Animism (Latin anima meaning ‘soul’) is the belief that within all creatures and objects (natural and manufactured) there exists a soul.  This would mean that there are non-human souls and that these souls are different in nature than the things in which they inhabit.  Such animistic beliefs would lead to nature worship.  Animistic religions sometimes offer sacrifices of various types in order to appease these spirits.  In addition, the souls in various objects and creatures are often believed to be separate from those objects and creatures and can be moved from one place to another.

Animism is considered to be one of the oldest religious beliefs in the world.  Animism is not a religion. It is a way of viewing nature.