Introduction
In this article, you will find the spiritual meaning of the dog, its symbolism, and the dog totem as a spiritual guide. Throughout the years, since the existence of humanity, this powerful protective being has accompanied us, and the greatest cultures have glorified it.
If this animal has appeared in your life, whether in dreams, because you have seen it repeatedly, or simply because you feel a great affinity with this power animal, this article will help you understand the wisdom of the dog.
When we connect with power animals, we are also connecting with their wisdom, and they serve as reflections of our own virtues. If you want to learn how to use the medicine of totem animals, I invite you to read our other articles to start integrating them into your life.
Characteristics of the Dog
Dogs are famous for their loyalty to their owners and their pack, and they are known for being willing to protect and care for those they consider part of their family.
Additionally, something that characterizes them is their intelligence, as they can learn a variety of commands and tasks. Many breeds are even used for service, rescue, and detection work due to their intelligence and learning ability.
Among their virtues, they also possess great joy and sociability, as they enjoy the company of other dogs and humans. Moreover, they can adapt to a variety of environments and lifestyles. There is no problem living in a rural area or a small apartment.
Their fidelity is touching, as they are willing to follow their owners everywhere and obey their commands. In many countries, we say that pets resemble their owners, as dogs have a diversity of breeds, each with its own physical characteristics and different behaviors, sizes, shapes, coat colors, and temperaments.
Most dogs have protective instincts and can act as guardians of the home and family. They can alert their owners to the presence of intruders and may display defensive behaviors when they perceive a threat. But at the same time, they have a playful nature and enjoy different activities.
Spiritual Meaning and Symbolism of the Dog
Within the spiritual meaning and symbolism of the dog, it prompts us to question: Where are we placing our loyalty? It is known that the dog will do whatever it takes to gain its owner’s approval.
When we give our loyalty to the wrong person, we block new paths in our lives, as we seek approval for what we give. So the question is: Are you giving your own loyalty to yourself?
On very few occasions do dogs break their trust with their owners, as this occurs due to severe mistreatment, causing them to start fearing and eventually leave.
True sovereignty is found within ourselves, in our own hearts, and the dog comes as emancipating wisdom to free you from those bad loyalties and remind you that you owe loyalty to yourself.
Additionally, the symbolism of the dog may be asking you to look around, as there may be people beside you wanting to offer you loyalty, and it asks whether you are truly noticing and appreciating it in your life or simply ignoring it.
The spirit of the dog is also a beautiful call to enjoy life more, to be adaptable, sociable, and playful, and to enjoy those small moments of joy and the company of those you love dearly.
It also invites us to look at others with compassionate eyes and to know how to forgive with love, for no matter how poorly you treat a dog, it will remain by your side due to its infinite capacity for love.
If a dog comes into your life, see it as a guardian angel. The universe is sending you a protector. So be grateful and honor it.
Dog Totem as a Spiritual Guide
The dog as a totem is a powerful guardian in both the material world and the spiritual realms. So if this totem has entered your life, you can be assured that wherever you go, you have a guardian with you.
Native Americans considered dogs to be sacred animals in cultures such as the Navajo, Sioux, and Hopi. Dogs were seen as guardians, loyal companions, and spiritual protectors.
In Ancient Egypt, dogs were associated with the deity Anubis, the god of the dead and embalming. Anubis had the head of a dog and was believed to guide souls to the afterlife. Dogs were also revered as protectors of the home and symbols of loyalty.
In Celtic mythology, dogs played an important role as guardians and companions of gods and heroes. Dogs were believed to be spiritual guides that helped humans on their journey through life and death.
In Chinese astrology, the dog is one of the 12 zodiac animals and is considered a symbol of loyalty, honesty, and friendship. Additionally, in Chinese culture, there is the concept of the Year of the Dog, which repeats every 12 years according to their lunar calendar.
When this totem is in your life, the representation of the dog may not only be in an animal but also in people around you who share the virtues of this totemic animal and become like guardian angels in your life.
Be aware that you have loyal people who love you around you, and perhaps you are not giving them the attention they deserve.
When you feel afraid or vulnerable, you can turn to the magic and invocation of the dog totem animal to accompany you on all planes through meditation or by carrying a power object that helps you recognize its wisdom.
A simple meditation to call and invoke this sacred animal is to imagine that there is a pack of dogs around you and that you are part of that pack, and they follow you everywhere and wherever you want to go.