Coyote Spirit Animal Symbolism & Meaning

Written by Crystal
Updated: October 3, 2023
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Coyote Spirit Animal  infographic
Coyote Spirit Animal infographic

Do you have the soul of a coyote?

The coyote spirit animal represents survival, adaptability, tenacity, resourcefulness, and cleverness. If you feel down or like you’re over your head, the coyote spirit guide can show you how to get back on your feet. Coyote energy is all about tapping into who you really are.

Keep reading to learn all about coyote spirit animal meaning and symbolism.

What Is the Meaning of the Coyote Spirit Animal?

coyote walking in the field

If you have a coyote spirit animal, you are likely to be a free spirit.

©iStock.com/Fabiomichelecapelli

If you have a coyote spirit animal, you are an independent person. You’re resourceful and can take care of yourself very well. Some might describe you as cunning and sly. This is because you use your wit and intelligence to get what you want. You are probably also quite loyal to your friends and family.

The name coyote means “barking dog.” When the coyote is your spirit animal, you find it easy to communicate. Coyote howling usually occurs in pairs. You also seek out lively one-on-one conversations.

The coyote spirit animal is also associated with mischief. In grade school, you may have been the class clown or the office prankster. Coyote types usually have a good sense of humor and enjoy making people laugh.

If you have a coyote spirit animal, you are likely to be a free spirit. Doing things your way is what makes the most sense. For this reason, you’ll probably seek a career with a lot of autonomy.

The coyote spirit animal is also associated with healing. If you have this spirit animal, you may have a gift for healing others. You may feel an attraction to careers in medicine or alternative health care. You may also enjoy helping people through tough times in their lives.

Positive Characteristics of the Coyote Spirit Animal

If the coyote is your spirit animal, you are clever. You can develop strategies on the fly and always stay one step ahead of your opponents. This is thanks to the many strengths coyote types possess.

Positive characteristics of the coyote:

  • Cunning
  • Resourceful
  • Clever
  • Intelligent
  • Agile
  • Quick thinker
  • Strategic
  • Persistent
  • Tireless

If the coyote is your spirit animal, you are probably adaptable and able to roll with the punches. You don’t give much thought to what might happen in the future, as you know that everything is constantly changing and there’s no use worrying about things you can’t control.

Negative Characteristics of the Coyote Spirit Animal

While the coyote is generally seen as a positive spirit animal, there are also some negative characteristics associated with this animal. An unhappy coyote can be a scary thing to deal with. To avoid becoming unbalanced, stay aware of your shortcomings.

Negative characteristics of the coyote :

  • Self-centered
  • Arrogant
  • Stubborn
  • Unpredictable
  • Destructive
  • Impulsive
  • Reckless
  • Vengeful
  • Easily offended
  • Insecure

Do you have any other characteristics that you feel represent the coyote spirit animal? Perhaps you’re a bit reckless when you feel insecure or bored. Or maybe you have a vengeful side when you feel wronged.

Maybe you notice you have a mix of both positive and negative coyote qualities. Either way, it’s important to remember that all animals – even spirit animals – have a dark side. The key is to learn how to balance the light and dark within yourself so that you can use your cunning and resourcefulness for good.

What Does the Coyote Symbolize?

Coyote standing on a rock formation howling with desert, mountains and blue sky in the background

The coyote is known for its sharp senses and ability to see things that others can’t.

©Warren Metcalf/Shutterstock.com

The coyote symbolizes cleverness, resilience, and strategic thinking. The coyote is also often seen as a symbol of death and rebirth. This is because the coyote is known for its howling, which is often heard in the distance during times of transition – such as dusk and dawn. For many cultures, the coyote’s howl is seen as a sign that something is about to die or be born.

In some Native American cultures, the coyote is also seen as a guardian spirit. This is because the coyote is known for its sharp senses and ability to see things that others can’t. For example, the Navajo believe that the coyote was the one who taught them how to track the game. The Hopi tribe also sees the coyote as a helpful spirit and believes that this animal helps to guide lost souls to the afterworld.

Coyote Folklore and Fables

Did you hear the story about why the coyote howls? The ancient tale goes like this…

One day, the coyote was out walking and came across a river. On the other side of the river, he saw a beautiful deer. The coyote wanted to cross the river to get to the deer, but he didn’t know how. He thought for a moment and then had an idea. He started howling, and soon enough, a pack of wolves came running. The coyote told the wolves that there was a deer on the other side of the river and asked if they could help him cross.

The wolves agreed and formed a bridge with their bodies so that the coyote could walk across. When he got to the other side, the coyote thanked the wolves and ran off to catch the deer. The moral of the story is that the coyote is a clever animal who knows how to get what he wants. He is also not afraid to use others to help him achieve his goals.

How to Connect with Your Coyote Spirit Animal

If you feel called to connect with your coyote spirit animal, try howling like a coyote. This will help you to connect with the energy of this animal. Howl loud and proud. Don’t hold back!

Another way to connect with your coyote spirit animal is to meditate on the qualities of this animal. What does the coyote represent for you? How can you incorporate these qualities into your life?

Finally, consider getting a physical representation of the coyote – such as a painting or sculpture. Place it somewhere where you will see it often, and take some time to connect with it each day.

Coyote Meaning Discovery Questions

If you’re curious about the meaning of the coyote spirit animal, it’s essential to look inside yourself for answers. The exact meaning of this spirit guide will only come if you take the time to look inside for answers.

When you feel a connection to coyotes, ask yourself:

  1. What have I been running towards lately?
  2. What are my sources of inspiration?
  3. Is there an area of my life I’m ignoring?

You may be feeling a connection to coyotes because it’s time to take action. Coyotes are also known for their intelligence and resourcefulness. They are very cunning animals that can figure out how to get what they want. If the coyote is your spirit animal, it may be time to use your wit and cunning to achieve your goals. This doesn’t mean you should take advantage of others but be more strategic in your thinking.

The Meaning of a Coyote Sighting

If you see a coyote, it means you need to be more honest with yourself. The coyote is often seen as a trickster, so this message may be trying to tell you something important that you do not see clearly.

The coyote is also a symbol of death and rebirth. If you see a coyote, it may be a sign that something is about to die in your life – such as a relationship or a job. But it can also be a sign that something new is about to be born.

Coyotes often howl at night, which can be beautiful and eerie. If you hear a coyote howl, it’s a sign that you need to connect with your inner voice. Howling can also be a way of calling out for companionship.

Are Coyotes a Good Omen?

Coyotes are considered to be a good omen by many Native American tribes. They’re often seen as helpful spirit animals that can guide you on your journey through life. If you see a coyote, it’s likely a positive sign. Trust your instincts and intuition during this time, as they’ll likely lead you in the right direction.

The Meaning of a Coyote Dream

Closeup of Coyote in grass

If you see a coyote in your dream, it could be a sign that you need to connect with your spiritual side.

©sebartz/Shutterstock.com

Dreaming about a coyote means there’s something unexpected coming your way. This isn’t an ominous message. The unexpected event could be a happy one; it’s just one you won’t see coming. Be ready for anything and stay alert.

Coyotes are also associated with shamanism and the spirit world. If you see a coyote in your dream, it could be a sign that you need to connect with your spiritual side. This is a time for introspection and self-discovery. Try meditation or journaling to explore your subconscious mind. You may uncover hidden truths about yourself that can help you grow and evolve.

Coyote Dream Context

Pay attention to the coyote’s actions in your dream, as they may hold special meaning. If the coyote is howling, it could be a sign that you’re feeling lonely or disconnected from others. This is a time to reach out and connect with loved ones.

If the coyote is attacking, it may represent something you’re afraid of or an unresolved conflict. Alternatively, this could be a sign that you’re feeling threatened or unsafe in some way. It’s important to identify any feelings of insecurity so you can address them head-on.

What Does It Mean to Dream of a Baby Coyote?

mother and baby coyote on a rock

Baby coyotes are also symbols of innocence and purity.

©iStock.com/roclwyr

Dreaming of a baby coyote signifies new beginnings. This is an exciting time filled with possibilities. You’re about to embark on a new adventure or phase in your life. Embrace the change and stay open-minded.

Baby coyotes are also symbols of innocence and purity. This may be a reference to your own childlike wonder and sense of awe. Approach the world with curiosity and wonderment. Let go of any preconceived notions and see things with fresh eyes. Everything is new and exciting when you view the world through the lens of a child.

What Does It Mean to Dream of a Dead Coyote?

Dreaming of a dead coyote represents an ending or transition in your life. Something is coming to a close, but don’t worry, as this is likely for the best. It’s time to move on from the past and make way for new beginnings. This can be a difficult time, so lean on your support system. Surround yourself with loved ones who will help you through this tough period.

The death of a coyote may also symbolize letting go of something that’s no longer serving you. This could be a toxic relationship, harmful habit, or negative mindset. It’s time to let go of anything that’s holding you back from living your best life. You deserve to be happy and healthy, so make it happen.

Final Thoughts on Coyote Spirit Animal Meaning

Types of Wild Dogs

Remember to lean into your coyote strengths, and don’t be ashamed of your shortcomings.

©iStock.com/jamesvancouver

The coyote spirit animal symbolizes resilience, cleverness, and strength. If you see a coyote in your dream, it’s likely a sign that you need to use your wit and intelligence to navigate through a challenging situation. Alternatively, this may be a time for self-discovery and introspection.

Listen to your heart, and don’t be afraid to take risks. You’ll likely come out on top if you do. Remember to lean into your coyote strengths, and don’t be ashamed of your shortcomings. We all have them, but it’s how we learn and grow that matters. Embrace the coyote spirit animal and let it guide you on your journey through life.

What Does the Coyote Mean in Native American Folklore?

Coyote jumping for food

The coyote is a popular character in Native American trickster tales.

©Eivor Kuchta/Shutterstock.com

While we touched on a couple of spiritual meanings some Native American cultures associate with the coyote such as seeing it as a helpful guardian spirit, the coyote has a place in Native American folklore alongside animals like skunks, bears, wolves, and wolverines. In these tales, storytellers used animals such as the coyote to teach lessons that both adults and youngsters could learn from, but also as characters to entertain.

The coyote was a common character in Native American trickster tales of the Southwest and Plains. Trickster tales were used as tools to teach etiquette and morals or pose philosophical questions. The coyote often represented vices like vanity, gluttony, foolishness, and greed. He could also be a cunning animal prone to mischief and trickery.

A few notable Coyote tales include Coyote, Skunk, and the Prairie Dogs [Navajo]; Coyote, Master of Death, True to Life [Kalapuya]; Coyote and the Sky of Stars [Navajo].

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Mircea Costina/Shutterstock.com


Sources

  1. Ted Andrews (2022) Animal-Speak: The Spiritual & Magical Powers of Creatures Great & Small/ Ted Andrews. Published Woodbury, Minnesota by Llewellyn Publications
  2. Dr. Steven Farmer, Available here: https://drstevenfarmer.com/blog/
  3. International Association for the Study of Dreams (2022) www.asdreams.org
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About the Author

Crystal is a dedicated writer at A-Z Animals, focusing on topics related to mammals, insects, and travel. With over a decade of experience in the world of research and writing, she also fulfills the role of a skilled video and audio engineer. Residing in sunny Florida, alligators are Crystal's favorite animal.

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