Myth of the Week 017

In Mesoamerican folk religion, a Nagual or Nahual (both pronounced na'wal) is a human being who has the ability to magically turn into an animal—typically a donkey, turkey, or dog, but sometimes more powerful animals such as a jaguar or puma.

Naguals may use their powers for good or evil, according to his or her personality. The general concept of nagualism is pan-Mesoamerican, and is linked with pre-Columbian shamanistic practices. The system is also tied to the Mesoamerican calendar system, for divination rituals. Also, the birth date of a person can determine whether he or she will be a Nagual. Mesoamerican belief in tonalism, wherein all humans have an animal counterpart to which their life force is linked (think spirit animal, à la Fight Club), is also part of the definition of nagualism. In English, the word is often translated as "transforming witch," though translations without the negative connotations of the word can be found, such as "transforming trickster" or "shape shifter."

The Threat (Animorphs #21) by K.A. Applegate

 

Also see Animorphs. Okay, so I'm mostly kidding, but the similarities are there.