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Animism: The Belief in Spirits

Understanding the Concept of Animism

Animism, stemming from the Latin word “anima” meaning soul, is the belief that objects, places, and non-human beings possess a divine, spiritual essence.

In animistic worldviews, every entity in the natural world is believed to have a soul, consciousness, and agency. This belief transcends the physical realm, encompassing plants, animals, rocks, bodies of water, and even celestial bodies.

Animism in Practice

Examples of Animism

Animism manifests in various cultures and traditions. For instance, in Native American spirituality, many tribes believe that all creatures, including animals, plants, and natural phenomena, have spirits that need to be respected and honoured.

In Shintoism, the ancient religion of Japan, objects and natural features are believed to possess kami, sacred spirits that are revered and worshipped. Similarly, in some African religions, such as Vodou, natural forces and objects are seen as manifestations of deities or spirits.