Animism ( Logo Making)

Animism (from the Latin: animus or anima, meaning mind or soul) refers to a belief in

numerous personalized, supernatural beings endowed with reason, intelligence and/or volition,
that inhabit both objects and living beings and govern their existences. More simply, it is the
belief that "everything is conscious" or that "everything has a soul." The term has been further
extended to refer to a belief that the natural world is a community of living personas, only some
of whom are human. As a term, "animism" has also been used in academic circles to refer to the
types of cultures in which these animists live.
While the term "animism" refers to a broad range of spiritual beliefs (many of which are still
extant within human cultures today), it does not denote any particular religious creed or doctrine.
The most common feature of animist religions is their attention to particulars, as evidenced by
the number and variety of spirits they recognize. This can be strongly contrasted with the all-
inclusive universalism of monotheistic, pantheistic and panentheistic traditions. Furthermore,
animist spirituality is more focused on addressing practical exigencies (such as health,
nourishment and safety needs) than on solving abstract metaphysical quandaries. Animism
recognizes that the universe is alive with spirits and that humans are interrelated with them.

Common Features of Animism

1. Existence of Souls or Spirits
2. Souls or Spirits in the Natural Realm
3. Survival of the Dead
4. The Spirit World

Examples:
 Shamanism
 Totemism
 Shintoism