Nagual
/nəˈɡwɑːl/noun
A term in Mesoamerican cultures referring to a shapeshifter or spirit animal.
Did you know?In Mesoamerican beliefs, a nagual is thought to embody the spiritual essence of an individual, allowing them to transform into animals and traverse between worlds.
Etymological Timeline
Nahuatl (Pre-Columbian)
Nahuatl
nāhuatl
“To be in harmony or to have a relationship with the spiritual world.”
16th Century
Spanish
nagual
“Adoption of the Nahuatl term, used to describe a person with magical powers.”
19th Century
English
nagual
“Introduced into English to refer to the concept of shapeshifting in Indigenous Mesoamerican cultures.”
Modern Usage
English
nagual
“Used in contemporary contexts to describe the belief in animal spirits or shapeshifters.”