What spiritual belief suggests that objects, places, and creatures possess a distinct spiritual essence?

The belief that objects, places, and creatures possess a distinct spiritual essence is known as animism. This perspective views non-human entities as having spirit or soul, thus assigning them a form of consciousness or life that extends beyond mere physical existence. In animistic traditions, everything in the natural world—such as animals, plants, rocks, rivers, and even man-made objects—can have spiritual significance and can interact with humans or influence the environment.

Animism typically emphasizes the interconnectedness of all beings, where nature is not merely a backdrop for human action but an active participant in the spiritual landscape. This belief is foundational in many indigenous religions and fosters a deep respect for nature, encouraging harmonious living with the environment.

In contrast, other beliefs like monotheism focus on the worship of a single, omnipotent deity, whereas polytheism involves the worship of multiple gods, each associated with various aspects of life and nature but not necessarily seeing them as inherently spiritual entities in the same way animism does. Paganism is a broader term that encompasses a variety of Earth-centered spiritual practices, some of which may include animistic beliefs, but not all do. Therefore, it is animism that specifically captures the essence of attributing distinct spiritual qualities to objects