For example, the Native American peoples believed armadillos symbolized patience, good work ethic, and pacifism. While the badger for example represented strength, ferocity, and passion. It comes as a small surprise that many cultures at one time or another believed in animal spirits and even worshiped them.

A great example of this occurs in the Hindu religion where cows garner the attention of the devout followers of Godhead. Another good example of animal spirits in religion occurs in even more complex animistic religions. The Shinto religion provides a great example of this type of complex animistic religion.

Even the great builders of the pyramids subscribed to animal spirits in a religious capacity. Anubis believed to be the god of the dead resembled a dog. While Bast the god resembling a cat was a fierce feminine warrior. In fact, the ancient Egyptians revered animals of almost every type. Many animals even possessed supernatural powers or consorted with the gods. Even the Jews worshiped the god Molech represented by a golden calf during their exodus from Egypt.

Although Paul the psychic Octopus is in good company along side deities, animal spirits, and psychic pets from many of the world’s great cultures he is definitely not the first of his kind. Even though Paul may not become a golden idol for worship (or maybe he is already!), he surely makes it into the nostalgic sports record book without a doubt. With his sixth World Cup soccer, match prediction of Spain over Germany the psychic octopus certainly earned his rightful place in sports history (Right up there with Jimmy the Greek!).

Therefore, whether you subscribe to the spiritual nature of animals or not Paul the psychic octopus definitely makes a great case for unexplained paranormal phenomenon. At the very least, Paul should provide a source of interesting dinner conversation for quite awhile in Germany (As the Judas octopus resides there currently!).