A nagual or nahual is a human being who has the power to shapeshift into an animal. Beyond physical transformation, a Nagual serves as a bridge between the physical and spiritual worlds, helping people break through illusions and gain non-ordinary knowledge.
Nagualism is Mesoamerican in origin and originates in pre-Columbian shamanistic practices. Olmec and Toltec depictions show images of human beings transforming themselves into animals.
We are going to cover an overview and look at prehistorical as well as historical information. Nagualism is very complex and does vary by region and is practiced in the Americas.
A nagual is a human being who has the power to shapeshift into an animal.
Nagual and Tonal Animal
Nagualism is tied to the belief we can access power and spiritual insight by connecting with the tonal animal within us. A tonal animal is similar to a totem animal. The tonal has knowledge gained through the senses. The Mesoamerican concept is that after being born we receive a close spiritual link to an animal, a link that lasts throughout the lives of both the animal and the human. Powerful sorcerers can physically transform into their animal counterpart.
Common Nahual Animals
Jaguar or Puma: Symbolizes power, strength, and the underworld.
Coyote or Wolf: Represents cunning, survival, and adaptability.
Owl or Eagle: Associated with wisdom, night vision, and the skies.
Dogs and Deer: Often tied to loyalty, guidance, and gentleness
Belief centers on the duality of tonal, the conscious self and the nagual or animal spirit side. They can act as protectors and healers.
In the Aztec religion the god Tezcatlipoca was the protector of nagualism. His tonal was the jaguar and he governed the distribution of wealth.
The jaguar and puma are considered very powerful tonals.
Calendar
Nagaulism is linked to Mesoamerican calendar systems. Both the Mayan and Aztec cultures had highly sophisticated and accurate calendar systems. They shared a common structure for tracking time, using interlocking cycles that served religious, ritual, agricultural, and civil purposes.
Tōnalpōhualli, Aztec Sacred Calendar
The Tōnalpōhualli is a 260 day 13 division Aztec calendar system which is often used for divination. It has 260 days to symbolism gestation. Each day is signified by a number from 1 to 13, however the numbers may vary. Days are often seen as living creatures and have positive and negative features. Rituals are done on certain days to have the most strength and power.
Read my article: 167 Animal Spirit Guides and What They Mean To You
January is listed below ( Brinton, 1898) Links are for spirit animal articles.
1. Lion (puma).
2. Snake.
3. Stone.
4. Alligator.
5. Ceiba tree.
6. The quetzal (a bird).
7. A stick.
8. Rabbit.
9. A rope.
10. Leaf.
11. Deer.
12. Guacamayo (parrot).
13. Flower.
14. Toad.
15. Caterpillar.
16. A chip.
17. Arrow.
18. Broom.
19. Jaguar.
20. Corn-husk.
21. A flute.
22. Green-stone.
23. Crow.
24. Fire.
25. A pheasant.
26. A reed.
27. Opossum.
28. Huracan (the thunder-storm).
29. The vulture.
30. Hawk.
31. Bat.
Negative Naguals and Evil Spirits
Some cultures do have a more negative view where naguals shapeshift into an animal at night often a wolf or bat a steal or drink blood from humans
Historical Perspective
Daniel Garrison Brinton was an American anthropolist in the late 1800s who lived in Mexico who studied indigenous languages, history, and literature of Mexico. His book is available to read for free here Nagualism A Study in Native American Folk-lore and History
While Brinton was a white man from “civilization” he made some excellent observations.
Tonal Leaving The Body
The Maya believed the tonal could leave the body. As long as it remained with the person they would enjoy health and prosperity. Brinton wrote how the tonal “could depart, go astray, become lost; and then sickness and misfortune arrived. This is signified in the Nahuatl language by the verbs tonalcaualtia, to check, stop or suspend the tonal, hence, to shock or frighten one; and tonalitlacoa, to hurt or injure the tonal, hence, to cast a spell on one, to bewitch him.”
Native doctors were then summoned to bring the tonal back. They may use charms or spells. “It was to recall the tonal, to force or persuade it to return; and, therefore, the ceremony bore the name “the restitution of the tonal,”.
Negative and Evil Spirits
In many indigenous communities, a nagual is a spiritual companion or alter ego that guides and protects a person. Some cultures do have a more negative view where naguals shapeshift into an animal at night often a wolf or bat a steal or drink blood from humans. Naguals are sometimes linked to malevolent witchcraft.
The belief system focuses on duality so everything has a compliment or an opposite. Within every human being there is a positive being and a negative being. The nagual could cause cause an illness or handicap.
In the paper Hechicería, Nagualism and Entierros a man interviewed in Nebaj, Guatemala expressed it this way. “A good nagual transforms himself at night and guards the entrances from the town and thus the community against people with bad intentions. A bad nagual does turn himself into an animal at night as well, but with the objective of doing bad. The bad nagual steals, damages houses and people’s belongings, rapes women, drinks blood from human victims and their livestock and sometimes kill its victims.”
Residents in Nebaj speak the Mayan Ixil language where many still practice the traditional religion.
Illustrated alphabet of the Nahuatl language.
In the US we tend to think that everyone in Mexico and Central America speaks Spanish. Luckily several indigenous languages survive and Nawat is spoken by about 1.7 million people.
Finding your Nagual
You can find your Nagual by looking up your birthdate on the Aztec Mayan Calendar Converter
When I first did this I found the information was not only fascinating but spot on. My day is Ehecatl (Wind) and a good day to deal with bad habits! Typically, I identify with the elements Earth or Fire. Ehecatl helps to clear paths since the wind blows in all directions. Ehecatl is associated with all the cardinal directions.
My day is governed by the god Quetzalcoatl, the Feathered Serpent and god of intelligence, self-reflection, a patron of priests. I started doing this for friends and family and people found the guidance very helpful.
A 13 day period starts on my birthdate which is interesting because my zodiac sign also starts on my birthdate. Day 1-Cipactli (Crocodile) is ruled by Tonacatecuhtli, Lord of Nurturance, the primordial god of creation and fertility.
Connect Through Meditation and Stillness
Find a quiet space: Go to a peaceful, isolated place indoors or outside, mirroring traditional ways of seeking connection.
Use meditative stillness: Clear your mind and let your thoughts settle like calm lake water before looking for your guiding presence.
Listen to your dreams: The guardian spirit often reveals itself in deep rest or dreams. Keep a dream diary.
Incorporate the Spirit Into Rituals
Create an altar space: Dedicate a small portion of your pagan altar to symbols or representations of your guiding animal.
Call on guidance: Invoke the strength, and wisdom of the animal when you need protection or personal transformation during ritual work.
Honor the earth: Engage in conservation or nature-based activities to ground your practice in respect for the living world
Many modern artists carve statues that can be a great addition to your altar. You can also find handmade pieces like this black cat on Amazon.
Author, Ame, is of Indigenous, Cree, heritage and loves exploring Native spiritual beliefs. An environmental educator and retired teacher she is the founder of Celebrate Pagan Holidays. Find out more about us here.
Secretive and elusive in nature the American Bobcat or Lynx Rufus is a symbol of stealth and perception. They teach us autonomy and self-reliance. Learning to trust yourself is important on your path to spiritual growth.