NATIVE AMERICAN ANIMAL TOTEMS & MEANINGS
The history of Native American Animal Totems is represented as emblems of the tribes or groups of people such as a family or clan. Animal totems or emblems, also reflect the lineage of a tribe, reminding them of their ancestry or their mythical past and creation myths. The word totem is derived from the Ojibwe (Chippewa) word 'odoodem' meaning "his kinship group". Many tribes also hold the belief that each person will have animal totems that are spirit guides who sometimes appear in dreams or in the form of Power Animals. These animal totems, or spirit guides walk through life with them, teaching and guiding them and in some instances, protecting them. If you have seen an animal symbol in your life that has caught your attention use our chart below to find the meaning associated with your Spirit Guide or Totem Animal. Native Americans celebrate the Creator by connecting with Creation or Nature. It is no surprise that these people felt deep kinship with the Creator through seeing the Great Spirit in all forms of Creation. Bringing nature into your spiritual life is a great way to connect with Mother Earth and with our own inner nature.
Animal Totem Meaning of Animal Totem
Alligator Alligator-Emotional understanding, cleansing & Spiritual Healing
Badger Badger - Bold, out-going, good communicator
Bat Bat - Death and Rebirth and Guardian of the Night
Beaver Beaver - Creative and Artistic ability, builder, resourcefulness and determination
Bear Bear - Strength, Solitude, Motherhood, Teaching and to learn Humility Meaning of Bear
Bobcat Bobcat - Independence, Clear Vision and self reliance
Bumblebee Bumblebee - Honesty, Pure Thinking, Willingness and Drive
Buffalo Buffalo - A manifestation of the Great Spirit, Knowledge, Generosity and abundance
Butterfly Butterfly - Represents transformation and the ability to accept change
Cougar Cougar - Power, leadership, humility and encourages responsibility for life
Cow Cow - Represents Motherhood, contentment, fertility and nourishment
Crocodile Crocodile - Strong will, Emotional understanding, cleansing and healing
Coyote Coyote - Helps you recognize your own mistakes, Stealth, Clowning and Humor
Crow Crow - Find balance living in present, release past beliefs, Skill and Cunning
Deer Deer - Healing, Gentleness, kindness & compassion
Dolphin Dolphin - Interpreting dreams, Change, Wisdom, Communication,
Dog Dog - Guidance, Loyalty and trust
Dogfish Dogfish - Persistence and Strength A Born Leader
Dove Dove - Love, Gentleness and Kindness
Dragonfly Dragonfly - Dreams, Illusions, Ever-changing Life
Eagle Eagle - Great Strength, courage Leadership and Prestige
Elk Elk - Bravery, agility and independence
Falcon Falcon - Soul Healing, Speed and Movement
Fox Fox - Cunning, Stealth and Feminine Courage
Frog Frog - Spring & New Life, Sensitivity, Communicator, Stability
Grizzly Bear Grizzly Bear - Strength and Ferocity
Halibut Halibut - Life protector, Strength and Stability
Hawk Hawk - Guardianship, Strength, Far Sighted
Heron Heron - Patience, Graceful and Easy Going
Horse Horse - Energy, Power, Message carrier, communicates with other realms
Hummingbird Hummingbird - Love, Beauty, Intelligence, Spirit Messenger and Stopper of Time
Killer Whale Killer Whale - Seas and the Underworld, Traveler & Guardian and Symbol of Good
Kingfisher Kingfisher - Luck, Patience, Speed and Agility
Lizard Lizard - Awareness, Conservation, subconscious hopes and fears
Moose Moose - Headstrong, Balance and Longevity
Mouse Mouse - Observant qualities and diligence
Otter Otter - Feminine Power, Playful, Trusting, Inquisitive, Bright, Loyal and speedy
Owl Owl - Wisdom, silent and swift, ability to see things normally, a creature of the night
Raccoon Raccoon - Curiosity, Creativity, Dexterity, Disguise
Raven Raven - Creation & Knowledge - Bringer of the Light
Porcupine Porcupine - Safety and Protection
Salmon Salmon - Persistence, Dependability and Renewal - A Provider
Seal Seal - Bright, Inquisitive, Organized
Shark Shark - Remorselessness, Survival, Adaptability
Snake Snake - Rebirth, Resurrection, Initiation and Transformation
Spider Spider - Creativity, weaving the web of fate
Squirrel Squirrel - Planning and Preparation
Turtle Turtle - Self-Reliance, Tenacity, Slow Progress
Weasel Weasel - Encourages you to develop your sense of inner hearing and to pay attention to your inner voice
Whale Whale - Ancient Knowledge, Awareness
Wolf Wolf - Intelligence & Leadership - Strong Sense of Family