Native American Zodiac
Native American animal symbols can encompass just about all the animals, and their symbolic representation to the many tribes of the Americas. To narrow down the focus a bit, this page is devoted to birth animals - or zodiac animals. Many Native American cultures have the belief that a person is assigned an animal upon the time of birth.
Below are interpreted Native American symbols of the zodiac and the characteristics for each one. The designs below are in the artistic style typical of Northwest Coast Native Americans such as Haida and Tlingit.
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In
this system the spiritual alignment of an individual or clan is
referred to as their totem. The totem pole represents this alignment.
Below is a brief overview of each totem and moon, based on the birth
date of the individual. Each totem corresponds to a specific element,
animal, plant, stone, clan, and color. Select your animal sign for more
information.
Dates |
Moon/Element |
Animal |
Plant |
Stone |
Clan |
Color |
| Dec 22 - Jan 19 | Earth Renewal/Air | Goose | Birch Tree | Quartz | Turtle | White/Silver |
| Jan 20 - Feb 18 | Rest & Cleansing/Air | Otter | Aspen | Silver | Butterfly | Silver |
| Feb 19 - Mar 20 | Big Winds/Air-Water | Wolf | Plantain | Turquoise | Frog | Blue/Green |
| Mar 21 - Apr 19 | Budding Trees/Fire | Falcon | Dandelion | Fire Opal | Thunderbird | Yellow/Green |
| Apr 20 - May 20 | Frogs Return/Fire-Air | Beaver | Blue Camas | Chrysocolia | Turtle | Blue/Yellow |
| May 21 - June 20 | Corn Planting/Earth-Fire | Deer | Yarrow | Moss Agate | Butterfly | Yellow/Blue |
| June 21 - July 22 | Strong Sun/Water | Woodpecker | Wild Rose | Carnelian | Frog | Pink |
| July 23 - Aug 22 | Ripe Berries/Water-Fire | Salmon | Raspberry | Garnet | Thunderbird | Red |
| Aug 23 - Sep 22 | Harvest/Water-Earth | Bear | Violet | Amethyst | Turtle | Brown/Purple |
| Sep 23 - Oct 23 | Ducks Fly/Earth-Air | Crow | Mullein | Jasper | Butterfly | Blue/Brown |
| Oct 24 - Nov 21 | Freeze Up/Earth-Water | Snake | Thistle | Malachite | Frog | Violet/Orange |
| Nov 22 - Dec 21 | Long Snows/Earth-Fire | Owl | Spruce | Obsidian | Thunderbird | Gold/Black |
Pragmatic, and methodical the Bear is the one to call when a steady hand is needed. The Bear's practicality
and level-headedness makes him/her an excellent business partner. Usually the voice of reason in most scenarios,
the Bear is a good balance for Owls. The Bear is also gifted with an enormous heart, and a penchant for generosity.
However, one might not know it as the Bear tends to be very modest, and a bit shy. In a loving environment this
Native American animal symbol showers love and generosity in return. Further, the Bear has a capacity for patience
and temperance, which makes him/her excellent teachers and mentors. Left to his/her own devices the bear can be
skeptical, sloth, small-minded and reclusive. More information
Take charge, adapt, overcome - this is the Beaver motto. Mostly business, the Beaver is gets the job at hand
done with maximum efficiency and aplomb. Strategic, and cunning the Beaver is a force to be reckoned with in matters
of business and combat. One might also think twice about engaging the Beaver in a match of wits - as his/her mental
acuity is razor sharp. The Beaver has everything going for him/her - however tendencies toward "my way or the
highway" get them in trouble. Yes, they are usually right, but the bearer of this Native American animal symbol may
need to work on tact. In a nurturing environment the Beaver can be compassionate, generous, helpful, and loyal. Left
to his/her own devices the Beaver can be nervous, cowardly, possessive, arrogant, and over-demanding.
Read more about beaver.
Highly enthusiastic, and a natural entrepreneur, the Crow is quite a charmer. But he/she doesn't have to work
at being charming - it comes easily. Everyone recognizes the Crow's easy energy, and everyone turns to the Crow for
his/her ideas and opinions. This is because the Crow is both idealistic and diplomatic and is quite ingenious. In
nurturing environments this Native American animal symbol is easy-going, can be romantic, and soft-spoken. Further,
the crow can be quite patient, and intuitive in relationships. Left to his/her own devices, the Crow can be
demanding, inconsistent, vindictive, and abrasive. More
information
This Native American animal symbol is the muse of the zodiac. The Deer is inspiring lively and quick-witted. With a tailor-made humor, the Deer
has a tendency to get a laugh out of anyone. Excellent ability for vocalizing, the Deer is a consummate
conversationalist. This combined with his/her natural intelligence make the Deer a must-have guest at dinner
parties. Always aware of his/her surroundings, and even more aware of his/her appearance, the Deer can be a bit
self-involved. However, the Deer's narcissism is overlooked because of his/her congeniality and affability. In a
supportive environment the Deer's natural liveliness and sparkly personality radiate even more. He/she is an
inspiring force in any nurturing relationship. Left to his/her own devices the Deer can be selfish, moody,
impatient, lazy, and two-faced. More information
A natural born leader, the Falcon can always be looked upon for clear judgment in sticky situations.
Furthermore, the characteristics for this Native American animal symbol never wastes time, rather he/she strikes
while the iron is hot, and takes action in what must be done. Ever persistent, and always taking the initiative,
the Falcon is a gem of a personality to have for projects or team sports. The Falcon can be a little on the
conceited side - but he/she is usually right in his/her opinions - so a little arrogance is understood. In a
supportive environmental the Falcon "soars" in his/her ability to maintain passion and fire in relationships, and
always remaining compassionate. Left to his/her own devices, the Falcon can be vain, rude, intolerant, impatient,
and over-sensitive.
Ted-tailed hawks are very special to Native people. Pueblo peoples referred to them as "red eagles" and felt that red-tailed hawks, like the eagle, had a special connection with the sky and the sun. Because hawks are high fliers who can see the earth clearly from their heights, their feathers were often used ceremonially to carry prayers to the sun and the Creator. Hawk feathers, as well as eagle, were also used in healing ceremonies. Southwestern people used them in ceremonies to pray for rain. To the Ojibwa, the Red-tailed Hawk clan was on of the leadership clans. Its members have the gifts of deliberation and foresight. Read more about the Hawk
If you want something done - give it to the Goose. Persevering, dogged, and ambitious to a fault, the Goose
sets goals for accomplishment, and always obtains them. The goose is determined to succeed at all cost - not for the
approval of other - but those with this Native American animal symbol competes with his/her own internal foe. Driven
is the watchword for the Goose's dominating personality trait - which makes them excellent in business and
competitive sports. When tempered with supportive, nurturing family and friends, the Goose excels in all things
he/she attempts. In a loving environment the Goose can be very passionate, humorous, gregarious, and even sensual.
However, lead to his/her own devises, the Goose may fall into obsessive or addictive behaviors that will inevitably
be his/her demise. Learn more about the goose...
here
A little quirky, and unorthodox, the Otter is a hard one to figure sometimes. Perceived as unconventional, the
Otter methods aren't the first ones chosen to get the job done. This is a big mistake on the part of others - because
although unconventional, the Otter's methods are usually quite effective. Yes, the Otter has unusual way of looking
at things, but he/she is equipped with a brilliant imagination and intelligence, allowing him/her an edge over every
one else. Often very perceptive and intuitive, the Otter makes a very good friend, and can be very attentive. In a
nurturing environment the Otter is sensitive, sympathetic, courageous, and honest. Left to his/her own devices, the
Otter can be unscrupulous, lewd, rebellious, and isolated.
Learn more about the otter... here.
Changeable and mutable as the wind, the Owl is a tough one to pin down. Warm, natural, with an easy-going
nature, the Owl is friend to the world. The bearer of this Native American animal symbol is notorious for engaging
in life at full speed, and whole-hearted loves adventure. This can be to his/her detriment as the Owl can be
reckless, careless, and thoughtless. Owls make great artists, teachers, and conservationists. However, due to
his/her adaptability and versatility - the Owl would likely excel in any occupation. In a supportive, nurturing
environment the Owl is sensitive, enthusiastic, and an attentive listener. Left to his/her own devices, the Owl
can be excessive, overindulgent, bitter, and belligerent.
Some groups use the Elk in this position... Most of the year elk, like deer, live in same-gender herds. When the mating season is about to begin, bull elk try to get as many cows as they can into their harem, and they will fervently defend their harem from the approach of any other bulls. In the spring, when it is time to calf, the cows go to the valleys. Calves are hidden for the first part of their lives while their mothers go out to browse. Like fawns, calves are born without a smell to afford them protection. Native people had great respect for the elk: for her speed, her beauty, her strength, and concern for her people. In some tribes if a man dreamed of an elk, or saw one in a vision, it made him one who could attend and speak in the council of women. More information
Electric, focused, intuitive, and wholly creative, the Salmon is a real live-wire. His/her energy is palpable.
A natural motivator, the Salmon's confidence and enthusiasm is easily infectious. Soon, everybody is onboard with
the Salmon - even if the idea seems too hair-brained to work. Generous, intelligent, and intuitive, it's no wonder
why the Salmon has no shortage of friends. This Native American animal symbol expresses a need for purpose and
goals, and has no trouble finding volunteers for his/her personal crusades. In a supportive environment, the
Salmon is stable, calm, sensual, and giving. Left to his/her own devices, those that bear this Native American
animal symbol can be egotistical, vulgar, and intolerant of others.
More information
Deeply emotional, and wholly passionate, the Wolf is the lover of the zodiac in both the physical and
philosophical sense of the word. The Wolf understands that all we need is love, and is fully capable of providing
it. Juxtaposed with his/her fierce independence - this Native American animal symbol is a bit of a contradiction in
terms. Needing his/her freedom, yet still being quite gentle and compassionate - we get the picture of
the "lone wolf" with this sign. In a nurturing environment the Wolf is intensely passionate, generous, deeply
affectionate, and gentle. Left to his/her own devices the Wolf can become impractical, recalcitrant, obsessive,
and vindictive.
Some tribes place the cougar in this position... Cougars are the belt climbers of all felines. They are swift runners who have large individual territories. Their social structure does not allow these territories to overlap. Cougars are hunters. They like the chase and will often join efforts with their mates or relations to obtain better results. They do not hunt for more food than they eat. They only hunt livestock when their natural food supplies have been depleted. Females are better hunters than the males. When cougars mate, the female frequently is the aggressor. Most litters are born in the spring and consist of only two kits. Although the mother cougar is very loving to her kits, male cougars do not have much to do with them. Cougars can teach you about speed, grace, territoriality, sensitivity, mystery, communicating without words, stalking and initiative. Read more about the cougar, here.
Woodpeckers are usually the most nuturing of all the Native American animal symbols. The consummate listener,
totally empathic and understanding, the Woodpecker is the one to have on your side when you need support. Of course,
they make wonderful parents, and equally wonderful friends and partners. Another proverbial feather in the
Woodpeckers cap is the tendency to be naturally frugal, resourceful, and organized. In a nurturing environment the
Woodpecker is of course caring, devoted, and very romantic. Left to his/her own devices the Woodpecker can be
possessive, angry, jealous, and spiteful.
More information
Most shamans are born under this Native American animal symbol. The Snake is a natural in all matters of spirit. Easily attuned to the ethereal realm the
Snake makes an excellent spiritual leader. Also respected for his/her healing capacities, the Snake also excels in medical professions. The Snake's preoccupation
with matters intangible often lead others to view them as mysterious, and sometimes frightening. True, the Snake can be secretive, and a bit dark - he/she is also
quite sensitive, and caring. In a supportive relationship the cool Snake can be passionate, inspiring, humorous, and helpful. Left to his/her own devices, the Snake
can be despondent, violent, and prone to abnormal mood swings.
More information
