Native American Symbolism

Directions: 1. Read section one CAREFULLY and TAKE NOTES (some of that information MIGHT appear on a test **HINT HINT**). In this section you will find detailed information about 8 animals and their symbolic representation in some Native American cultures. SECTION ONE In the Native American tradition, man communicated with the Creator through interaction with nature; the birds, the forest, the animals.... Many chose or were given symbolic "power animals" whose strength or character reflected the human character traits of the individuals claiming the "power" of that specific animal. Much of this attitude has carried over into modern society as advertisements picture tigers with gas tanks (speed and power) or the U.S Government and the bald eagle (power from a lofty position). Read about what some of the animals symbolized in Native American culture. REMEMBER these are not tribally specific so many of them will vary from tribe to tribe. However, this list is generalized and will help you understand where symbols come from. Buffalo: for many Native American tribes, buffalo was a symbol of abundance for it was the meat of the buffalo that fed the people, the hides that provided clothing and shelter, the bones and sinew provided tools of survival. Lakota's (part of the Sioux tribe in North and South Dakota) trace the origin of the sacred pipe to the appearance of the white buffalo calf woman who promised abundance for the tribe as they honored, by prayer, the Great Spirit and all of their relations, meaning the other creations of nature. • Someone with "Buffalo Medicine" would bring a special honor, reverence or appreciation for all of the things that the Earth provides for her children. Bear: The bear is often seen as a symbol of Gentle Strength and Dreaming. The brown bear, common to areas of the Southwestern US can grow from 4 to 5 feet and weigh as much as 400 lbs. Although they have great strength, their gentleness makes the bear's behavior almost "human like". Bears hibernate in the winter, which may explain their association with "dreaming the Great Spirit" or retrospection. The symbolism of the bear’s cave being like returning to the womb of Mother Earth also suggests a strong feminine aspect, one of nurturing and protection. • People with "Brown Bear Medicine" are considered by many as self sufficient, and would rather stand on their own 2 feet than rely on others. They are often considered "dreamers". Many have developed the skill of visualizing new things, but as a result can get caught up in the "dreaming" making little progress in "waking." (basically they have many ideas but often do not execute them) Cougar: The cougar is a symbol of power, swiftness, and balance. By watching the swift movements of the cougar, one is keenly aware that no movement is wasted, no footing unplanned, in their quest for the item they desire. The cougar never wastes anything, but the grace of this hunter provides the young with nourishment and security. Cougars mark their home range, which differs from a true territory because the home ranges often overlap. The juveniles may establish a home range of from six to ten miles away. Within that area, the cat maintains a small resting range for its exclusive use while sharing the remaining hunting area with its neighbor. • Someone with "Mountain lion or Cougar Medicine" is likely to be very sure of his or her goals or purpose. They often prefer solitude, and have little regret in taking the easiest prey. Deer: the deer is often a symbol of graceful gentleness, and sensitivity. Although there are many types of deer, they all have on thing in common gracefulness. Deer blend very well with their environment but are very sensitive to every sound or movement. Often twins, even triplets, are born in the spring. Does and bucks live in separate groups until mating season. The white-tailed deer are moderately gregarious (friendly and outgoing), and family members forage food together along with other family groups, giving the appearance of a large herd. • People with "Deer Medicine" are often described as being swift and alert. They are intuitive, often appearing to have well developed, even extra sensory perceptions. Some times their thoughts seem to race ahead, and they appear not to be listening. Deer Medicine brings beauty and grace to any surrounding. Just as the deer bounds from one place to another, a person with Deer Medicine often moves quickly from one situation to another, often never staying long enough in one place to get a "full meal." Eagle: Courage, Spirit, and Bravery are often symbolic interpretations of the Eagle. Eagles have long been associated with the highest pursuits. In 1969 a voice rang out to the world, "The eagle has landed." What better symbolism for a landing on the moon than the "eagle". From the time that the Persians and Romans carried eagles into battle, these majestic birds have symbolized courage, strength and bravery. As aerial hunters, eagles are the undisputed masters of the skies. Many tribes have identified the eagle as the one closest to the Creator. The wings of the eagle are an engineering marvel with feathers that can act as little winglets to reduce turbulence, increase lift, and prevent stalling at low speeds. With a grasp much stronger than a human hand, the eagle’s talons have legendary power. It uses its powerful back talon to kill small prey instantaneously while its front three grasp its prey securely. Eagle feathers, revered by Native American Healers as having powerful medicine, are regulated by a "feather bank", insuring that eagles are not killed for their powerful medicine. • Eagle Medicine is the power of the Great Spirit. It is the spirit of tenacity (stubbornness). People with Eagle Medicine often have "high ideals", and need space to spread their wings. It is no accident that men in many tribes adorned themselves with eagle feathers given for acts of courage and bravery, and that a healer gingerly wraps his eagle feather in his medicine bundle after a ceremony. Dog: The dog is seen in many cultures as a symbol of loyalty and protection. Man's best friend... One of the tribal stories said that when the Spirits got ready to leave the Earth, they drew a line in the dirt. On one side was man and on the other the spirits from the Upper Worlds. Just then a great fissure was created by the line, and man was no longer able to cross over to the spirit realm. As they stood there, the fissure grew and widened, and at the very last minute "dog" jumped across to stand with man. All of the Southwest tribes had dogs. It has been reported that all breeds of dogs are descendants of the wolf, but even though the early dogs were considered part "wild", they were fiercely loyal to their owners. Historically, dogs have been portrayed as the guardians of ancient secrets, hidden treasures, and infants. • Volumes have been written about the dog, but someone touched by the healing energies of loyalty can tell you of the "power" of Dog Medicine. Horse: Power is the major symbolic interpretation of horses. The horse has been pictured as an animal with supernatural power in many cultures. In the Native American tradition, Shamans (a person from the community that is believed to have supernatural powers; usually chosen because they have been healed or healed themselves of a serious illness) fly other realms on mythical horses. Before horses were introduced by the Spanish, the life of the plains tribes was much more earth bound, having to carry all of their belongings from place to place. With the arrival of the horse, they were free to move and travel great distances with these beasts of burden. • People with Horse Medicine often carry the burdens of other people. They are strong and able to "bare up" under the strain of difficult circumstances. Wolf: the wolf represents teaching and a guide to the sacred. Wolves have been long regarded by Native Americans as teachers or pathfinders. Wolves are fiercely loyal to their mates, and have a strong sense of family while maintaining individualism. In the stars, Wolf is represented by the Dog, Sirius, thought by many aboriginal tribes to be the home of the "Ancients." It seems to be through this connection that Wolf has come to be associated with ancient teachings. Wolves are probably the most misunderstood of the wild animals. Tales of cold bloodedness abound, in spite of their friendly, social and intelligent traits. They are truly free spirits even though their packs are highly organized. They seem to go out of their way to avoid a fight. One is rarely necessary when a shift in posture, a growl, or a glance gets the point across quite readily. • Traditionally, someone with Wolf Medicine has a strong sense of self, and communicates well through subtle changes in voice inflection and body movements. They often find new solutions to problems while providing stability and support that one normally associates with a family structure. NOW CREATE YOUR TOTEM SHIELD: ANIMAL TOTEM SHIELDS: Totem animals are believed by various Native American cultures, to be spirit helpers sent to support, protect & inspire the individual with its particular wisdom, aiding them in achieving their life's purpose. Animal totem shields are used like amulets for protection or talismans for attracting the positive qualities of the animal. To the Native American, medicine or totem shields reach all facets of a person’s life. Protection from evil doing Success with family Protection in combat/conflict Success in vision and dream. These are all reflected in the symbols found on the shield. A shield protects confidence on the part of the bearer. It is circular. This is a significant symbol in itself. The circle represents the great circular way of creation. All things are an unending, like a circle. We will all leave this planet some day, but the circle is the ultimate symbol that our spirit life is unending. Create a totem shield: (use section 2 to choose appropriate animals) Each totem shield should include the following: 2. Picture of the animal(s) 3. At least 4 other symbols (a logo, a club, an item from nature, something in your room at home, a song title, a second animal etc) ***Remember that everything you do in this class should be “school appropriate” and you all know what I mean by that. There should be NOTHING rude, crude or completely unacceptable or I will not give you a passing grade and you will have to repeat the assignment in an after school session*** WRITE A PARAGRAPH Once you finish your totem, write a paragraph that details why the shield represents your personality or history. This must e a well developed paragraph with a. a topic sentences b. the name of the animal and explanation why it symbolizes you c. The other symbols you chose and why each one is a representation of who you are. Native American Animal Symbolism Alligator--Aggression, Stealth, Survival, Adaptability Ant-- Patience, Diligence and Work; The ant represents self-discipline and a group effort or teamwork. Antelope -Taking Action Armadillo -Boundaries, Self Protection Bat--The bat is the guardian of the night, cleaner. -Death and Rebirth on Personal, Spiritual Level Bear--Power, mother cunning, healer, gentle strength, dreaming. Bee -Service, Gathering, Community Beaver-- Accomplishing Goals, The beaver is a builder or gatherer. Bird -Unity, Freedom, Community Buffalo--Sacredness, life builder Abundance, Survival Needs Met, Good Fortune, Healing. The buffalo provides all good things for living, and bestows great curing powers. Bumblebee-Honesty, Pure Thinking, Willingness and Drive Butterfly--Metamorphosis, carefree, transformer. Self Transformation, Balance, Grace Caribou-Travel and Mobility Cougar--Leadership, courage, power, swiftness and balance. Coyote--Prankster, insight, playful. The coyote symbolizes duality and the ability to present both sides of an issue. Clowning and humor, perhaps sarcastic. Cricket-Singing, Spring, Fertility Crow-Sacred Law, Gateway To Supernatural, Shape Shifting, Illusion Crane--Solitude, independence. Deer--Love, gentleness, kindness, gracefulness and sensitivity. Deer carries the message of purity of purpose, and of walking in the light. Dog - Loyalty, Companionship Dolphin-- Joy, Harmony, Connection with self, Kindness, play, bridge man to ocean. Dolphin brings us teachings from the water. Breath control and the awareness of tone is also Dolphin power. Dove-Love, Gentleness and Kindness Dragonfly-- Skill, Refinement, Relentlessness, Flighty, carefree. Dragonflies symbolize whirlwind, swiftness and activity. The dragonfly is an important insect in Zuni (part of the pueblo Indians in New Mexico) legend, where they are shamanistic creatures with supernatural powers. In Hopi (mostly in Arizona) rock art, the dragonfly is symbolized by a vertical line with two or sometimes one, horizontal cross line. Duck: Graceful on the water; sees clearly through emotions; spirit helper of mystics and seers. Eagle-- Potency, Healing, Power, Illumination, Divine spirit, 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. Elk--Strength, agility, freedom, power, Pride, Majesty and nobility. Firefly - Communication, Illumination Fish-Water, Current, Flow of Life From the Earth Fox--Cunning, provider, intelligence, Cleverness, Subtlety, Discretion. Fox represents twilight and feminine magic. Frog-- Cleansing, Peace, Emotional Healing, Connection with water element. Goat - Tenacity, Diligence Goose - Safe return, Love of home Grizzly Bear--Mother, nature's pharmacist. Hawk-- Awareness, Truth, Messenger of the sky, observer. Hedgehog - Self-preservation Heron-Patience, Grace, Leadership Horse--Stamina, mobility, strength and power. 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-- Beauty, Wonder, Agility, Messenger, stopper of time. Hummingbird represents optimism and sweetness. Being able to roll with the punches is an attribute of Hummingbird Ladybug - Delight, Trust Lizard-- Letting go, Illusiveness, Conservation, agility. Lizard promotes dreaming. Loon - Communication, Serenity Moose-- Unpredictability, Spontaneity, Headstrong, unstoppable longevity. Moose represents value and integrity. Mountain Lion-Wisdom and Balance in Mouse - Illusion, Charm Muskrat- indicates resilience, detachment and adaptability. Muskrats have many attributes such as inhabiting both land and water, able to adapt to surroundings, being relatively waterproof, and having a knack for going about their business undetected. Given this, when we cross paths with the Muskrat we are encouraged to tap into our own ingenuity and adaptability when dealing with our present circumstances - realizing that everything has a potential for positive outcome (no matter how bleak appearances may seem). Otter--Laughter, curiosity, mischievous. Otter is a feminine power, and the symbol of grace and empathy. Opossum -Strategy and Diversion Owl--Wisdom, truth, patience. The Mescalero believe that Owl carries the souls of the recently deceased, a death messenger. Owl is the totem of clairvoyants and mystics. Peacock - Recognition, Self-Assurance Pelican - Abundance, Plenty Pheasant - Warning, Concealment Porcupine - Innocence, Humility Quail - Protectiveness, Group harmony Rabbit - Conquering fear, Safety Alertness, nurturing. Raccoon - Curiosity, Inquisitiveness Ram - Strength, Determination Raven-- Mystery, Exploration of the unknown, Trickster, teacher, hoarder. 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 consciousness and is the mark of a shape shifter. Roadrunner - Speed, Agility Salmon--Instinct, persistence, determination. Dependability and Renewal Sandpiper - Quickness, Foraging, Scavenging Scorpion - Defense, Self-protection Seagull - Carefree attitude, Versatility, Freedom Seahorse-- Nourishing, Fathering, Confidence, grace. Seal - Contentment Inquisitiveness, Organization, Skunk - Perseverance, Determination Shark--Hunter, survival, adaptability. Snail-Perseverance, Determination Snake-- Power, Life force, 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. Spider--Creative, pattern of life, The Web of life, Interconnectedness, Industry. Spider connects the past with the future, creating possibilities. Spider-woman is a major Pueblo goddess. Squirrel-Gathering, Preparation, Trust Thrift Swan-- Elegance, Nurturing, Grace, balance, innocence. Turkey-Give Away, Sacrifice of Self and Others Turtle-- Love & Protection, Healing, Knowledge, Self contained, creative source. Turtle represents Mother Earth. Informed decisions, planning and adaptability are attributes of Turtle. Weasel-Stealth, Information Gathering Whale-Historical Record Keeper, Traveler, Guardian, Creativity, Intuition Wolf-- Teaching skill, Loyalty, Interdependence, Loyalty, success, perseverance, stability and thought. Wolves are also regarded as pathfinders and teachers. Wolf is represented by the constellation Sirius, the Dog. In the Zuni tradition the Wolf symbolizes the direction East. Woodpecker - Change, Persistence