Spirit Animals and Type

[tragula]

My understanding of Spirit Animals is that they are a Native American concept, where people's personas and souls were likened to particular animals that reflected their main qualities.

I wanted to play with that in a speculative way and relate it to Type if possible. :)
This isn't meant to be too serious. It might work better if people just sort of free associate a bit! Objects might be fun too...

So:

INTP = Wolf, Crow or Raven (Robot?)

ISFP = Cat, Turtle?

ESFJ = Friendly dog (?), Pigs (Rolodex?)

ISTJ = Owls

ENFP = Butterfly?

ENTJ = Lion, Bear

ESFP = Hippo? Zebra?

[MacGuffin]

I'm a wolf. And have identified with them since I was a little kid.

[melancholeric]

Wolves are pack animals. You could have chosen a better animal for INTPs. Say, Siberian Tiger (http://www.ac3bf1.com/browser/backgrounds/Animals_Charge_Siberian_Tiger_1152x864.jpg).



( I chose it only because I find it the most adorable animal that ever has existed. )

[coffeezombie]

Siberian Tigers are a bit aggressive too, though. I don't run across too many aggressive INTPs in real life, although some of you may play at it on the Internet.

[melancholeric]

I refuse to believe that such a cute pussy could ever hurt anyone.

Ok, so maybe it could. But only for self-defense. Or a pre-emptive strike. Or if it's hungry. Or if it finds your choice of sock colour repulsive enough. Or something.

[mgb]

I'm a wolf. And have identified with them since I was a little kid.

Why are you a wolf?

[Clara]

... :rofl: *... can't... breathe... * ( I resent that typing of friendly dogs, btw :P ) *hahah hahah*
:hello: *going back to the forge*

[MacGuffin]

Why are you a wolf?They are intelligent, loyal, and mate for life (mostly).

Plus they are cool.

Probably why I own a dog.

[avidApathy]

i have always identified with the Snow leopard. they are loners, majestic, curious, and powerful.

[Shai Gar]

Raven

[MasterMerk]

Me:

http://www.150.si.edu/images/8teddy.jpg

[C.J.Woolf]

They are intelligent, loyal, and mate for life (mostly).

Mrs. Woolf once saw me as a fox. Now she sees me as a wolf for the reasons MacGuffin gave.

There is another reason INTPs are wolfish -- their emotions are simple and direct.

[Dman]

Eagle.

Sees the world from a “big picture” perspective (up in the sky), yet can still decipher tiny details far below. Generally a loner; ability to soar above most animals leads them to believe it is aloof. Mostly keeps to itself, but when necessary goes out and ruthlessly neutralizes its prey without warning. Noble, majestic, gazes out at the horizon towards the future - while the other animals toil away down below barely seeing much further than what is right in front of their faces.

[Bugeater]

What about dolphins? I like the wolves and ravens, too, though.

[Warrior413]

Wolves and owls. I don't see how an owl is SJ...

[darlets]

From
dolphin INFJ link (http://www.infj.org/infjness.html)

"Dolphins

David Keirsey proposes the Dolphin as the totem animal for NFs. INFJs are dolphins. Dolphins use their powerful and complex sonar system to navigate and feel their way through this world. Their sonar is very dependable, but sometimes interference - from both outside and within - plays havoc with their sensors, and they receive scrambled signals. Sonar is the dolphin's life-force.

Dolphins are affiliative creatures, and mate for life.

Sharks are the dolphin's natural enemies. But dolphins can take out the sharks by swimming underneath them and knocking them out. check

Warm fuzzy teddybear theory

This is a theory devised by some INFJs on the "warm fuzzy teddybear" feel that surrounds some of the introverted intuitives. This is how others see the INs:

INFJ - cold on outside, warm and fuzzy on the inside
INFP - warm and fuzzy inside and out
INTP - warm on the outside, hard as a rock inside
INTJ - cold and hard inside and out

It's worth mentioning since these observations seem to carry merit, but of course you have to remember that this theory doesn't necessarily apply to all or even most INs."

Personally after reading "steppenwolf" I'd go with the lone wolf angle.

[Eileen]

NFs or INFJs (can't remember which) were assigned dolphins by Keirsey because they're affiliative and probably for other reasons. I don't really identify with dolphins personally, though...

I'll think about this question for the types I'm most familiar with and get back to you.

[Boneca]

Hm. Wolves are interesting. But I met a pack of tame wolves in my zoology class, and I was a bit disappointed. They were constantly bickering and so obsessed with their internal hierarchy that I suspect they were all SJ's. ;)

I like dolphins too, but they're a bit too cheery and playful to be my spirit animal.

How about foxes? They're solitary or live in pairs, and they are pretty smart. And their curiousity and adaptability sounds quite P, doesn't it?

[Eileen]

I want the cat to be my spirit animal, but it's true that they're not affiliative enough to be INFJ. I guess dolphins do make the most sense.

[Sackanaka]

I've related myself to a turtle often; slow moving, very vulnerable in youth yet superior defense in maturation, not very offensive but can pack a pretty mean bite. I just hope I live long too.
My name has been translated as "shield-wolf" before though, so although the NT in me says that's just coincidence, it was interesting to see the reference to wolves. That and my roommates thought I was owl-like.

[Sir Isaac Lime]

Crow is a pretty good match

[jimkopelli]

Prolly some kind of feline. Tiger sounds good... maybe panther.

[Heather Harrison]

This is a hard one to figure out, but here is my attempt.

First, since I have always been a rather misunderstood loner, I tend to identify with animals that are rather misunderstood. Many of these, of course, are what people would consider "lower life forms" which don't have much noticeable personality.

Examples would be snakes (among my favorites), spiders, scorpions, toads, snails, pill bugs (they are so adorable!), and centipedes.

But I notice that the theme here seems to be the "higher animals" - mammals and birds. If I limit myself to these, I can think of a few possibilities.

1. Among my favorite misunderstood animals would be the weasels - specifically, the Mink, the Stoat (also known as Ermine or Short-tailed Weasel), and the tiny Least Weasel, but many others in the weasel family will do. For the most part, these are rather ill-tempered animals which spend much of their time alone or at most in small groups, generally sneaking around and preferring not to be noticed. They also tend not to be strongly grounded in certain locations; for example, the Mink rarely stays in the same den for long - perhaps a flighty "P" characteristic. How many of us live in or visit places which are probably crawling with weasels, but have never seen any? I have spent a lot of time in Utah's mountains and I have never seen one. A friend recently saw a mink in the wild and considered himself quite fortunate. The only ones I have seen are the ones that I wear. A weasel, like certain introverts, will lash out aggressively if threatened. I think weasels may be a little too aggressive to be a perfect fit, but then I can't think of many animals which are truly perfect INTP fits.

2. Cats, basically all kinds except lions (they are too social): These animals are quiet, secretive, and seldom seen even when present, and (like many introverts) will suddenly pounce without warning. Many are flighty and independent, and they can be very cold and precise in their activities. As such, they could be good INTP totems.

3. Out of the birds, many seem too social to identify well with introverts. But some of the Birds of Prey, such as hawks and eagles, tend to be loners. I don't identify so strongly with them, however. Maybe they are a little too "J".

In my case, "F" could cloud my opinions, as I have come to the conclusion that INFP is my second-preferred type.

If I had to make a specific choice out of all of these that I have listed, and limit myself to mammals and birds, I would probably pick the Mink at present. It reflects my desire not to be noticed and to live alone, and while it is probably more aggressive than I am, its habit of lashing out when seriously threatened appeals to me, as I will do just that if I feel cornered. Plus, I can be a rather ill-tempered bitch, so there is something else to identify with. Finally, since I wear this animal's fur, it is probably appropriate.

Heather Harrison

[Avengardh]

Phoenix.

[problem_child]

I like crows, so that works fine with me. When I was a kid I felt an intimate bond with the computer and the television and the other electronics and appliances in the house. I don't know know why that was, but maybe a robot isn't so far off for me. Ah yeah, and sad movies about robots make me cry, and so did a roman centaur animatronic robot at Disney World, he made me cry when I was 17. I don't cry about much but those two things set me off. :huh: That might make a good topic, if people here cry more for E.T. and robots in sad movies than they do for humans.

[PonderBee]

http://www.manataka.org/page291.html

http://www.geocities.com/~animalspirits/index1.html

Quiz - http://www.quizilla.com/users/Aeon65/quizzes/Animal%20Spirit%20Guides%20~%20Which%20One%20Calls%20To%20You%3F/

I poked around and found these links after reading this thread. If you truly wanted to explore the concept of animal spirit guides perhaps one of these might set you on that path. If I have an animal spirit guide it would be the owl.

[euterpenc]

I've also associated myself with snakes. I also have a liking for foxes.

[problem_child]

as for ESFJs being pigs, pigs always struck me as being a lot more clued in to us, which I'd think would be more of a N thing.

[Crispy]

Ive always identified with the monkey because I like to be a bit of a prankster and I like the idea of being a cheeky monkey swinging thorugh trees and eating bananas.

According to the quiz im an owl

The vision and hearing of Grandmother Owl is very powerful. Those with this medicine are can be gifted with the ability to see into the human psychic and become clairvoyant listeners. Owl often visits those who are teachers, therapists and counselors. As a guide, the owl teaches us to see and hear past shadows, beyond fear and darkness, though to the other side that promises light, happiness and knowledge.
Owl's Wisdom Includes:
Stealth
Secrecy
Silent and swift movement
Seeing behind masks
Keen sight
Messenger of secrets and omens
Shape-shifting
Link between the dark, unseen world and the world of light
Comfort with shadow self
Moon magick
Freedom
The owl, whose large eyes peering through the darkness can see any deception. He is always wary of those who he does not feel completely close to (which is not many). The owl is a loner. Call on him if you think people are keeping the truth from you. He will be able to open your eyes.

Well im a bit of a loner so the test got that right.

[Edmond Zedo]

I'd have to be one of them real jungle/savannah leopards. You get to cool out in a tree all day and snoop onto gazelles. And I hate the cold.

[coffeezombie]

I'd have to be one of them real jungle/savannah leopards. You get to cool out in a tree all day and snoop onto gazelles. And I hate the cold.

That's too bad about the cold. You can't be a wolverine then. Grrrr!


http://www.wolverinefoundation.org/graphics/coxgulo6.jpg

[J.L. des Alpins]

I wanted to play with that in a speculative way and relate it to Type if possible.
Tragula, thanks for this fun and mind stimulating thread.

Here is what Britannica says about orangutans:




By nature, the orangutan is a placid, deliberate animal. It is highly intelligent, and in captivity it has shown considerable ingenuity and persistence, with a particular ability to manipulate mechanical objects.That kind of relates well with me as an INTP. In fact, if you think of one right now, you can see how much this ape species looks like me. Here I am resting in my backyard:

http://www.intpcentral.com/uploads/Orangutan.r2.jpg

[Xenophon]

It is interesting how we are all INTP's yet we all relate to different animals. I have always identified with the bear. I have a picture of a bear totem hanging on my wall. About once a year I take shrooms at my cottage and I "transform" into the great bear, it is a very powerful experience.

I really think that the bear symbol holds all the ideals that I try to follow in my life. They are deliberate, wise, strong, and intuitive. I like to think of myself as someone who can always be trusted, and I will do anything to protect my friends.

[Edmond Zedo]

I really think that the bear symbol holds all the ideals that I try to follow in my life. They are deliberate, wise, strong, and intuitive. I like to think of myself as someone who can always be trusted, and I will do anything to protect my friends.
I made a 4-ton mechanical bear last year. I was all of those things except trustworthy, and had to be put down. It wasn't easy. That is, it was an easy decision, but it was a tough s.o.b.

[Pyrimadine]

What spirit animal am I? A unicorn. Why unicorn? As an INFP, I am a hopeless romantic. The unicorn is the most romantic creature ever created. Here are a few lines I'll share with you about the unicorn.

Fabulous beast of untamed wildness.
An embodiment of noble pride, purity of spirit and mysterious powers.
Seeking out mountains, forests, places where magic might still be found.
The unicorn shares its magic with those who believe in its glorious power.

Thank for letting me contribute to the thread within your site. Also, forgive my shameless indulgence in romance.

[Star]

...

My type is whatever eats unicorns.

[Edmond Zedo]

...

My type is whatever eats unicorns.
Mechanical bear. It will kill the unicorn and eat only the horn and bones, leaving a feast for a squad of light infantry.

[Boneca]

Well, if everybody is going to have their own totem animal (tsk, tsk, we can never agree on anything, can we?), I'm going be an arctic fox. I like the cold.

Although this, together with my current avatar choice, and thinking of my favourite birds (crows and seagulls), make me wonder why I identify with scavengers? This takes some thinking about...

[Xenophon]

I made a 4-ton mechanical bear last year. I was all of those things except trustworthy, and had to be put down. It wasn't easy. That is, it was an easy decision, but it was a tough s.o.b.

I think you have just given me a topic for my Ph. D. Thesis. "The Dynamics and Control of 4-ton Mechanical Bears." Then I can take over the Stephen Hawking roving lecture series, and preach about the wonders of Mechanical Bears. (If he doesn't like it, my bear will eat him, and his stinking wheelchair).

[Pyrimadine]

Watch out! My horn will pierce any animal before it can get close enough to take a bite! My hooves are also very effective at kicking those sensitive places. I do allow nibbles though.

[meshou]

I've been pinned as rabbit or hare.

My INTP s/o is very likely coyote and snake.

[MasterMerk]

My parents nicknamed me "Little Bear" when I was born. Ever since I've learned about the animal and how cool it is I'd say the nickname is correct.

Bear's Wisdom Includes:
*Introspection
*Healing
*Solitude
*Change
*Communication with Spirit
*Birth and rebirth
*Transformation
*Astral travel
*Creature of dreams, shamans and mystics
*Visionaries
*Defense and revenge
*Wisdom

Way cool.

[Mariel]

http://mononoaware.homestead.com/files/liger1.JPG

Deb What's a liger?
Napoleon Dynamite It's pretty much my favorite animal. It's like a lion and a tiger mixed... bred for its skills in magic.

[Heather Harrison]

Does anyone remember the Ligertown fiasco in Lava Hot Springs, Idaho, a few years ago? A filthy, ramshackle compound housed ligers, other big cats, wolves, and I forget what else. One day they escaped. Many were killed, and many were rescued and sent to proper facilities. The owners were prosecuted. I forget their sentence, but last I heard they were living in Oregon. I hope they don't start keeping large animals again.

A few details can be found by typing "Ligertown" in a search engine.

Years ago, our local zoo used to have a liger named "Shasta". After it died they had it mounted and it was on display in the cat building for a long time. I forget where it is now. Yes, a liger is a lion-tiger cross. They are neat, but they should only be kept by zoos and trained professionals, like any big cat.

Heather Harrison

[Edmond Zedo]

Years ago, our local zoo used to have a liger named "Shasta".
A liger?! In Africa?!