to navigating guidance and messages from both the spirit as well as the power animal.

For e.g. the bear spirit is a strong source of support for you in times of challenge. It gives you the courage and stability to face life's obstacles. When you receive it as a spirit animal, it asks you to muster up more courage to face the trials and tribulations of your situation. It asks you to 'bear' with the situation and come out victorious by showing stoic patience and deep determination in the face of apparent challenges.

On the other hand, when you approach the bear spirit as a power animal, it can act as a guide that asks you to stand up for your values, your beliefs, and your leadership. Bears are fierce, and they can inspire you to lead your life fearlessly and with courage. There are many other reasons as well why people choose to connect with their bear spirit.

Though both are helpful natural guides from the animal world, the difference between a spirit animal and a power animal is quite significant. We do find that there is many instances where spirit animals are more mentioned than power animals in several of the indigenous cultures. But we do need to remember that the concept of spirit and power animals is not limited to indigenous cultures.

Many ancient cultures have always has some spirit or power animal guiding them or symbolically indicating their presence. Particularly power animals, namely eagle, falcon, vulture and so on have been a guiding emblem thru many ancient cultures, representing their identity in a variety of ways.

 Once you understand the difference between the two, i.e. the spirit animal vs the power animal, you can decide on which one you need to focus on at any given time. Knowing their difference, i.e. the difference between a spirit and a power animal will help you understand how to best work with each one, as well as their messages and guidance.

​When a badger appears in your life, you are being led to use your healing abilities. The badger is highly protective of its home and will attack if you cross a line. Working with the Badger spirit animal will allow you to take a better look into your own lineage and work with the genetic wisdom which you have inherited thru your individual legacy. Your badger spirit animal can also help you develop the skills to overcome obstacles.

A badger, burrows deep and seems to be working alone and away from the crowd and at the same time, it can also quickly come out of the burrow when needed- indicating that though you may need to work with concentration, in solitude, you should be flexible to reach out to other people when needed. 

​The badger totem can help you manifest things in your life that embody the qualities of this animal. You may develop an interest in plants and nature in general. Your passion for a certain activity will also increase. Likewise, you may become more adventurous. You may even want to take up gardening. This spirit animal can help you achieve your goals with a strong, focused mind. 

Even the most difficult obstacles can be overcome with a proper attitude. Therefore, we should never lose hope. When we stop running away and choose to resolve any situation in the best possible way with the highest good of everyone involved, we are always sure to come out ahead… and the Badger spirit animal encourages us to do just that! 

The Badger is the animal of transformation. It has powerful jaws and can dig deep to find flaws that are not apparent or easily known. Badger typically follows all the rules and laws- by following them, it ensures that even though it may feel at a disadvantage in a given situation, ultimately justice will be done. 

Badger shows us that till we are doing correct things, in a correct manner, not just from a legal perspective, but by the laws of humanity- i.e. our actions seek are in the greater good of everyone involved, then in the short run, life may seem tough, but ultimately we are sure to be victorious.