Sacred Symbols

The reason for the pages on Rites and Spirituality is for educational purposes only. To fully understand and learn more about these rites and religious beliefs one must go to the people whom they belong too, the Lakota, Dakota and Nakota people. Care must be taken, as well as due reverence given, when learning about other peoples cultures and beliefs. Remember you have come here to learn not to steal or abuse!

Please remember that these rites and symbols are sacred to the Lakota. The purpose of my website is to educate, but above all else, to show honour and respect for these Rites and Symbols and the People who hold these things sacred. Spirituality of Native Americans cannot be bought and sold, just as Christianity, or any other Sacred Sect cannot be bought and sold.

CIRCLE

To the Lakota the most sacred symbol is the circle as it represents the Earth, the path of the sun around the Earth and the Circle of Life, through which all things must pass. This is why Lakota villages were always pitched in circles and the tipis themselves were round. The Lakota thought the white man out of touch with the world and not at peace with himself, an opinion strengthened by the white's preference for houses with corners, i.e. square or oblong.

Another sacred symbol was the cross which was sometimes shown as running across the hoop of the world. This represented the four directions and was made up of two roads.

The first began in the east where all the days of man began and ended in the west where all the days of man ended. This road was black and was the Road of Earthly Difficulties. The second began in the south where dwelt the power to grow and ended in the north, the realm of white hair and the cold of death. This road was red and was called the Good Road of Spiritual Understanding. Only by walking this road could a man grow spiritually throughout his lifetime and so acquire the wisdom to withstand the difficulties he would surely encounter. Where the roads met and crossed stood the tree of life. The Lakota considered that the white men only walked the black road and were poorer for it.

Lakota Medicine Wheel:
Oglala Lakota and Sicangu Lakota

The Medicine Wheel and its symbolism are known among the Lakota, as well as other tribes through the process of sharing and adapting. While there may be descriptive variations by different tribes and/or individuals, many of the underlying meanings are similar. Although the symbol may be worn by individuals skilled in hunting and/or who display skill in a game designed to hone hunting abilities, today's use of the Medicine Wheel is widespread and varied. The Medicine Wheel is used in the traditional naming ceremonies as well as in modern school graduation ceremonies.

All of life's important lessons can be drawn from the Medicine Wheel and all that is represents. Among the Lakota, all that is sacred is embodied in the circle or hoop. The four sacred parts represent the four directions; four sacred colours; four parts of the spiritual world and the physical world; four values of the Lakota Oyate (respect, generosity, wisdom, and courage); four stages of life; and much more. The hoop represents, in totality, the circle of life.

The circle is also divided into halves by the red road and the black road. The red road represents life and all that is good. The black road represents the completion of the life circle, only to begin anew. The eagle feather/plume is acknowledgment of the prayers carried to Tunkasila. The Medicine Wheel reminds the wearer of the connection between the earth and all that is living, the Ikce Wicasa (common man) and Tunkasila.

The Sacred Eagle Symbol

Graphic created by William Purcell

The Eagle is perhaps the most highly revered sacred symbol in Native American culture. As a bird the eagle is known to be the highest flier amongst all others and therefore has a different perspective of the earth. The Natives linked that to the perspective of the Creator who watches the creation from up above. Hence the Eagle became a symbol for the all encompassing divine spirit.

The eagle is also taken as a symbol of power, truth and freedom as it soars in the sky. The spread out wings of the eagle represent the balance that exists between males and females. It goes to show the interdependency between man and woman.

The Natives assigned the eagle with the task of carrying the prayers of men from the physical world to the spiritual world. It was also a custom amongst the Natives to hold up the feather when one was required to speak the truth. No one could think of lying with the eagle feather in hand. When someone is gifted with an eagle feather it is considered to be the highest honour.

The feathers of the eagle were considered to be so sacred that a woman was not allowed to touch them when she was going through her menstrual periods. It was not allowed to place eagle feathers in drawers or cupboards rather it should be held up in honour.

The Sacred Thunderbird Symbol

This is another special sacred symbol popularly found in the Native American culture. This was actually a legendary creature attributed with supernatural power and strength. The Native Americans would have the thunderbird as a popular theme in their artwork, music and oral history as well. Thunderbird tracks were taken as a symbol of bright prospects.

The Sacred Arrow Symbol

The arrow was another popular sacred symbol used amongst the Native Indians. The arrow was depicted in many different forms to signify different things. For example the arrow pointing to the right meant protection. When pointing to the left it meant warding off evil. A broken arrow symbolized peace whereas crossed arrows were suggestive of friendship.

Feathers

Graphic made by William Purcell

Representing the Creative Force, and are taken from birds with the attribute for which they might be used: goose flight feathers to fledge an arrow. Geese are known for their long flights; Eagle feathers for honour & connect the user with the Creator. To decorate a kachina mask, Turkey feathers are commonly used. Feathers may appear plain, barred, banded, or decorated.

Prayer Sticks (Pahos).

Are delicately notched then painted on cottonwood or cedar sticks using specific feathers to catch the wind. Planted in the ground at fresh water springs and religious sites to carry personal prayers to the Creator or to the Kachina. Found in many Navajo and Pueblo designs.

The Water Bird.

A symbol of the renewal of life, rainy seasons, rivers, distant travel, distant vision & wisdom. many times inaccurately called "thunder bird", not a South Western tradition, but one of the plains Indians. Connected with lightning, thunder and visions. Those who dream of the thunder beings will become Heyokas -- those who live out their dreams backwards (Lakota tradition) This image has been modified and used as the symbol of the Native American Church, founded by Comanche Quannah Parker around 1910.

Kokopelli.

Probably the most popular & well known Indian symbol. Known as the seed bringer and water sprinkler. A common fertility symbol throughout the Southwest. His image is found many times in petrography art. He is a personage who is honoured as a kachina by most Pueblo cultures. He is associated with fertility, the male principal, biology, and the significance of guarding seeds. Usually depicted as old, bent under his heavy load with his flute. He travels to many communities, impregnating young women who are mesmerised from the notes played on his flute. Related to the cricket or locust whose natural music is associated with the state of humidity and seasonal weather. Many bawdy stories of his various exploits have been told. As a kachina doll, he is made with a staff, not a flute and is carved as a hunchbacked. His likeness also featured exaggerated male sexual organs until the missionaries came in the 1930's, who frowned on this practice. Today he is considered the ambassador of the Southwest.

More symbols that were held Sacred.

This is a general listing - meaning may vary from tribe to tribe.

Elk - nobility, power, freedom, stamina, pride, majesty, great strength and agility.

Buffalo - abundance, prayer, strength, healing, good fortune, sacredness. "Buffalo Medicine" means to bring a special honour, reverence or appreciation for all things the Earth provides for her children. Provides all good things for living, and bestows great curing powers.

Turkey - food source, resourcefulness. Its feathers have many spiritual & ritual uses. The spirit of turkey is free, and opens up the channels between us and others on a meaningful level. The turkey sacrifices itself so that others may live, showing us courage and faith in our present life and the next.

Wolf - teacher, intuition, learning, the Shadow self, pathfinder, shows intense loyalty with a balance of independence. The wolf is the teacher of new ideas and earth wisdom. Traditionally, someone with Wolf Medicine has a strong sense of self, and communicates well through subtle gestures. They often find new solutions to problems while providing stability and support that one normally associates with a family structure.

Pheasant - symbolizes warning and concealment. The silver feather has always been a constant Native American symbol of prosperity and wealth.

Alligator - Aggression, adaptability, stealth and a fight for survival.

Moose - self-esteem, wisdom, unpredictability, spontaneity, headstrong, unstoppable longevity, value and integrity, scrutiny and attention to detail.

Bull - beneficence, wealth and richness of life, potency, strength and courage in battle.

Horse - independence, pride, purification, stability, courage, freedom, power, safe movement, love and devotion, loyalty. Pictured as an animal with supernatural power in many cultures, Native American Shamans fly other realms on mythical horses. People with Horse Medicine often carry the burdens of other people. They are strong and able to bare the strain of difficult circumstances.

Deer - sometimes mentioned as "first helper" in a few emergence stories, also family protection and of course speed. People with "Deer Medicine" are often described as being swift and alert. They are intuitive, often appearing to have well developed, even extra sensory perceptions and whose thoughts may "race ahead". Deer Medicine brings beauty and grace to any surrounding. Deer carries the message of purity of purpose, and of walking in the light.

Fox - cunning, intelligent, diplomacy, wildness, camouflage, shape shifting, invisible, elusiveness, agility, cleverness, camouflage, subtlety, discretion, providing, represents twilight and feminine magic.

Turquoise - harmony. Traditional Native American jewellery stone, wearing turquoise brings good fortune.

Antelope - is quick to bound into action, grace, rapid advancement. Builder and symbol for partnership, with the message of act sensibly.

Bear - The protector and symbolises physical strength and leadership as well as wild, untameable side of humanity. Bear Paw symbol = Good omen; symbol of direction and power.

Beaver - Best known as a hunter gatherer.

Coyote - Sometimes considered an omen of bad things; also considered a trickster. The embodiment of the things we cannot change or understand. He is about acceptance of human limitation.

Crow - A Carrier of souls from darkness into light and guards against fear in the dark. Also a Shape shifter; keeper of spiritual law; likes to steal shiny bright objects; always a clown. Look for the bright and shiny aspects of life.

Dog - Heals emotional wounds; understands duality of doubt and faith; companionship; unquestioned loyalty; love; knowledge of all things sensual; protection; ability to smell trouble.

Hawk - The great messenger and observer of the sky.

Mole - Guardian of the lower regions; connects with the energies of the Earth; knowledge of herbs, roots, minerals, seeds, rivers and other hidden bounties of the earth; ability to turn inward; blindness to all but light and dark in the material world; love expressed in nature.

Owl - A very respected animal and is thought to symbolize the souls of the departed. They are connected with darkness and night and are considered a bad omen.

Porcupine - Symbolizes gentle innocence and trust.

Skunk - Understands energy flows; self-respect; courage; will power; self-confidence.

Turkey - (Earth Eagle) Sacrifice of self for a higher purpose; understands the gift of giving; honours Earth Mother; harvest bounties.

Weasel - Stealth; cunning; ingenuity; revenge; ability to see hidden reasons behind things; power of observation; Weasel and otter hides, because they come from "tough little animals", are linked to the Crow sun dance, probably conferring endurance. For the Lakota, these two animals are especially "wakan", meaning akin to sacred.

Chief Dan George...If you talk to animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them, you will not know them and what you do not know, you will fear. What one fears, one destroys.