Symbols and Meanings

Arrow symbolized protection and

defence.

Arrowhead symbolized alertness

Avanyu symbolized a benevolent but

fearful creature

Bear symbolized courage, physical

strength and leadership

Bear Track indicated a direction and

are also symbols of leadership

Bird Man represented the

Upperworld, order, and light

Bird Symbols discover the meanings

and myths about Native American
Bird Symbols

Bird Track symbolized light-hearted

freedom. The tracks of any animal or
bird were used to indicate a
direction.

Brothers symbolized brothers and

blood brothers

Butterfly symbolized transformation

Cactus symbolized warmth,

protection and endurance

Camp Fire symbolized a temporary

overnight stop

Circle symbols symbolized the cycle

of the seasons and the cycle of life
to death to rebirth and the four
elements.

Change symbolized by weather

related symbols of rain, lightening
and clouds. These are all important
symbols
representing
change,
renewal & fertility.

Chunkey symbolized players of a

famous game practised by the
ancient Mound Builders

Courage - Morning Star symbolized

hope and guidance

Coyote symbolized a trickster deity

Cross Symbols symbolized the

earth's forces, their origin and the
manner in which they work

Cross in a Circle symbolized the

Sacred Four elements, the great
primary forces of Fire, Air, Water and
Earth.

Crow symbolized as one of the

wisest birds

Dancer symbolized a celebration or

ritual dance

Days and Nights symbolized the

passing of time

Death Any Native American symbols

that were portrayed upside down
signified death.

Deer Track symbolized safety,

prosperity, and shelter

Dragonfly symbolized happiness,

speed and purity

Drum was used to interact with a

higher power known to most as the
Great Spirit

Eagle symbolized courage, wisdom

and strength

Earth represented the four nations

Enclosure symbolized an area had

been set aside for a special event - a
ceremonial dance or ritual

Eye of a Medicine Man A Medicine

Man, or Shaman, was believed to
have magical powers of Spiritual
Healing and of seeing into the future

Falcon symbolized as messengers

to the gods

Fire represents cleansing and

renewal

Fox symbolized a trickster playing

pranks

Family symbolized within a circle or

by a tepee or pictogram of a man,
woman, boy and girl

Feathered Serpent symbolized a

benign or benevolent although
fearful creature

Feathers symbolized honor &

connected the user with the Creator

Fertility symbol and sign

Friendship symbolized by crossed

arrows

Four Ages of Man symbolized the

milestones in a person's life

Gila Monster symbolized

preservation and survival

Great Serpent symbolized a

malevolent creature

Great Spirit symbolized the principal

deity in the religion of many Native
American people

Hand represented success in hand

to hand combat

Handprint symbolized human life

and this sign was believed to
channel energy to the wearer.

Hand Eye symbolized a portal or a

magical doorway

Harmony symbolized by the

Rainbow Kokopelli Symbol.

Hawk symbolized the life force of the

animal

Heartline symbolized the life force of

the animal

Homecoming signified the return of a

warrior

Hoof Print represented the number

of horses that were taken on a raid

Hope