Deer Spirit Animal

Our 5th theme for Square Carousel illustration collective was chosen by me. Being an avid animal lover, I challenged the group to channel their individual spirit (or power) animal. I selected the deer (doe) as my spirit animal. This suggestion was also brought up by fellow Square Carousel member, Caitlin Alexander. However, I was inclined to illustrate a deer for its my love of running and my admiration for the agility of this graceful athlete. And maybe for the large, brown “doe eyes”, too.

As I read more about the symbology of the deer (or doe) in various cultures and legends, I felt that I had picked the perfect spirit animal that related to me inside and out. The recurring qualities that personify the deer, other than its swiftness and agility, are gentleness, compassion, kindness, and unconditional love (often times can be a flaw). The sincerity of compassion and love for all living things reflect my own beliefs and feelings. Deer are also keen observers and have highly sensitive intuition, which I feel reflect my own artistic qualities and aesthetics.

A brief article I came across while researching the symbology of deer:

The topic gentleness is part of this tradition. Many stories tell of Hinds (does) changing into women, often goddesses, to protect does from being hunted. The lesson to be gleaned here is that when we explore magic and spirituality, it must be with good intention, to harm no living being, but to enter the realm of the wild things in the spirit of love and communion.

Deer teach us how powerful it is to be of gentle demeanour, to exert keen observation and sensitivity. Deer are in tune with nature and all it comprises. They are sacred carriers of peace and show those with this power animal how to open their hearts and love unconditionally. (article by Ina Woolcott)