Animals are our sisters and brothers, our friends and neighbors, and they can be our teachers if only we are open to understanding the lessons they teach us by their very being.

The Wheel of Life tells us that we are all connected. A shaman knows this (and more) and thus protects the interests of all creatures, as anything that is devastating for our animal friends is bad for human beings too.

Each animal has its own special power and lesson to teach. In this quiz, take a few moments to think deeply about the message that each of the twelve particular animals embody.

You are asked to answer “yes” or “no” to four questions for each Power Animal. After you have answered them all, the one beside which you have the most positive answers is your Power Animal, at least for this time in your life.

It would be a good idea to learn all you can about the ways of that animal for that can only help you understand yourself. If you have four “yes” answers for more than one creature, ask yourself, “Which one am I happiest to be like?” That is your Power Animal.

Lizard

1. Do you have a thick skin?

2.Do you feel like you do not fit in?

3. Are you strong-willed?

4. Do you work in controlled bursts?

Bison

1. Are you a survivor?

2. Do you go right through obstacles?

3. Do you like predictability in yourself and others?

4. Are you patient?

Butterfly

1. Do you love new ideas and experiences?

2. Are you a daydreamer?

3. Do you believe in spirits?

4. Do you have faith in yourself to come through?

Turtle

1. Are you a homebody?

2. Do you take time to think things through?

3. Do you often feel sorry for yourself?

4. Do you like to take things slowly and surely?

Cat

1. Are you willing to fight for a cause if necessary?

2. Are you relaxed but ready for anything?

3. Do you like to be in charge?

4. Are you independent and confident?

Rabbit

1. Are you a quiet and courteous person?

2. Do you have lots of nervous energy?

3. Are you good at games?

4. Do you like being very busy?

Dove

1. Are you a peacemaker?

2. Do you feel self-pity is a waste of time?

3. Are you a romantic at heart?

4. Do you like to be social and visible?

Snake

1. Do you listen to your gut instincts?

2. Are you secretive?

3. Are you obsessive about relationships?

4. Are you sometimes too honest for your own good?

Horse

1. Do you like to be part of a team?

2. Do you love to travel?

3. Are you a generous person?

4. Are you open to new ways of looking at the world?

Owl

1. Are you impatient with frivolousness?

2. Do you like to get down to business right away?

3. Do you only deal with people and things worthy of you?

4. Do you study the past and learn from it?

Dolphin

1. Do you love fun and excitement?

2. Do you like to invent new ways of doing things?

3. Are you very loving but still independent?

4. Do you love music and writing?

Dog

1. Do you think you are fun to be with?

2. Are you usually gregarious and outgoing?

3. Do you love your friends?

4. Are you willing to stand up for what you believe in?