Animals
Alligators/Crocodiles:
Creation/destruction, birth/death, beginning of a new period and
the death of the old, knowledge is transformed by a new level of growth, hidden wisdom
awaits. Aggression, survival, adaptability
Antelope:
Heightened psychic ability, may need to insulate yourself or come out of hiding,
adaptability, strong sense of smell, new opportunities can be seen
Ants:
Sense of community, social structures, industriousness. Group minded,
perseverance, step by step. The ant represents self discipline and a group effort.
Teamwork.
Armadillo:
Protection and how to use it, sensitivity to others attacks either real or
imagined, learn to trust what you feel with others, new birth coming -shows how to deal
with it.
Ass:
Patience, humility, wisdom to know when to use it, outer recognition of inner
potentials, move with the flow, don't be content and complacent, enjoy the road to the
goal.
Badger:
Keeper of stories, write things down, sees beneath the surface of all things and
people, including herbs and roots, chances to develop self expression and reliance, new
chapter in your life
Bat:
Initiation, Rebirth, Changes, Blessings, Trust, Instincts, Perspective. Guardian of the
night, cleaner
Bee:
Community, Celebration, Organization.
Beetles:
transformation, metamorphosis, protective quality, changes in life, examine eating
habits,
Bear:
Introspection, Power, Prophecy, Intuition, Sovereignty, Instinct, Transformation,
Strength, Courage, Stamina, Harmony, Healing, Visions, Leadership.
Beaver:
teaches lessons of breath for health, emotions, builder of dreams, teamwork, time
of action to build upon those long awaited dreams, may mean to go forth with plans.
Bison/Buffalo:
Abundance, incorporates our own efforts to embrace and hold life,
burdens and rewards are carried, keep self well grounded, follow the easiest path, don't
use force in areas of life, flow with it. Sacredness, life builder. The buffalo provides all
good things for living, and bestows great curing powers.
Blackbird:
Enchantment, The Gateway, The Inner Call.
Bluebird:
Happiness, confidence, fulfillment, look for chances to touch joy in your life.
Blue Jay:
Knowledge survival, proper use of power, helps balance earthy realm with
Spiritual.
Bobcat:
Learning to be alone but not lonely, keep confidences of those around you, able
to turn on/off creative forces in life, look for what is hidden on all levels, trust your senses.
Bull:
Wealth, Potency, Beneficence, Fertility, Strength, Power, Courage, Stamina,
Sexuality.
Butterflies:
Major transformations, outcome is different than expected. Symbol of joy,
color, lightness, and change in life. Awakens us to dance on the winds of life.
Cardinal:
Renews vitality in life roles, adds color to life, everything you do is important.
Cat:
Guardianship, Detachment, Sensuality, Mystery, Magic, Independence, Protection,
Teacher, Confidence, Gentleness, Caution, Alertness, Spirit detection.
Cheetah:
Decisions, Swiftness, Speed, Self - Esteem.
Chickadee:
Cheerful, bird of truth, mind mysteries, joy, heals/balances/opens perceptions
Crab:
Sensitivity, Emotions, Loyalty.
Crane:
Justices, longevity, feminine energies, gives proper focus in all endeavors.
Crow:
Life, death, rebirth, transition magic, watchfulness, look for opportunities coming
up.
Cougar:
Growth, Strength, Power, Opportunities, Balance. Leadership, courage,
elusiveness, swiftness.
Coyote:
Wisdom, Tasks, Adaptations, Teaching, Demonstrating, Communicating,
Resourceful, Cunning, Discernment. Prankster, insight, playful. The coyote symbolizes
duality and the ability to present both sides of an issue. Clowning and humor, perhaps
sarcastic.
Crane:
Solitude, independence.
Deer:
Gentleness, Love, Alertness, Camouflage, Attention, Intuition, Dreams,
Communication, Serenity, Acceptance. gentleness, kindness, gracefulness and sensitivity,
physical pacing, body awareness. Deer carries the message of purity of purpose, and of
walking in the light.
Dog:
Guidance, Protection, Loyalty, Faithfulness, Protection, Playfulness.
Dolphin:
Dimensions, Curiosity, Playfulness, Balance, Compassion, Understanding, Love,
Calm, Eloquence, Freedom, Emotion. Kindness, play, bridge man to ocean, psychic
abilities, initiators. Dolphin brings us teachings from the water. Breath control and the
awareness of tone is also Dolphin power.
Doves:
Peace, prophecy, maternity, awaken to promise of future with clarity
Dragon:
Passion, Depth, Connection, Power, Potential, Riches, Inspiration, Insight,
Vitality, Transmutation.
Dragonfly:
Lightness of body, expression of emotional and mental aspects, fresh air and a
new perspective will come soon, allows our inner light to shine through. Flighty, carefree.
Dragonflies symbolize whirlwind, swiftness and activity. The dragonfly is an important
insect in Zuni legend, where they are shamanistic creatures with supernatural powers. In
Hopi rock art, the dragonfly is symbolized by a vertical line with two or sometimes one,
horizontal cross line.
Ducks:
Emotional comfort and protection, teaches how to move w/grace and comfort in
life
Eagle:
Understanding, Completion, Initiation, Power, Intelligence, Renewal, Courage,
Healing, Creation. Divine spirit, high ideals, spiritual philosophy, chief of all the creatures
in the air, the primary servant of the sun. Powerful in battle, the eagle protects the people
from evil. Eagle medicine attributes include clear vision and soaring spirit. The eagle is
associated with success, prosperity and wealth. In the Zuni Tradition, the Eagle
symbolizes the direction Up.
Elephant:
Power, Strength, Warrior, Memory.
Elk:
Nobility, about to hit your stride in life, don't give up, have endurance for the long
run, don't neglect the need to relate to others, adjustment of diet needs to be made to have
strong energy levels. Strength, agility, freedom, power and nobility
Finch:
Energy amplification, new experiences, more active life with increase in potentials
Fox:
Cunning, Diplomacy, Wildness, Camouflage, Shapeshifting, Invisibility, Survival,
Intuition, Adaptability, Observation. provider, intelligence, elusiveness, agility, cleverness.
Fox represents twilight and feminine magic.
Frog:
Cleansing, Clairvoyance, Medicine, Sensitivity. Connection with water element
Giraffe:
The neck is the bridge between the realms, farsightedness to see beyond,
expression and communication through body language. Teaches balance of sky and earth.
One has stronge relationships and inner perceptions.
Goat:
Climbing, Stability, Confidence, Achievements, Loyalty, Ambition.
Goldfinch: Awakening to nature spirits, helps w/endurance in transition of physical to
spiritual
Goose:
Questing call, travels, imagination, communication, imagination is stirred
Grasshopper:
New leaps forward in life, trust in your own instincts and rhythms, let inner
voice guide you, be bold and move with pride and with great movement.
Groundhog-Woodchuck:
One gets deep into areas of interests, building,studying and
working for 2 years will show results. Dreamtime and altered states heightened, death and
dying upon rebirthing, metabolic control.
Grouse:
Sacred dancing and drumming, higher rate of consciousness, opens energy to
rhythm of life
Gulls:
Subtle lessons in behavior and communication, teaches to read people more
effectively.
Hawks:
Nobility, Recollection, Cleansing. Visionary power, guardianship, swiftness,
leadership, sees more in life, observant, strength Messenger of the sky, observer,
Perception, Focus, protection.
Heron:
Determination, balance, follow your own path, helps look deeper into aspects of
life, innate wisdom Intuition, organization.
Horse:
Travel, Power, Freedom. Stamina, mobility, stability, courage, strength. The horse
was introduced to the plains tribes by the Spanish. Shamans are often pictured flying on
mythical horses. Horses can symbolize coping under difficult circumstances. Horse is love
and devotion, loyalty.
Hummingbird:
Knowledge, Contradiction. Ecstatic, love, happiness, beat of life, miracle
of joy of living, don't burn yourself out, Messenger, stopper of time. Hummingbird
represents optimism and sweetness. Being able to roll with the punches is an attribute of
Hummingbird.
Jaguar:
Ferocity, Strength, Agility. shamanic wisdom, focused power .
Kingfisher:
Prosperity, love, warmth, peace, prepares you for something new, exciting
and wonderful.
Ladybug:
metamorphosis, growth, socializing too much or not enough.
Leopard:
Silent, inconspicuous, intuition, instincts, Perseverance, Dignity, Aggression,
Confidence, Swiftness, Cunning, Strength, Boldness, Visions, Vitality, Perception,
Achievements, Knowledge.
Lion:
Leadership, Organization, Wisdom, Enthusiasm, Assertion, Strenght, Courage,
Energy, Creativity, Intuition, Imagination.
Lizard:
Conservation, agility. Lizard promotes dreaming
Lynx:
Secrets, Knowledge, Clairvoyance, Meditation, Patience, Achievements.
Magpie:
Proper use of knowledge, intelligence, use what you have, chances for
advancement with knowledge
Meadowlark:
Cheerful journey into the self, teaches journey is a quest not the destination
Mockingbird:
Soul purpose, recognizing innate abilities, communicating, flushes
negativity, follow your path
Moose:
Headstrong, unstoppable longevity. Moose represents value and integrity.
Mouse:
Scrutiny, Organization, Trust, Observation, Cleaning, Hyperactivity. Innocence,
faith, trust
Oriole:
New occurrences in life, sense of joy, helps discover the inner child
Otter:
Joy, Play, Helpfulness, Sharing, Faithfulness, Medicine, Creativity. Laughter,
curiosity, mischievous. Otter is a feminine power, and the symbol of grace and empathy.
Owl:
Detachment, Wisdom, Change, Omens. Mystery of silent wisdom, vision, hearing,
ability to pinpoint subtleties of motives, actions and people Truth, patience, symbolic
wisdom, shadow work . The Mescalero believe that Owl carries the souls of the recently
deceased, a death messenger. Owl is the totem of clairvoyants and mystics.
Panther:
Ferocity, Visions, Valor, Discipline, Control, Wisdom, Sensitivity.
Peacock:
Watchfulness, foundation of our structure, allows greater wisdom to be seen,
endurance of spirit
Pelican:
Reflection/insight, buoyancy in life, teaches to rest in spite of life's heavy weight
Pheasant:
Fertility, sexuality, insight and growth within family, closeness
Pigeon:
Home, love, security, fertility, family
Porcupine:
Good natured, curious, cautious, boldness in actions and words, have
recreation time for yourself.
Praying Mantis:
Power of calmness, stillness, silence, time of meditation, inner reflection,
stillness in healing or in creativity, direct the body's energy to empower the body.
Quail:
Nourishment of the soul, family, teaches how to elude problems, spot danger,
safety
Rabbit:
Rebirth, Intuition, Balance, Fertility, New Life, Dietary, Spirit detection,
Transformation, Defense. Alertness, nurturing, faith
Raccoon:
Dexterity, cleanliness, disguise, explorers, curious, secrecy, transformation,
courage.
Ram:
Sacrifice, Breakthrough, Achievement, Strength, Power, Courage, Battle.
Rat:
Social, adaptable, survivalists, drive for success may be too hard or not hard enough,
if restless with others it helps to become more adaptable to them and the situations.
Rhinoceros:
Wisdom, past life connections, brings energy in for one's own solitude,
spiritual idealism, high sensitivity to feelings and smell.
Raven:
Healing, Initiation, Protection, Magic, Shapeshifting, Creation. rebirth, omens,
playful aspects, stir life without fear, brings in the light Trickster, teacher, hoarder, inner
journeys, dreams. To Pacific Northwest Coast tribes, Raven represented the shaman's
powers and a belief in transformation between human and animal spirits. Raven symbolizes
change in conciousness and is the mark of a shape shifter.
Robin:
New growth in many areas of life, sing your own song, independence, new life
force abounds
Salmon:
Instinct, persistence, determination
Scorpion:
Power, Intuition, Sensuality, Leadership, Dreams.
Seahorse:
Confidence, grace
Sea Lions/Seals:
Love, Longing, Dilemma, Movement, playful, busy, one needs balance.
Shark:
Hunter, survival, adaptability
Skunk:
Respect, playful, takes own time, steady with efforts, fragrances can elicit
responses with those who associate with skunk medicine (aromatherapy), an ability to
attract people will start to develop.
Snake:
Rebirth, Resurrection, Initiation, Wisdom, Transformation, Healing, Sleep, Calm.
Shrewdness, transformation. Life, death and rebirth are represented by the shedding of
skin. Among the Pueblo Indians snakes and lightning are equated with rain and fertility.
Sparrow:
Self worth, dignity, shows how to survive, triumph in spite of circumstances
Spider:
Maintains a balance from past to present, spiritual and physical balance, awakens
sensibilities and weaves influences in development in your own world, stay focused on the
center of things Creative, pattern of life. Spider connects the past with the future, creating
possibilities. Spider-woman is a major Pueblo goddess.
Squirrel:
Activity, preparedness, awareness, sociable, playful, Balance.
Starling:
Group etiquette, social standing, communication needs to be clear, sensitive to
others words
Swan:
Soul, Love, True beauty of self, power of grace, inner beauty of others is reflected
in you, balance, innocence
Tiger:
Power, devotion, tact, skill, adventure, passion, Courage, Sensitivity, Devotion,
Endurance, Energy, Nobility, Strength, Creativity, Healing, Sensuality.
Turkey:
Harvest time, all blessings, shows adaptability in all areas of life, energy of
sharing
Turtle:
Longevity, endurance, survival skills, patience, stimulates hearing on both the
physical and spiritual levels. Self contained, creative source. Turtle represents Mother
Earth. Informed decisions, planning and adaptability are attributes of Turtle.
Vulture:
Purification, death, rebirth of the soul, changes internally, physically, conscious
of transformation
Warbler:
expression of ideas/self, center and focus your energies, socialize, enjoy life,
movement, progression
Weasel:
Sly, shows dietary strengths/weaknesses, ability to get out of tight spots and
situations, loners, can sniff out what is hidden, attacks verbally, observation skills.
Whale:
Awakening, Creation, Movement, Imagination, Inspiration.
Wolf:
Intuition, Learning, Shadow, Guardianship, Ritual, Loyalty, Spirit, Magick,
Dreams, Meditation, Wisdom, Pathfinder, Teacher, Friendship, Trust. Loyalty, success,
perseverance, earth wisdom, protection, stability and thought. Wolves are also regarded as
pathfinders and teachers. Wolf is represented by the constellation Sirius, the Dog. In the
Woodpecker:
Rhythm, fertility, earth's heartbeat, increase of mental/physical activities,
beat of life