Friday 3 August 2012

Native American symbols - Snakes, Tracks and insects


The Snake. Usally found in healing and fertility rites. Connected with lightning, male organ, speed, and the ability to move undetected. He is usually shown with an extended tongue. Considered a hunter & and as a "first helper" in some emergence stories.


The Avanyu. A feathered sky snake. Many times found on Tewa, Keres and Zuni pottery. Also on some jewelry. He can bring on storms & change the seasons. Associated with thunderstorms, lightning and sudden violent changes.


The Badger & Bear Paws. Badger is shown here. Known as a way of summoning the power of the animal spirit & as a sign of the presence of the spirit. Badgers are honored as healing animals and tenacious hunters. Their tracks can signify strength & well being. Tracks are also considered symbols of leadership & authority.

The Wolf Track. And other predators tracks signify a direction rather than the spirits presence. These are also symbols of authority and leadership. Used as a clan symbol.


The Deer Track. Symbols of prosperity, well being, safety and the abundance of prey. Directional indicator and as a clan symbol.

The Dragonfly. Associated with water & springtime. Also considered a messenger as well.

Dragonfly Forms. Shown is an abstraction of the dragonfly, which is can be used as a talisman, especially with the Southern Pueblo Indians. At Isleta it became a double armed cross. This was worn as a symbol of both Catholic conversion and respect for older traditions.


The Cricket. A singer. Connected with fertility, water and Springtime.

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