Native American Zodiac Animals

Native American animal symbols can encompass just about all the animals,
and their symbolic representation to the many tribes of the Americas.

The designs here in my contribution below are in the artistic style
typical of Northwest Coast Native Americans such as Haida and Tlingit.

Otter: Jan 20 - Feb 18



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.

Wolf: Feb 19 – Mar 20



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.

Falcon: Mar 21 – Apr 19



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.

Beaver: Apr 20 – May 20



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.

Deer: May 21 – Jun 20



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.

Woodpecker: Jun 21 – Jul 21



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.

Salmon: Jul 22 – Aug 21



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.

Bear: Aug 22 – Sep 21



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 & mentors.
Left to his/her own devices the bear can be skeptical, sloth, small-minded and reclusive.

Crow/Raven: Sep 22 – Oct 22



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.

Snake/Serpent: Oct 23 – Nov 22



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.

Owl: Nov 23 – Dec 21



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.

Goose: Dec 22 – Jan 19



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.

I hope you have enjoyed these Native American animal symbols.

The next contribution is about Animal Totems.

AHO