SPIRIT ANIMALS

Otherkin are people who identify as partially or entirely non-human. Some say that they are, in spirit if not in body, not human.

This is explained by some members of the otherkin community as possible through reincarnation,   having a nonhuman soul, ancestry, or symbolic metaphor. Some scholars categorize this identity claim as "religious" because it is largely based on supernatural beliefs.

Otherkin largely identify as mythical creatures, with others identifying as creatures from fantasy or popular culture. Examples include: angels, demons, dragons, elves, fairies, sprites, aliens and cartoon characters.  Many otherkin believe in the existence of a multitude of parallel/alternative universes, which would explain the existence and the possibility to relate to fantastical beings and fictional characters.

Many of these themes like life, death, demons, monsters, souls, reincarnation, heaven and hell, are embodied in the LOST mythology. Why were the Others called "the Others."  Was this a clue to their origin, as otherkin (not human but spirits)? That would put a different spin on the island and the show's premise, being more underworld than real world.

Another realm of otherkin is the bonding of humans with spirits. Self-identification with another person, community or lifestyle helps mold a person's character and personality. Otherkin is essentially another manifestation of this phenomenon, which has its roots deep in human psychology; in other human tribes, it's perfectly acceptable to identify with a spirit animal and to take on traits and fetishes relating to that creature. 

What would be the spirit animals for each main character "Candidates?"

Hurley: Turtle. Slow, steady, nonthreatening, loner.

Kate: Rabbit. Fast, on the run, avoids people and danger, cute, adorable.

Sawyer: Snake. Lies low, stalks prey, strikes when least expected, deadly.

Sayid: Scorpion. Shifts with the sand, dangerous quick strike ability, deadly.

Jack: Horse. Strong, steady, a hard worker.

Locke: Lone Wolf. Seeker, follower, trying to find own path.

Jin: Shark. Always on the move, looking for opportunity, advantage, willing to hunt in pack.