The spirit, usually in an animal form, protects, individuals, tribes, clans, or provides some sort of magical shamanic power. The power possessed by the animal is generally believed to represent the collective power of the entire species or genus, giving the animal magical abilities to perform extraordinary feats, such as the wolf with the power to fight. These spirits usually appear in animal form, but have the ability to assume human form too. In their animal form it is believed they can talk to humans. This belief in animal formed spirits is derived from a stronger belief that animals and humans were once related.
Beliefs concerning guardian spirits vary among the various tribal cultures.
Many tribes believe every male child is born with a guardian spirit to protect him, otherwise he would never reach adulthood. Most tribes assume that it is less important for girls to acquire guardian spirits because when reaching womanhood they do not become hunters and warriors. Although, some tribes do have minor rites for girls to acquire guardian spirits. Totem guardian spirits are known among the Native North Americans, especially among the tribes along the Northwest Coast. These totem spirits can protect an entire tribe or clan with collective power or the individual power of the animal.