Animals

Animals are most important in Pagan traditions. Many gods and goddesses have animal counterparts like wolves, ravens, cats, and even cows. In spells and rituals, some Pagans and Wiccans have animals familiars. Familiars are like spirit animals; your own counterpart. Needless to say, stereotyping fits here - lots of witches have cats as their familiars.
More experienced psychics use the dreamscape(also known by many other names) to shape shift into their familiar. I've also heard of shapeshifting into your familiar done within the confines of the sacred circle, but I'm not quite clear on the details.
In many different pantheons from around the globe, gods and goddesses are depicted as having animal parts or features. Most Egyptian gods and goddesses had the heads of animals like falcons, jackels, and cows.
In many Celtic fables, the gods and goddesses would warn their people of approaching armies by appearing to them as ravens or wolves. During battle, an animal perched on an overlook not far away could fortell your doom. Animals such as boars, cows, and ravens, were strong Goddess archetepts in Celtic traditions. Others, such as rams, bulls, etc., were strong God symbols.
If you're interested in incorporating an animal being into your rituals, there are many books available. D.J. Conway writes a great many books on the subject. Her books include Dancing With Dragons and The Mystical, Magickal Cat.

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Book of Shadows
Domain of the Techno-Pagan
Willow & Amy's Magick Circle
The Halliwell House