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nagual

nagual

9.9
An animal or spirit thought to protect a person
  • noun
  • /nəˈɡwɑːl/
  • Literature
translation icon : nagual
  • They believe that when we are born into this world, there is also an animal, a nagual, born into the underworld, and we share the same spirit with that animal.

Examples

  • In Mesoamerican culture, a person's nagual is said to guide and protect them throughout their life.

  • Many indigenous communities in Mexico honor their nagual as a vital part of their spiritual beliefs.

  • She felt a deep connection to her nagual, believing it to be a reflection of her inner spirit.

Surface Forms

nagual singular
naguales plural

Etymology

Nagual comes from the Nahuatl word nahualli, which also meant a person's spirit companion or protector. So a nagual can be the animal or spirit that watches over and protects someone, like a guardian in dreams.