Native American Symbols and Signs

Portal Page Native American Symbolic Meanings

Native American symbols offer us a complete and reverent language of life, nature, and spirit. This language is unmatched in its depth and power.

This language derives it's power from the fact that American Indians viewed all things - whether seen or touched - living or inanimate - as possessors of a spirit.

Further, they recognize that everything in the universe holds a deeper meaning. As a result, all objects and beings deserve one's attention and respect. Therefore, Native American symbol meanings are an integral part of the Indian life.

Native American symbols bring concepts to mind that surpass words. These pictographs convey profound beliefs and perceptions.

The Native American Indian, as a whole, is constantly aware of its relationship with Mother Earth and her creatures. The spiritual goal of the Native American is to live in harmony with the universe.

As such, every-day use of signs, symbols, fetishes, animal totems, and emblems is just as commonplace, as using these tools in celebrations and ceremonies.

How Native American Symbols Work

Depending upon the Native culture (nation, tribe, geographic region), symbols can hold a variety of meaning. Because the Native way is largely a holistic way of life, symbols are often used to represent inclusion, totality and a broad picture of organic life. For instance, a symbol of an animal not only represents that animal, but its role in the universe, its environment, its unique language and its message to all other living things.

Native American symbols are a testiment that the larger essence of life imbues all things. Some examples of how Native symbols infuse power are as follows:

• Assurance that guardian spirits are present. Whether a warrior needs bolstered courage, or a new home needs a blessing - symbols always mark the occassion.


• Spiritual Assistance. These symbols are the image of the spirit, and thus the object on which the symbol is depicted (tools, blankets, etc) is spiritually charged. This means that where a symbol is - so too is the original power.


• Reaffirming the Great Design of all things. Symbols are a microcosm (small bit) of the macrocosm (big stuff). In other words, a small symbol embodies the story of the universe, the Great spirit in all things. So, when using a tool or weapon, a symbol is a powerful statement that says "I am this...but I am also ALL of this too".

Use and meaning of Native American symbols vary according to different nations, tribes and regions. Wherever possible, I have done my best to cite tribal associations, and credit to sources of information within the articles below listed.

To learn more about this natural connectivity evident in Native American symbol meanings, click on the in-site links below listed.

Articles on Native American Symbol Meanings

	Native American Animal Symbols Discover the animal characteristics for your birth date. This page is devoted to the Native American animal symbols found in the Native American zodiac.
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	Native American Symbol for Wind The Native American symbol for wind is more than just a dynamic lozenge design - it is about a depth of being that spans all dimensions. This page attempts to touch the tip of this concept.
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	Native American Animal Tracks Meaning Identifying animal tracks takes our exploration of animal totems, and Native American animal symbols one step further by broadening our uderstanding and respect for the animal spirits we call upon.
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	Native American Sun Symbols This page is devoted to the sun symbols found throughout the Native American culture. Discover some of the symbolism behind this hugely important sign.
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	Native American Moon Signs Learn about your personality types according to Native American moon signs - a list of zodiac insight associated with the full moon of each month.
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	Native American Full Moon Names Specifically, full moon names as observed by the from the Algonquin and Iroquois Confederacy. Let this month-specific, symbolic full moons draw you in more fully into the ancient rhythm of lunar cycles.
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	Hopi Symbols Their name means "the peaceful people." Discover more about these diverse people, and learn how Hopi symbols are an expression of their way of life.
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	Kachina Properties Kachinas are the spirit essences of everything on earth to the Hopi. See images of different kachinas, and learn more about what these spirit symbols mean.
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	Sioux Symbols Learn about the symbols from the Sioux, a nation from which Crazy Horse hails from, and a nation rich with pride, heritage, and fierce independence.
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	Mayan Symbols A civilization shrouded in mystery, the Mayans hold huge fascination for all of us. Get a peek inside their culture by learning more about Mayan symbols.
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	Mayan Symbols of Ixchel Ixchel is a Mayan goddess whose roles and purposes shifted from life-bringer and ferocious destroyer. Explore her personality through her symbols on this page.
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	Native American Mandala Offers designs with the spirit of Native American tradition. A summary of Native American meaning for each mandala is included.
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	Native American Bear Meanings Learn what the symbolic bear meaning is for the Native American. Includes perspectives from Sioux, Cree and Shoshone .
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	Thunderbird as a Native American Symbol Some thoughts about the Thunderbird as a Native American Symbol. Includes perspectives from Haida, Iroquois and other tribes.

I hope you enjoy browsing through these pages on Native American symbols and their meanings. Whether you are re-connecting to your Native heritage, or researching your next Native American tattoo, I trust you find what you're looking for on your path of discovery.