nagual
9.9
An animal or spirit thought to protect a person
- noun
- /nəˈɡwɑːl/
- Literature
- 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
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.