51 Spirit Animal Tattoo Ideas That Will Speak To You
Spirit animal tattoos are easy to come by, and quick to inspire. I’ve found so many great ones to give us all the inspiration that we need to connect deeply with our next ink design.
Tattoos that have great meaning behind them become more than just ink. They are symbols that become a part of who you are and who you’ll be in the future.
Every tattoo I’ve had done wasn’t something with meaning at first, but it became something that held meaning, even down to my favorite butterfly tattoo.
Getting a spirit animal tattoo is so cool because it is a representation of who you believe that you are in animal form, and then as you wear it proudly, it becomes how other people see and perceive you as well.
Here are a few of my favorite spirit animals if you need some inspiration:
- Dolphin tattoos
- Cats, especially the black ones
- Owl tattoo ideas
- Panda Designs
- Cows, dragons and llamas are also super popular
See our full collection of animal tattoo ideas here.
While working on a large piece like most of these are, you likely need a filler or a design to diffuse into the next tattoo.
I love the idea of these smoke tattoo filler ideas for gaps that’s just perfect for a spirit animal filler. The smoke will leave a really cool visual of the different elements of a great animal piece.
Spirit Animal Wolf And Raven Tattoo
A wolf and raven combo is a powerful pair. If this is your spirit animal duo, these tattoos will surely show you just why they’re the best.
This fierce duo are ready to fight for your defense.
The wilderness scene makes this an image of grandeur. This makes it the difference between an animal piece and a wildlife scenario.
I love the detail work on this one and how it’s not a simple outline of the two creatures. This is a tribal work, true to the meaning of these styles of tattoos.
This one has got some character!
Setting the stage with daunting clouds and mountains to represent the power that the raven and wolf hold together.
Virgo Spirit Animals – Cats
A virgo spirit animal is a house cat.
These cat tattoos are common even without this context, but if you’re a virgo and know that your spirit animal surely is a house cat, these are some of the cutest and some of the coolest house cat/virgo spirit animal tattoos on my list.
This furry pal portrait is a beautiful representation of what it looks like to immortalize your best friend in a wonderful portrait.
7. Heart Spots
I’m obsessed with this cutie with heart spots.
These two playing among the stars are a great representation of the spiritual meaning behind having a house cat as your virgo spirit animal.
9. Ninja Cat
This cat looks menacing and ready to pounce. Just what I hope for when it comes to a guardian angel in animal form.
10. The Gang
If you want to get your whole gang of real cats in ink, this is a really cute way to do so!
11. Whimsical
This guy getting some whimsical sleep is precious and ready to get inked on your arm. I love the details of the stars around him, especially for a more spiritual aspect.
Bear Tattoo Designs
Bears are some of the most popular spirit animals, as they are a strong protector type of animal. If this is what you collect as your spirit animal, you’ll love some of these ideas.
Your protector can be a peace reminder too. This bear just chilling and enjoying nature is a great image of the peaceful protector.
13. Bear Paw
How creative is this piece? If you want something a little less blatant that you have an animal tattoo, this is a really cool piece.
14. Minimal
He doesn’t exactly look peaceful, but he’s not on the attack.
15. Traditional
The classic colors and style of artwork here is perfect if your other tattoo styles are already super traditional. It’s classic and new all at once.
16. The Journey
This serene look that represents the journey as a beautiful scene.
Wolf Spirit Ink
17. Ice Blue Eyes
The ice blue eyes on this guy have him piercing through the soul, and quite honestly, makes him look like he knows something we don’t. I love it.
18. Florals
Blending the wolf face with a floral piece makes this a softer and more dreamy piece.
19. In The Moon
Wolves and the moon have been a common pair for generations.
20. Abstract
An abstract wolf is a really cool way to work in your spirit animal without being so obvious, if that’s not your style.
This wolf tattoo is on the hunt in your honor. If you need a reminder that you have a protector at all costs, this is your guy.
Fish Ideas
They don’t have to be fierce to be good protectors. Fish represent many strong characteristics that you’ll love to have on your arm to serve you as a reminder.
22. Dreamy
A dreamy koi is just what anyone needs.
23. Pisces
This beautifully detailed and geometric depiction of the pisces fish is so lovely, and is a really serene portrayal of fish. This would be dream fish tattoo!
24. Watercolor
Need some color in your look? This watercolor style is adorable, and I think you’re really going to love this one.
25. Tough
If you need something a little tougher, this tribal fish tattoo is so cool, and is going to relay the message you need to tell and need to remind yourself as well.
26. Classic Trout
A trout that looks like everything that fills our ponds is going to be a great piece if you’re into more simple pieces.
Owl Detailed Tattoos
27. Angel And Owl
Turn your guardian angel owl into a real angel. This is one of the most stunningly unique tattoo pieces I have ever seen!
28. Moon Eyes
The eyes of the owl are some of the most iconic features of them. These that match the moon are incredibly daunting.
29. Tribal Work
This piece of an owl hiding a skull is so tough, talk about a guardian angel!
30. Watercolor
A watercolor owl is so pretty and full of life.
Mystical – Phoenix
A mystical and mythical creature like the phoenix makes for some of the most iconic spirit animals. I would do anything to have a real phoenix watching my back on the daily.
Fall in love with these phoenix tattoos as reminders of the animal that’s watching over you… Real or not.
31. I Rise
The legend of the phoenix says that at the end of its life cycle, it sets itself on fire and then is reborn from its own ashes. This is a beautiful image of rising from your own ashes.
32. Feminine Energy
Your divine feminine energy is on display with this phoenix! Many mythical creatures are depicted in a more masculine light, but this one is more of a feminine power.
33. Minimal
This minimal phoenix is so cute, and still such a powerful image.
34. Bright Color
I love the bright colors of this one, the way that it looks like it’s literally on fire.
Full intensity and full power in this guy. It’s all in the eyes, ready to fight.
36. Time Piece
This may not actually be related to a clock, but the geometric work behind this one reminds me of a clock, and that it’s a solid reminder that with time comes the rebirth.
Butterfly Designs
37. In Motion
This butterfly in motion is a beautiful and creative piece that stand out from the rest!
38. Playful
A playful image of two butterflies swirling around is so cute.
39. Whimsical
The whimsical style of this one is a great example of reimagining some of the most popular tattoos. If your style is a little more dreamy, this one is for you!
40. Soft
I adore the soft lighting work on this one.
41. Classic
The perfect classic butterfly tattoo.
Deer
41. Dark Fill
This is your classic tattoo of a deer. Something subtle, strong, and simple.
42. Traditional
A totally different look entirely, this traditional portrait of a deer is stunning and captures wildlife beauty.
43. Realism
A realism piece is so cool, and this deer is graceful and beautiful.
44. Fawn
Fall in love with this little fawn that is gentle and graceful, but has the brilliance of a deer in the wild that serves you as your guardian angel.
45. Peace
Some of the most peaceful woodland creatures, and this one fully embodies it.
Dolphin Spirit Animals
46. 90’s Style
This 90’s style artwork of dolphins playing in the water is such a fun representation of some of the beautiful animals in the ocean.
47. Tribal Pattern
A tribal pattern on this guy is so cool and changes the feel of a cutesy dolphin to something more tough, which is so cool if that’s more your style!
48. With The Moon
This is a mystical look for your spirit animal.
With the constellation and the water, this is perfect if you’re a water sign with a dolphin spirit animal.
50. Outline
This outline sketch is so pretty and minimal! I love a minimal piece with something interesting to it like this guy.
51. Realism
A school of realism dolphins swimming on your arm is so cool.
What Is A Spirit Animal?
The term “spirit animal” is thrown around very generally these days, but it has a deep, cultural, and spiritual meaning and history. Generally speaking, a spirit animal is the animal that you personally believe is the animal version of yourself.
For example, many of my friends claim my spirit animal to be something small and mousey, because of the way that I carry myself through life. Though some also say jungle cat, and that’s what I tend to prefer.
But in history and culture, it’s much like a guardian angel. An animal that protects and guides you on your journey of life and how you’re living.
Your spirit animal is more than a silly way to express yourself in animal form, it’s the animal and angel that guides you and assists you in life. Reminding yourself of this protection with a tattoo is a great idea!
Pro Tip: Finding your spirit animal is easier than you think– it’s probably the first animal that comes to mind when you start to think about this concept.
As you’re planning this tattoo, remember that you’re meant to remember your protection and your life journey through it, so choose one that really feels like your guardian angel. This is a fun idea if you’re looking for something more self reflective and wildlife inspired: it’s a perfect mix of the two.
Hopefully some of these examples and ideas led you to the right one and you’re ready to make that appointment today!
