Animals have always fascinated humans with their behaviors, and the symbolic meanings behind those behaviors are even more intriguing. One such behavior is when animals walk in circles. Whether it’s a dog chasing its tail or a bird making concentric patterns in the sky, this action holds a deeper spiritual significance. In this article, we will explore the spiritual meaning of animals walking in circles and whether it is considered a bad omen or not.
Understanding the Symbolism of Circular Motion
The circular motion of every movement in the animal kingdom is something to marvel at, but it’s more than just a pretty sight. The endless, spiraling dance of life is full of meaning. Each animal group that uses circular motion in their dances has its own cultural significance, as seen through the eyes of humans.
Rebirth, Resurrection, Regeneration and Infinity
Spirals are the universal symbol for infinity. When you look at even just a single example of the spiral in nature, you can see why. Spirals are never-ending patterns of energy and motion that can literally and figuratively spiral out of control if not harnessed properly. That’s why it’s important to focus on making sure you don’t literally drive yourself in circles when you are spinning your spiritual wheels.
Each member of the kingdom has its own unique way to move in a circular pattern. It can be big and spread out, as it is with whales and dolphins. The dance can be small and compact, as it is with ants and bees. It can even be rotational, like when skunks do their mating dance.
In our modern world of concrete and blacktop where tracking animals on foot is impossible, we have found other things that spin in nature to marvel at. From hurricanes over the ocean to galaxies in the sky, there are endless examples in nature of this pattern.
The Circle of Life
Every living thing on Earth spins through its own cycle of life. From birth to death to rebirth, life continues on an endless loop of existence that cannot be stopped or modified in any meaningful way through human influence.
What you can influence as a human is how connected you are to this circle. Are you doing everything you can to be a good steward for Mother Earth? How do you care for the other creatures that share this planet with us?
It’s easy to get lost in this never-ending spiral as we spin aimlessly from one day into the next. By finding your purpose and grounding yourself spiritually, though, you can stay focused on what truly matters.
Animal Behavior in Different Cultures and Religions
Many cultures have different associations with the behaviors of animals, which can influence how people feel when they stumble upon a group of animals walking in a circle. Most negative connotations such as signs of bad luck or danger come from Western cultures, while other cultures see these behaviors as spiritual or positive signs. Some people may even see the circling behavior as neither good nor bad.
Native American Beliefs
Many Native American tribes view animals as messengers from nature. For example, the Lakota people view the white buffalo as a symbol of peace, unity and hope. To this tribe, the animal’s white color represents purity and helps people to connect with themselves spiritually.
Animals involved in mystical spiritual events are seen as messengers that one must pay attention to and respect.
Walking in circles is a standard behavior among many animals, including horses and bison. The Comanche tribe took notice of this behavior and saw it as a sign that the spirits were offering them some sort of wisdom, vision or guidance. In this case, walking in circles had a positive association because they believed the behavior was directly related to something they could learn.
Chinese Feng Shui
According to traditional Chinese Feng Shui practices, three tortoises walking in circles around you bring good fortune and prosperity. The tortoise is tied to the element of water and symbolizes longevity and fruitfulness. They also represent good health. Similar to African cultures, walking in circles is associated with prosperity according to Chinese culture.
African Association of Walking in Circles
While Western cultures may associate walking in circles with bad luck or danger, African cultures believe that this behavior is a symbol of prosperity and abundance.
In Ghana, walking in circles is a sign that you have some sort of spiritual energy within you that can manifest your dreams. Those who are capable of manifesting their dreams effortlessly or enjoy good fortune are seen as having “spirits walking around them” which translates to having an abundant life.
The Jewish Religion
The Jewish religion has several rituals that involve walking in circles.
One such ritual involves couples on their marriage day where they walk around each other seven times during the marriage ceremony. This act symbolizes how they will build their family together. In this context, lifelong commitment and union are associated with walking in circles.
Interpreting the Spiritual Meaning of Circular Walking
When an animal exhibits walking in circles behavior, it’s normally a sign of a connection between their world and ours. While the behavior may seem funny to us (especially if it has a human-like pattern), it is not something we should laugh at or disregard.
If you notice this behavior or see it happening in your dreams, take it as a sign that the animal kingdom is trying to convey a message to you. There could be a number of reasons your dreams are disrupted by animals walking in circles, and some of the most common meanings include:
You Feel Stuck in Your Current Path
Spiritual teachings stress on the interconnectedness of living beings. According to these teachings, we are all part of a single tapestry of existence and everything we do affects other living beings, including animals. As such, you may notice that turtles walking around in circles can be interpreted as an animal sign that you are stuck and can’t move forward.
You Are Undergoing Transformation
In ancient times, when people underwent significant life changes or transformations, they would seek meaning from animal behavior. This was because ancient people believed that animals were more connected to the universe than humans.
If you find that raccoons are walking in circles around your house or dream of any other animals doing so, this could mean that you’re undergoing a major life change.
You Need to Slow Down
As wild creatures, animals are deeply connected to their instincts and the environment around them. They respond to these instincts naturally. When animals walk in circles day after day searching for food and exploring their environment, they are engaging with their surrounding at a slower pace.
So if you have been working at breakneck speed for a long time, seeing birds flying in circles or walking long distances can serve as a divine reminder that you need to slow down. Animals instinctively know that this is important for health, happiness, and longevity; we would do well to learn from them.
You Are Looking for Validation
From ancient times to the present day, many people believe that animal signs are validation from higher powers like guardian angels and spirit guides. These signs offer comfort and guidance when you need it most.
If you have been feeling lost or confused about a subject and encounter cats walking in circles marinating on meaningful objects or areas, take that as an animal sign that you are on the right path.
Common Animals Known for Walking in Circles
Animal symbolism is found in many cultures. For instance, the Egyptian pharaohs and the Mayans used animals as a symbol of wealth and healing.
A common animal known for walking in circles is the snake. In nature, snakes will walk in circles before shedding their old skin.
Many people are afraid of snakes, but their symbolism is tied to the idea of regeneration. Snakes shed their skin regularly to help it grow larger. When they shed their skin, they can also rid themselves of parasites or old scales that are no longer useful.
This is a reminder to shed your old ways and embrace new things. Don’t be afraid to leave things behind and start anew. It also represents healing, because without getting rid of the old, you can’t move forward and heal.
Another animal known for walking in circles is flamingos. Before laying eggs, flamingos will walk in a large group to form a depression in the ground to create a nest.
Because of their pink feathers and unique legs, flamingos are seen as a symbol of beauty and grace. Their pink feathers are also a reminder to express emotions with others with grace and joy.
Baby elephants circle around a tree to show reverence and gratitude toward the tree. This ritual starts with an elephant coming across a big tree and smelling it for about five minutes.
What do you get when you search for other patterns of animals walking in circles? You’ll get several links about pets walking in circles before laying down!
This is likely due to the way they curl up before sleeping, especially if they’re sleeping outside or on hard ground. Regardless of why they do it, it’s a sign as an owner that your pet is getting ready to rest.
Ancient Beliefs and Mythology Surrounding Circular Motion
The symbolism of animals walking in circles is a common topic in mythology stories from almost every civilization. In most of these stories, the circular motion is depicted as a journey that represents the cycle of life or the passage of time.
Indian mythology
In Hinduism, we find that the God Vishnu sleeps at the base of a tree and dreams the universe into existence. According to this myth, the universe is created and later destroyed by Vishnu. Once this happens, Vishnu falls back to sleep and dreams another world.
Egyptian mythology
An Egyptian myth tells us about the God Ra who was believed to travel through the world in a circular path every day. The sun was then thought to be driven by another divinity creating a pattern that exemplified circular energies.
Native American spirituality
Among Native American spirituality beliefs, there is a belief that people can connect with their ancestors through walking in circles. This act represents the passage of time and connects individuals in a circle of meaning.
Greek mythology
In Greek mythology, we learn about the Wheel of Fortune which tells us about a being that willful spun our lives with good or bad luck.
We also know about labyrinth myths which tell us that these structures created labyrinths to confuse anyone evil enough to walk in them by mirroring their path with a good intentioned trickster named Ariadne.
Buddhism
In Buddhism, we learn about Mandalas that are elaborate geometric designs that represent different states of human consciousness. The design starts in the center and moves outwards in a circle representing a spiritual journey to enlightenment.
Christianity
Christianity teaches us that we must walk with God in order for us to understand his teachings and find our destiny. In relation to circular motion we can interpret this to mean that we must consistently evolve in relation to him.
The Connection Between Animals, Circles, and Energy
When animals walk in circles or take on circular patterns, they are acting as conduits for spiritual energy.
Everything in the universe is energy moving in circles and spirals. Movements repeat. And as repetitive circular motions, vortices and spirals are powerful containers of energy.
Circles represent wholeness, completeness, and cycles. In many cultures, the circle also represents both the physical plane (as a two-dimensional circle) and the spiritual plane (as a halo).
As such, circles are imbued with powerful spiritual meaning: connection, unity, harmony, healing, protection, infinity, the soul.
Nature itself is a big teacher of these sacred geometrical patterns. For example, the sun rises and sets in a circular manner. The water cycle constantly moves in a repeating circle. The moon transitions through its phases in a circular pattern.
Working within nature’s parameters and rhythms allows animals to effortlessly harness the healing energy of the universe. And when they walk in circles or move in spirals, they are also activating the very energy that sustains them.
Certainly, not all animals follow through with circular walking patterns (for example, cats tend to move in straight lines). But those that do are often connected with something bigger than themselves.
Does your dog keep walking in a circle around you?
Find out what your dog circling you means according to dog behavior experts.
Ancient Mythology Speaks to Animals Walking in Circles
In ancient Greek mythology, both Hermes and Aphrodite took on circular forms to act as guides on the spiritual path. Hermes’ caduceus is made up of two serpents winding around Hermes’ staff (which is also designed to look like a circle). Meanwhile, Aphrodite’s sacred number is six—where six people holding hands could form a circle around her temple.
In Hindu stories, Vishnu manifested as Narayana reclining on the coiled serpent Ananta Sesa circled by the Milky Ocean. This circular form represents Vishnu’s ability to help navigate through spiritual obstacles and challenges.
Energy Healing Is All About Circles
Ancient Reiki healers may have not been walking in physical circles, but they were nonetheless moving energy in…well…circles. With continuous hand movements around their patients’ chakras coupled with an intentional flow of energy from their hands to their clients’ energetic body, Reiki healers created a healing vortex for their patient’s energy blocks to pass through.
Scientific Explanations for Circular Animal Behaviors
To make things a little more complicated, humans have been observing animals for centuries. Species all around the world have unique circular behaviors that are impossible to ignore. As a result, there is a surprising amount of scientific research that explains some of these behaviors from a zoological standpoint.
Stress or Health Issues
It is not uncommon for animals to walk in circles when they are experiencing health issues or too much stress. It is actually one of the red flags animal caretakers look for when they want to determine if the species in their care is dealing with an underlying issue.
Understand that animals do not have the self-awareness to understand they need professional help. Stress can certainly manifest in the form of walking in circles, and it can indicate that your pet needs your immediate assistance.
There are several health issues that can trigger circular behaviors in animals. This includes:
- Bruising
- Infections
- Injuries
- Neurological diseases
- Bacterial infections
- Viral infections
As you can see, most of these health problems will directly affect an animal’s ability to walk or maintain their balance. As we mentioned before, any animal that is walking in circles with no end goal is likely dealing with an injury or illness.
Genetics
In some cases, it is possible circular behaviors are caused by genetics. For example, some types of dogs are genetically predisposed to certain movements that may appear one-note to humans.
It is also not uncommon for some insects to experience what looks like circular behavior due to genetics. For example, if a fly has only one wing, it will be unable to perform many of the movements typical to its species. This may cause it to appear as though it is walking around in circles with no target.
Nesting Behavior
Sometimes an animal walks in a circle because they are performing a behavior that would be harmful as a straight line. Here are a couple common examples:
- Nest building – Some animals will walk in circles as they move back and forth between their nest site and materials required for nest building. Others may walk in circles as they prepare it in order to pack down the surface.
- Hunting – In the wild, some predators develop circular motions as they attempt to corner their prey.
Tips for Interpreting Animal Behaviors in a Spiritual Context
In some cases, you may notice an animal or pet exhibiting a strange behavior that can’t really be connected to a superstition or old wives’ tale. To help you figure out what animals are trying to tell you, here are a few tips.
Know the Common Behaviors of the Animal
You should begin your interpretation by researching common behaviors of the specific animal. For example, if you see your pet rabbit standing on its hind legs, it is likely due to their heightened senses of hearing and smell. It is also because they are trying to get a good view of their surroundings since they have a wide range of vision from the sides of their heads.
Depending on where you are and the surrounding environment, another animal might be using this time to hunt or give birth to her young so it is vital that you know the meaning of each behavior.
Observe Where They Are Looking Or if They Are Making Any Sounds
If there’s no obvious reason as to why they could be acting like that, take note of any unusual sounds or things they may have noticed. If your pet bird suddenly starts chirping loudly while looking out the window, it might be because there’s a predator nearby and it’s feeling protective.
Know Your Animal
Not all animals are the same. You should learn more about your pet in particular to understand its behaviors. This will help in preventing misinterpretation.
Stay Calm
There’s no use in panicking whenever you notice something strange about your pet. The best thing to do is observe them closely so you can have a better understanding of what it is trying to communicate.
While spiritual meanings offer interpretations that can enlighten and guide us, our own intuition and ability to observe should not be discounted. If there is an unusual behavior that is bothering you, don’t hesitate to call a vet for some advice.
In conclusion, animals walking in circles can have various spiritual meanings depending on the cultural and religious beliefs. While some may interpret it as a bad omen or a sign of imbalance, others see it as a symbol of cyclicality and spiritual growth. It is important to consider the specific animal, the context of the behavior, and personal intuition when interpreting these actions. Ultimately, the spiritual meaning of animals walking in circles may vary, but it serves as a reminder to pay attention to the deeper symbolism present in the natural world.
