Hippo Spirit Animal Symbolism & Meaning

Hippos have a fierce reputation in spirituality and symbolism.

Hippos are one of the most dangerous land animals. They’re aggressive, have huge teeth, and weigh over two thousand pounds. Hippos are mighty. Yet they spend a lot of time in the water to avoid predators. They are a living example of balancing strength with wisdom.

If you feel close to hippos, consider making one your spirit animal. Keep reading to discover everything about hippo spirit animal meaning and symbolism.

Hippo as a Spirit Animal

What does it mean if the hippo is your spirit animal?

If the hippo is your spirit animal, you likely identify with being strong, large, and in charge. You may feel the need for recognition for your strong presence and might.

The hippo, as a spirit guide, can also be a reminder to stay close to those you love and trust. Although you may be independent, it’s important to remember that we all need social interaction and connection to survive.

Hippo Symbolism and Meaning 

The hippopotamus is a massive and impressive creature. Native to Africa, the hippo is often associated with water and fertility, and it has been portrayed in art and mythology as a peaceful yet powerful being. In some cultures, the hippo are protectors of rivers and lakes. This helps them align with dragon spirit guide energy (and a few others, as you’ll see below).

Hippos spend their lives in large pods of 10 to 30 members. But sometimes hippo pods can have as many as 150 members. If you identify with the hippo as your spirit animal, you know what it’s like to be a part of something. If you haven’t been in a big pod yet, keep your eyes open. The opportunity for more community could be right around the corner. Seeing a hippo can also mean you need to reconnect with friends.

How to Interpret a Hippo Dream?

If you see a hippo in your dream, it can mean you are ready to take action. Although hippos look gentle sitting in the water, they aren’t gentle giants like manatees. In the wild, they attack humans and other animals, often with fatal consequences. Dreaming of a hippo can mean that you’re about to attack a problem, goal, or opportunity.

Was the hippo on the land in your dream? Hippos are most vulnerable out of the water. Dreaming about a hippo on the land can be a sign that you need to find strength and security in your life.

Are Hippos a Good Omen?

Seeing a hippo is a good omen. Hippo sightings represent the power of community and familial bonds. Hippo sightings also represent emotional strength, which can help weather any storms in your life. If hippos are popping up in your life, you likely need a reminder to stay calm and rely on friends. When life throbs with challenges, a hippo’s message is to soak it up and let it go.

Positive Characteristics of the Hippo Spirit Animal

When you connect with hippo energy, nothing stops you from going after your dreams. You’ll have a lot of talents to help you along the way too.

Hippo spirit animals have a lot of positive characteristics. Here are a few of the most notable:

• Fierce
• Considerate
• Family-Oriented
• Spiritual
• Curious
• Determined
• Emotionally Intelligent

Fierce and Determined

Hippo spirit animals are one of the most fierce energies. When you relate to hippos, you know what it’s like to have a fire within you that can’t be put out. You’re always ready to face whatever comes your way, no matter how difficult it might be. You have a lot of determination and willpower, and you’re never afraid to stand up for your beliefs.

Considerate and Family Oriented

Even though hippos are fierce, they’re also considerate creatures. They’re gentle with family members when they want to be. Family is always important to them, and they’ll do anything to protect their loved ones.

Spiritual and Emotionally Intelligent

Hippo spirit animals are also very spiritual creatures. They have a deep connection to the earth and the natural world. And they’re highly attuned to their emotions. They know how to read people and understand what they’re feeling. This makes them excellent counselors and healers.

Curious and Spiritual

Hippos will use their mouths to play around and explore things. They swim around with their mouth open, messing around with river debris to pass the time. If you have a hippo as your spirit animal, you’re likely a very curious and playful person. You’re always looking to learn more and to understand the world around you. And your spiritual ties make you a great guide for others searching for answers.

Negative Characteristics of the Hippo Spirit Animal

What could hold you back if the hippo were your spirit animal? Here are a few of the hippo’s negative characteristics:

• Overly Independent
• Anger
• Stubbornness
• Jealousy

Hippos are proud creatures. If the hippo is your spirit animal, you might be social but still don’t like to rely on others. This can make it difficult for you to ask for help or really fit in with the community you’re growing in.

Anger

The hippo spirit animal is also associated with anger. This doesn’t mean that you’re an angry person, but it does mean that you’re quick to anger if you sense a threat.  It’s important for you to learn how to control your temper, or else it could get the best of you.

Stubbornness

Do you have bad habits that you want to let go of but can’t seem to shake? If the hippo is your spirit animal, you might hold onto things long after they’ve stopped serving you. You might need to learn how to let go of things, even if it’s difficult.

Jealousy

Finally, hippos can also be jealous creatures. If someone has something that you want, it can be hard for you to resist the urge to take it for yourself. It’s important for you to learn how to control your jealousy, or it could end up causing problems in your relationships.

How to Use the Hippo Spirit Animal Power

When the hippo is your spirit animal, you’re never afraid to face challenges head-on. You have the strength and determination to overcome anything that comes your way. When you tap into your inner hippos, you can guide your career, relationships, and finances in a powerful way.

Career

Connect with your inner hippo; you’ll soon find that success is within reach. You don’t have to work a hectic schedule to design a life of success. Float on your back and let the inner hippo take over. You may just find that it’s the best career move ever made. Trust yourself, and take things one step at a time. If a problem pops up, your hippo energy will attack it with gusto.

Relationships

The hippo spirit animal in love is about being protective. If you have a hippo as a spirit guide, you may be very loyal and committed in relationships. Use your emotional intelligence to build strong, even stronger connections.

Finances

If you have a lot of hippo energy, it’s time to get your finances in order. The first step is to face your fears and take control of your money. Then, start saving for the future. Use your hippo strength to stay on track, even in tough times.

Spirit Animals Compatible With the Hippo

Sometimes spirit animals share a special bond with similar animal energies. If you have a hippo as your spirit animal, you may also feel a kinship with the following animals:

• Elephant
• Rhinoceros
• Buffalo
• Deer
• Bull

Rhinoceros

HIppos and rhinoceroses share similar energy. They’re both strong and aggressive when they need to be. But they can also be gentle and loving.

Buffalo

The buffalo is another large and powerful animal. It’s also an excellent provider for its family. Like the hippo, the buffalo is a symbol of strength and stability.

Bulls

Bulls are one of the spirit animals that get along well with hippo types. They both share similar stubborn energy. But while hippos tend to be more emotional, bulls are more rational. This makes them a good balance for each other.

Deer

Deer are another spirit animal that can be compatible with hippos. They share a deep connection to nature and the earth. And they both have a strong sense of intuition. Deer can help hippos connect to their spiritual side, while hippos can help deer access their power.

Spirit Animals Incompatible With the Hippo

If you’re looking for a spirit animal that will challenge you, find someone that conflicts with the hippo. It may take a while to see eye to eye, but it can be a life-long relationship. Here are some of the energies hippos have trouble getting along with:

• Lion
• Snake
• Eagle

Lion

Lions are known for their courage and strength. They’re also very independent, which can be a good thing or a bad thing depending on the situation. But if you’re up for the challenge, a relationship with a lion spirit animal can be very rewarding.

Snake

Another incompatible spirit animal is the snake. Snakes are often seen as sneaky and untrustworthy. But they’re also very wise and connected to the spiritual world. If you can get past their reputation, you may find that snakes have a lot to offer.

Eagle

The eagle is another incompatible spirit animal. Eagles are known for their courage and strength. But they’re also very independent and can be quite stubborn. Befriending an eagle type might be challenging, but sometimes it’s good to have unusual friends when seeking opinions.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Radek Borovka/Shutterstock.com