Understanding The Native American Animal Astrology
Animal totems
Within Native American Astrology, each of us has a Birth Animal Totem which is assigned according to the day on which we were born. These spirit animals are similar to the astrological signs of the zodiac we are more familiar with. The Native American belief system sees the universe as a whole. Every part of that whole, heavenly bodies, earth, nature, man, and all living creatures, has its energy which is a fragment of the whole.
The Animal Totem embodies that animal’s role in the universe, and its message to all other living things. Each totem has its power and energy as part of the whole. Our birth totem gives us a part of this energy and teaches us how we can live to keep in balance with all of creation.
Traits and Attitudes
Each Animal Totem has unique personality traits, attitudes, abilities, and weaknesses which they share with those born under their influence. Just as the wolf is a loyal, courageous member of a pack, those born under the totem wolf have strong ties to family and community and defend them fearlessly.
Each Animal Totem has a distinctive relationship with the universe, with the earth and the sky, with the seasons and the phase of the moon, and with the wind and its direction.
Your Birth Animal Totem is with you throughout your entire life. It is your connection to the energy of the universe and Mother Earth. Generally, it reflects your inner spiritual nature. Your Animal Totem is your guide along life’s path. Through your interaction with it, you will grow in spiritual understanding. Each Animal Totem manifests a special kind of energy that augments your life force.
The Energy of Totem Animals
The energy of your totem animal speaks to you and through that communication shares its totem power or ‘medicine’, giving you its knowledge and experience. By getting to know your Animal Totem, you can gain insight and understanding of yourself,
Our Animal Totem tells us about who we are: why we look at things and react to situations or people in a certain way. We seem to reflect the characteristics and qualities of our totem. Their strengths and weaknesses are ours as well. Knowing about our Animal Totem and the Animal Totem of others allows us to interact with them and the world efficiently.
Native American Animal Astrology – Otter: Jan 20 – Feb 18
The otter is a water animal totem. Water is a powerful symbol. It is a sign of cleansing, freedom, and mobility and a universal symbol of the unconscious. The otter and other water totem animals are optimistic and playful. They remind us to live life freely and to its fullest
The Otter totem helps us identify and reveal hidden thoughts and motives. By listening to this animal totem we learn simpler more positive ways of thinking and living to replace negative ones.
Wolf: Feb 19 – Mar 20
The Wolf is often misunderstood, and seen as a vicious, solitary creature, as in ‘lone wolf’. However, to understand the true nature of the totem Wolf, we need to understand the soul of the Wolf. The Wolf is a creature with a high sense of loyalty and strength. He is a social animal, friendly, and outgoing with those of his community. The Wolf is a pack animal, not a loner.
The Wolf is a good communicator, versatile in all forms of communication: verbal, non-verbal, touch, tone, eye contact, and body movement. The communication skills of those born under the Wolf may extend to the written word, especially creative writing and story-telling.
Falcon: Mar 21 – Apr 19
The Falcon Animal Totem embodies the soaring spirit of flight. Those born under this totem have a talent for higher vision or higher knowledge. It is a symbol of rising above any situation, of success and victory. The falcon is a hunter and a warrior. The Falcon Animal Totem brings the energy of guardianship, visionary power, and wisdom. This powerful bird carries a message of transition and change.
Beaver: Apr 20 – May 20
The Beaver is primarily a water creature and therefore shares the water qualities, exuberance, and a love of life, with the otter. Along with these characteristics, Beavers are industrious builders, building dams that can change the course of rivers.
The Beaver’s message is that we must believe in our dreams and build on them to change the course of our lives. We must build on our dreams as if they are our reality. The Beaver shows us we should live our lives in a way to make these dreams come true.
Deer: May 21 – Jun 20
The Deer’s most distinguishing characteristics are its beauty and gracefulness. Those born under this Animal Totem are drawn to the beauty and the arts, particularly poetry and music. The deer is connected to the forest and all that grows there. Native Americans would follow the deer to where the best herbs for native medicines, could be found.
Woodpecker: Jun 21 – Jul 21
All of us can probably recall walking in the woods and suddenly having the silence broken by the rat-tat-tat of the Woodpecker, pecking at a nearby tree. The Woodpecker is an attention-getter. He can wake us up, to make us more aware of our surroundings. The Woodpecker is symbolic of opportunity knocking. Those born under this totem take advantage of every opportunity.
Salmon: Jul 22 – Aug 21
The meaning and Symbolism of the Salmon Totem are attached to the watery environment in which he lives. Water symbolizes the unconscious and hidden knowledge of the cosmos and ourselves. It reflects the mysteries of the unknown. Water symbolizes the womb, birth, fertility, and the feminine.
Bear: Aug 22 – Sep 21
The bear is a symbol of wisdom among the Native Americans. He is larger than life and as free as the wind. There is a quality of unpredictability in the bear. He has a duality in his nature. A combination of the peaceful giant who forages the woodland for berries but when provoked becomes a ferocious and fearsome animal.
The bear is the strong and courageous spirit of the warrior. His energy brings to the warrior all the qualities he needs to be victorious. The central figure of the Shoshone Sun Dance is the Bear. In this ritual, the Bear symbolizes the continuation, protection, and strength of the tribe’s offspring.
Raven: Sep 22 – Oct 22
The Raven is at ease in solo flight. His most significant feature is his intelligence. It is said that this bird can be taught to speak.
Native American legend portrays the Raven as the bringer of light. It tells of how the Raven came out of the womb of the universe, bringing enlightenment, the light of understanding. In this role, he is seen in many Native American cultures as the bird of creation.
The Raven is seen as an oracle, which can foretell the future. He is the messenger of and keeper of powerful mysteries. The Raven is the symbol of mind, wisdom, and the guardian of knowledge.
There is a negative image of the Raven because he is a scavenger, a patron of the battlefield, and a companion to death. Through this characteristic, the Raven symbolizes the dark side of the self. But only through knowing both the light and the dark of ourselves can we know the whole or the true self.
Native American Animal Astrology – Snake: Oct 23 – Nov 22
The Snake Totem symbolizes the primordial life force, the beginnings of the universe and mankind. It characterizes that from which we have come. The Snake Totem is the bridge between the elements of both fire and water, passion and freedom. It holds the qualities of both the Moon and the Sun. It is a sign of duality. Its twisted construction symbolizes the search for balance.
Owl: Nov 23 – Dec 21
The owl is the ruler of the night and the diviner of the soul. He is the guardian of the spirits of those who have moved on to the next plane of existence. He accompanies the spirit from the physical world to the world of spirit.
Goose: Dec 22 – Jan 19
The Goose Totem is one of perseverance, loyalty, and self-sacrifice. The goose never leaves one of its behinds. They are known for their annual migrations in which they travel as a cohesive unit, taking turns as leaders. If one of their members becomes ill or injured during their long flight, another goose will stay behind with the fallen ones. They may sacrifice themselves for their comrade.