Horse symbolism and spirit animal meaning

When working with spirit animals and animal symbolism it can be helpful to look up the meaning in a book or on a website. This is an easy way to get some quick information, especially if you have a site you like a lot so you do not have to do any hunting around to find a good resource.

I have been working with animal symbolism for a while now, and while I still will consult an outside source, I have found that these sources do not always resonate or they do not seem to provide me with the complete picture...the deeper message. My advice when using an outside source is to pay close attention to your emotions as you read the description. When you notice a strong emotion, you have struck upon something that has special meaning for you.

Horse symbolism: message and meaning of the horse exercise

Pay attention to your emotions as you read through the following description. If you feel ANY strong emotion, either a strong YES or a strong NO, make note of it.

I stand in the tall grass, the sun warming my back.
A breeze rises. I hear it rush across the plain behind me and my spirits rise. I toss my head, pick up my feet, and I am away. Nothing can stop me. I am powerful. I am grounded. I am free.

Did anything you read cause an emotional response? If it did, that is an area that has meaning and learning for you. If not, no worries. The message your animal has for you is deeply personal and unique to you. The steps below will help you uncover the true message the horse has for you.

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Horse symbolism: Three steps for uncovering the unique message your spirit animal has for you

These three steps will help you discover the deeper, more personal meaning and message your animal has for you. I recommend following at least one of these three steps to gain deeper understanding of the unique message of your spirit animal.

1. Write about your animal. Write everything that comes to mind. Write without concern for spelling or punctuation. Write to get it all out, every last association, memory, preconceived notion, and judgement. Write stream-of-consciousness and pour everything out onto the page. Doing this, you will get all the superficial associations out of the way and connect to the deeper meaning and message your animal has for you.
2. Study your animal. Research all it's qualities, where it lives, what it does, what it eats, what kind of relationships it has. Create a journal about your animal and really get to know it. If something strikes you, write about it in more depth to discover what about it has meaning for you. Be open to surprises. Often memories and associations arise unexpectedly that deliver messages we need to hear.
3. Make a collage about your animal. Collect images of your animal and of places, objects, patterns, and colors that you associate with your animal. Glue them to a piece of cardboard, heavy paper, or foam core. Add any special words or messages on the board.

BONUS STEP: Do a soul scribble to discover other messages your animal has for you.

By following one or all of the above steps you will uncover the true message your spirit animal has for you and come to a deeper level of appreciation of all it can do for you.

Continuing to work with your spirit animal

As you evolve and grow your spirit animal may return to you with new messages. Aspects of your animal which did not resonate in the past will suddenly have meaning. Be open. Do not lock your spirit animal into the messages it first delivered. Instead, greet your spirit animal with fresh eyes, as it meeting if for the first time, and receive the insights it is bringing you.

Horse symbolism: the story behind the painting

Curious about the story behind the painting featured in this post? Hop over here to watch the 3-minute video where I describe the message and meaning and the behind-the-scenes for “Freedom 1” here.

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