What is the Spiritual Meaning of the Armadillo? Also, what is the spiritual meaning of seeing an armadillo?
Introduction
Everyone has a list of their favorite types of animals that they believe or feel a strong connection to.
Whether you want to call this a person’s spirit animal, or just acknowledge that people can see certain characteristics of an animal that they strongly connect with because they also reflect characteristics we hope you stick around through this article as we discuss the spiritual meanings and symbolism surrounding the armadillo.
The armadillo is an interesting little animal that plenty of people have found to be interesting and even adorable.
An easy way to describe an armadillo would probably be to say that they are little leather armored turtle rabbits.
Interestingly enough, the Aztecs called them by the name “āyōtōchtli” in their native tongue Nahuatl, which means turtle-rabbit when translated into the English language.
In Spanish, armadillo means “little armored one.”
Armadillos are small little mammals covered in armor-like carapaces and, on average live 12 to 15 years.
Before we move into the spiritual meanings or symbolisms of these small armored mammals here are a few things about armadillos you might not already know and might just find very interesting to learn.
- Their carapace armor is used to help protect them from wild predators like bears, mountain lions, and even alligators.
- They are supposedly the only animal in the entire animal kingdom that can contract leprosy.
- The National Wildlife Federation claims that armadillos have actually been a source of food for humans for a long time, and are known as “the poor man’s pork.”
Interesting right?
I bet the next time you have a sweet pork burrito or pulled pork sandwich, you’ll be wondering whether or not you are actually eating armadillo or pig.
Spiritual Meaning of the Armadillo
Okay, now that we’ve spent a little time discussing some cool and fun facts about these little armored ones, let’s move on to talking about the spiritual side of armadillos and those who attribute the armadillos to themselves and their life.
Protection
The armadillo is spiritually tied to all things safety and protection.
This animal itself, being covered in armor, is meant to protect itself from harm and danger.
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The spiritual reflection of the armadillo’s armor can be found in its purpose to provide protection and defense.
If you resonate with the armadillo, likely, you are a naturally protective kind of person who finds meaning and purpose in your life by protecting your loved ones and doing everything in your power to keep them safe.
Those who find a strong connection with the armored armadillo tend to be people who exude a sense of safety that people in danger can retreat to.
However, safety and protection aren’t the only spiritual symbolisms of the armadillo’s armor…
Healthy Boundaries
If you feel a connection with the armadillo and maybe even believe it to be your spirit animal as well, not only are you likely to be a protective person, but you are also likely to be a person who has no issues in setting healthy boundaries in your relationships.
Being able to create healthy boundaries is essentially the ability to know when to tell someone no.
No to being overly used, no to being stepped on, no to people attempting to take advantage of your protective kindness.
While the armadillo is a naturally defensive and protected animal, it must also know when it is okay to let its guard down when it is in a safe environment to do so.
We could all take a lesson from these little armored ones in this respect.
It is healthy to know when to say no, and to know when to enter into protection mode for yourself and others.
It is also healthy to be able to know when you are in a safe environment with safe people where you can drop your guard and let yourself relax and be open now and then.
These little mammals hold several spiritual lessons for us to learn in the areas of living a peaceful and hopeful life in harmony with those around us but still being able to protect ourselves and others from the dangers of our world.
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Natural Diggers
In addition to all things, it should be noted that armadillos are also natural diggers.
They know where and when to dig when they need to do so, whether for food or shelter.
Their digging capabilities show a type of discernment that might be found in those of us who can connect with and understand these animals.
The ability to discern information, to dig into situations and questions that others might completely ignore because they don’t have the natural instinct to dig into something or to explore new possibilities.
In conclusion, there is a lot that we can learn from the “little armored one,” and there is a lot to be said for those of us who have a deep and spiritual understanding of armadillos.
Those of us who do, like yourself possibly, tend to be extremely protective of those around us as you are willing to provide them with safety and shelter.
But you also know when to say no, thanks to your ability to dig into the truth of the matter because you can set boundaries, knowing that healthy boundaries will provide you with a safe environment where you can truly relax, take care of yourself, and be yourself.
What is the Spiritual Meaning of Seeing an Armadillo?
Armadillos are solitary mammals, spending most of their lives alone. Seeing one may be a sign for you to enjoy solitude, to find comfort in being alone. Solitude isn’t about loneliness but about introspection.
Armadillos, with their digging habits, are also symbols of unearthing old secrets and truths. Therefore, an armadillo crossing your path may suggest that it’s time for you to confront past issues, expose them, and work to resolve them.
Armadillos are not mentioned in the Bible, however, in biblical context, armadillos symbolize defense and protection. Their armor-like skin is a divine metaphor for spiritual warfare, recalling us of the need to protect our spiritual integrity against negative influences.
Image source – https://pixabay.com/photos/armadillo-dwarf-armadillo-mammal-4217183/
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- About the Author
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Irina is a co-founder and author at AwakeningState.com, an online magazine launched in 2016 that aims to expand consciousness every day. Offering eye-opening articles on a range of topics, Irina strives to provide unique insights into personal growth, covering areas such as spiritual awakening, health, lifestyle, nature, and science.