Native American

Native American Animal Symbolism

The following animal symbols come from a variety of tribal nations and may be different from nation to nation.

Alligator - Stealth, aggression, survival, adaptability.

Ant - Self-discipline, group minded, patience, diligence and hard work.

Antelope - Taking Action.

Armadillo - Boundaries, self protection.

Badger - Aggressiveness, passion and drive.

Bat - The guardian of the night, cleaner.

Bear - Power, mother cunning, healer, gentle strength, dreaming, introspection and dreaming.

Bear Paw - Power, direction, connection to creator.

Beaver - Builder and gatherer.

Buffalo - Abundance, sacredness, life builder. The buffalo provides all good things for living, and bestows great curing powers.

Bumblebee - Honesty, pure thinking, willingness and drive.

Butterfly - Self transformation, grace, and carefree.

Cougar - Leadership, courage, power, swiftness and balance.

Caribou - Mobility.

Coyote - Trickster / prankster, humour, charm, insight, playful. The coyote symbolises the ability to present both sides of an issue.

Crane - Water, end of Summer, migration, solitude, and independence.

Cricket - Singing, spring, fertility.

Crow - Sacred law, illusion.

Deer - Love, gentleness, kindness, gracefulness and sensitivity. Deer carries the message of purity of purpose, and of walking in the light.

Dog - Protection, loyalty, companionship.

Dolphin - Joy, harmony, play, intelligence. Dolphin brings us teachings from the water. Breath control and the awareness of tone is also Dolphin power.

Dove - Love, gentleness and kindness.

Dragonfly - Dreamtime, illusion, Spring, water, flighty and carefree. Dragonflies symbolise whirlwind, swiftness and activity.

Eagle - Divine spirit, courage, chief of all the creatures in the air, the primary servant of the sun. Powerful in battle, the eagle protects the people from evil.

Elk - Strength, agility, freedom, power and nobility, pride, power and majesty.

Feather - Spirit.

Firefly - Communication, illumination.

Fish - Water, Current, Flow of Life From the Earth.

Fox - Camouflage, adaptability and integration, cunning, provider, intelligence, cleverness, subtlety and discretion.

Frog - Fluidity, water and rain, cleansing, tears, peace, emotional healing.

Goat - Tenacity and diligence.

Goose - Safe return, love of home.

Grizzly Bear - Mother, nature's pharmacist.

Hawk - Awareness, truth, foresight, messenger of the sky and observer.

Hedgehog - Self-preservation.

Heron - Patience and grace.

Horse - Carrier of burdens, stamina, mobility, strength and power, love and devotion, loyalty and freedom.

Hummingbird - Pure love and joy, celebration of life, beauty, wonder, agility, messenger, optimism and sweetness.

Kokepeli - Joy and fertility.

Ladybug - Delight and trust.

Lion - Pride, nobility, cunning and courage.

Lizard - Dreaming, foresight, illusiveness, conservation, agility.

Lynx - Keeper of mystical secrets.

Moose - Self-esteem, assertiveness, unpredictability, spontaneity, headstrong, unstoppable longevity and integrity.

Mouse - Scrutiny, attention to detail, illusion and charm.

Opossum - Strategy and diversion.

Otter - Joy, lightness, laughter, curiosity, mischievous, grace and empathy.

Owl - Wisdom, vision, insight, truth, patience, magic.

Parrot Feather - Bringer of essential rain and seed.

Peacock - Pride, recognition and self-assurance.

Pelican - Abundance and plenty.

Pheasant - Warning and concealment.

Porcupine - Innocence, humility and trust.

Quail - Protectiveness and group harmony

Rabbit - Conquering fear, safety, alertness and nurturing.

Raccoon - Curiosity and inquisitiveness.

Ram - Strength and determination.

Raven - Trickster, teacher and hoarder, Mystery.

Roadrunner - Speed and agility.

Salmon - Instinct, determination, persistence, dependability and renewal.

Sandpiper - Quickness, foraging and scavenging.

Scorpion - Defence, self-protection, biting truth.

Seagull - Carefree attitude, versatility, freedom.

Seahorse - Confidence, grace, nourishing.

Seal - Contentment, inquisitiveness and organisation.

Shark - Hunter, survival, adaptability.

Skunk - Perseverance, determination, reputation, respect and caution.

Snail - Perseverance and determination.

Snake - Power, life force, shrewdness, transformation and fertility.

Spider - The web of life, industry, creativity, weaving.

Squirrel - Gathering, preparation, trust and thrift.

Swan - Elegance, nurturing, grace, balance and innocence.

Tadpole - Fertility and renewal, transformation.

Turkey - Sacrifice of self and of others.

Turtle - Love and protection, healing, knowledge, self-contained, planning and adaptability.

Weasel - Stealth and information gathering.

Whale - Historical Record Keeper, traveller, guardian, creativity and intuition.

Wolf - Teacher, loyalty, interdependence, pathfinder, success, perseverance, stability and thought. Wolves are also regarded as pathfinders and teachers.

Woodpecker - Change and persistence.

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