TOTEMS AND THEIR MEANINGS by OneCrow

[Dept of PMM Artists & things]

1. EAGLE- "SPIRIT"
2. HAWK- "MESSENGER"
3. DEER- "GENTLENESS"
4. ELK- "STAMINA"
5. BEAR- "INTROSPECTION"
6. SNAKE- "TRANSMUTATION"
7. SKUNK- "REPUTATION"
8. OTTER- "WOMAN MEDICINE"
9. BUTTERFLY- "TRANSFORMATION"
1O. TURTLE- "MOTHER EARTH"
11. MOOSE- "SELF ESTEEM"
12. PORCUPINE- "INNOSENCE"
13. COYOTE- "TRICKSTER"
14. DOG- "LOYALTY"
15. WOLF- "TEACHER"
16. RAVEN- "MAGIC"
17. MOUNTAIN LION- "LEADERSHIP"
18. LYNX- "SECRETS"
19. BUFFALO- "PRAYER AND ABUNDANCE"
20. MOUSE- "SCRUTINY"
21. OWL- "DECEPTION"
22. BEAVER- "BUILDER"
23. OPOSSUM- "DIVERSION"
24. CROW- "LAW"
25. FOX- "CAMOUFLAGE"
26. SQUIRREL- "GATHERING"
27. DRAGONFLY- "ILLUSION"
28. ARMADILLO- "BOUNDARIES"
29. BADGER- "AGGRESSIVENESS"
30. RABBIT- "FEAR"
31. TURKEY- "GIVE-AWAY"
32. ANT- "PATIENCE"
33. WEASEL- "STEALTH"
34. GROUSE- "SACRED SPIRAL"
35. HORSE- "POWER"
36. LIZARD- "DREAMTIME" "DREAMING"
37. ANTELOPE- "ACTION"
38. FROG- "CLEANSING"
39. SWAN- "GRACE"
40. DOLPHIN- "MANNA"
41. WHALE- "RECORD KEEPER"
42. BAT- "REBIRTH"
43. SPIDER- "WEAVING" "CREATING"
44. HUMMINGBIRD- "JOY"
45. CAT- "WHOLNESS"
46. RACCOON- "DEXTERITY AND DISGUISE" also "GENEROUS PROTECTOR"
47. BUMBLEBEE- "COMMUNITY, CELEBRATION, PERSONAL POWER"
48. CANADIAN GEESE- "SACRED CIRCLE"
49. CHEETAH- "SPEED AND FOCUS"
50. SALMON- "WISDOM/INNER KNOWING"
51. TIGER- "BEING IN THE NOW"
52. ZEBRA- "INDIVIDUALITY"
53. POLAR BEAR- "INTEGRATION"
54. ROBINS- "GROWTH AND RENEWAL"
55. SEAL- "THE INNER VOICE"
56. CHIMPANZEE- "LIVING IN HARMONY"
57. DOVE- "PEACE"
58. DRAGON- "TRANSFORMATION THROUGH CELTIC TRADITION"
59. ELEPHANT- "COMMITMENT"
60. GAZELL- "AWARENESS"
61. GIRAFFE- "GROUNDED VISION"
62. HIPPOPOTAMUS- "EMOTIONAL DEPTHS"
63. JAGUAR- "SOLITARY PATH" also "INTEGRITY AND INPECCABILITY"
64. LION- "COURAGE"
65. BLUE HERON- "SELF REFLECTION"
66. PRAIRIE DOG- "RETREAT"
67. WILD BOAR- "CONFRONTATION"
68. ALLIGATOR- "INTEGRATION"
69. BLACK PANTHER- "EMBRACING THE UNKNOWN
70. SHARK- HUNTER, SURVIVAL, ADAPTABILITY.

[Dept of PMM Artists & things]

*********************** by Maga ale Usti
Native American Symbolism :
In the Native American tradition, man communicated with the Creator through interaction with nature; the birds, the forest, the animals.... Many chose or were given symbolic "power animals" whose strength or character reflected the human character traits of the individuals claiming the "power" of that specific animal.

Native American use of symbols vary according to different Nations
The Native American Indian, as a whole, is constantly aware of its relationship with Mother Earth and her creatures. The spiritual goal of the Native American is to live in harmony with the universe.

Usti

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KOKOPELLI....According to the many stories about him, this humped-back flute player has a bag of songs on his back and is said to travel from village to village. His songs bring fertility to the crops, to women who desire to have children; he entertains the children and his songs also bring healing and love.



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BEAR....power, protection and strength

Bear, Directional Protector (West), physical strength, leaderrship, also frequently mentioned as "first helper", in creation/emergence stories.

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EAGLE....strength, courage, wisdom and keen sight

Courage, Spirit, and Bravery. Eagle, the master of the sky, is considered a carrier of prayers. Many Indian Nations honor this bird as possessing courage, wisdom, and a special connection to the creator. Eagle is also a Directional Protector(the Sky) spirit, and an image associated with spirits and visions.

Eagle feathers, revered by Native American Healers as having powerful medicine, are regulated by a "feather bank", insuring that eagles are not killed for their powerful medicine. Eagle Medicine is the power of the Great Spirit. It is the spirit of tenacity. People with Eagle Medicine often have "high ideals", and need space to spread their wings. It is no accident that men in many tribes adorned themselves with eagle feathers given for acts of courage and bravery, and that a healer gingerly wraps his eagle feather in his medicine bundle after a ceremony.

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WOLF....a guide, intelligence, steadfastness, protection

Teaching, A Guide to the SacredWolves have been long regarded by Native Americans as teachers or pathfinders. Wolves are fiercely loyal to their mates, and have a strong sense of family while maintaining individualism. In the stars, Wolf is represented by the Dog, Sirius, thought by many abroginal tribes to be the home of the "Ancients." It seems to be through this connection that Wolf has come to be associated with ancient teachings.

Someone with Wolf Medicine has a strong sense of self, and communicates well through subtle changes in voice inflection and body movements.They often find new solutions to problems while providing stability and support that one normally associates with a family structure.

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Coyote, the trickster is also a powerful hunting and keen ability to find things, and is often considered an omen that something unpleasant might happen.

Coyote medicine is powerful. In moving from one disaster to the next, Coyote tricks himself into moving through spiritual quests in such a way that lessons learned from his antics cannot be ignored. It has been said that humor is a great medicine, maybe that is why it is associated with Coyote. If we can learn to laugh at ourselves, then we have indeed been blessed with understanding Coyote medicine.

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BUFFALO....abundance, generosity, strength, survival

The buffalo or bison is considered by many tribes to be a symbol of adundance for it was the meat of the buffalo that fed the people, the hides that provided clothing and shelter, the bones and sinew provided tools of survival. The Lakota's trace the origin of the sacred pipe to the appearance of the white buffalo calf woman who promised abundance for the tribe as they honored, by prayer, the Great Spirit and all of their relations, meaning the other creations of nature.

"Buffalo Medicine" means to bring a special honor, reverence or appreciation for all of the things that the Earth provides for her children.


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The Deer, Hunting prey animal, sacrifice and also mentioned as "first helper" in some emergence stories, family protection and speed.

Graceful gentleness, and Sensitivity
Although there are many types of deer, they all have on thing in common - gracefulness.

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.

Deer Medicine brings beauty and grace to any surrounding. Just as the deer bounds from one place to another, a person with Deer Medicine often moves quickly from one situation to another

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Cougar

Power, Swiftness and Balance
By watching the swift movements of the cougar, one is keenly aware that no movement is wasted, no footing unplanned, in their quest for the item they desire. The cougar never wastes anything, but the grace of this hunter provides the young with nourishment and security.

Someone with "Mountain lion or Cougar Medicine" is likely to be very sure of his or her goals or purpose.

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Badger
Aggressiveness
The very thought of a badger causes many smaller animals to run. It's loud hissing, sharp claws, and aggressive behavior can frighten another animal out of its way. Badger is quick, a moments delay may mean death or injury to another animal. Badger survives by clawing the earth in search of food. Medicine women with Badger medicine are familiar with the therapeutic properties of roots and herbs. They are said to be among the most powerful healers because they can get right to the "root" of the problem. "Action" is the badger's message.

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Rabbit
Fear
How many times have your heard someone say the phrase "breeds like rabbits"? The story is told how Rabbit once was a brave warrior who was befriended by an Eye Watcher, a kindly spirit who gave it water to drink and food to eat. Rabbit followed her faithful friend up the mountain, glancing away for just a moment causing Rabbit to tumble down the mountain. When Eye Watcher ran toward Rabbit to see if she was hurt, Rabbit tried to hide for she was afraid. When Eye Watcher asked Rabbit why she was hiding, Rabbit said that she was afraid because following Eye Watcher had caused her to fall. Eye Watcher was furious with Rabbit and cursed rabbit to be the "caller of fear" who is often startled by its own shadow. Rabbit reminds us not to be afraid. Fearful thoughts reproduce (like rabbits) and bring the very thing we fear.

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Owl, the owl is respected as the guise of departed, wise elders and leaders' spirits. A silent hunter, the owl is connected with darkness and night as well as keen eyes and skillful hunting.

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Turtle, water animal, strength, female power animal, fertility, long life, perseverance.

Protection
Many tribal creation stories say that earth was born on the back of Turtle. Since it carries its home on its back, it has also been recognized as having the ability to "manage" in difficult circumstances


Frog, water animal, connotes renewal, Spring and fertility

Tadpole, immature frogs also connote fertility and renewal. Because they change, they are considered very powerful.

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HORSE....swiftness / journey

In the Native American tradition, Shamans fly other realms on mythical horses. Before horses were introduced by the Spanish, the life of the plains tribes was much more earth bound, having to carry all of their belongings from place to place. With the arrival of the horse, they were free to move and travel great distances with these beasts of burden.

People with Horse Medicine often carry the burdens of other people. They are strong and able to "bare up" under the strain of difficult circumstances.


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SNAKE....defiance / wisdom

Snake, found in many healing and fertility rituals, is connected with lightning, the male organ, speed, and being able to move undetected. He is usually depicted with his tongue extended. He is also considered a hunter

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Dragonfly, connected with water and Springtime, fertility, renewal; considered a messenger.

Cricket, the singer, is connected with Springtime, fertility and water

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Spider
Weaving
Spider is another medicine that varies greatly from tribe to tribe. One tribe has associated the white man with spider medicine. Their prophecy says that when the white man (Spider) has connected all of his power (electrical) lines and forms a great web over the earth, then his world will burn and he will be destroyed.

Another tribe speaks of the Spider Woman who weaves existence together like great strands of a web. Learning the stories of the Spider Woman can help one understand that we are all connected. By dishonoring one, we dishonor ourselves.


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MAN....human life

The Hand print, represents the presence of man, his work, his achievements, his legacy. It also represents the direction of the creative spirit through a man, as a vessel for the Creators power.

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ARROW....protection (The Apache would attach turquoise to their arrows for protection)

Arrows There are many different depictions of arrows. They usually connote direction, force, movement, power and direction of travel

ARROWHEAD....alertness

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LIGHTENING ....spirit

LIGHTENING ARROW....swiftness

The Sun, giver of life, warmth, growth, all that is good.

WATER WAVES....constant life

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Plants. Primary food source. Tools & materials used in baskets. Medicinal. Flowers are mostly relating to the sun. Ones such as corn as symbols of life. Squash, beans, bean sprouts and seeds are commonly used in Indian pottery.

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Feathers, depicted in many, many ways, are symbols of prayers, marks of honor or sources of ideas.
Eagle feathers for honor or to connect the user with the Creator,

Pahos or Prayer Sticks, are carefully notched and painted cottonwood or cedar sticks with specific feathers attached to catch the wind. They are planted in the ground at religious sites, and at springs to carry specific prayers to the Creator

Circular Feather Arrangements are found on pottery, in masks, prayer fans, dance costumes and on Plains "war bonnets" They are also used in decoration on buffalo hide "counts", or story depictions in paint recounting war honors, times of historic contact and other important periods of time. In a circular arrangement, they are related to the sun, and therefore, to the Creator.

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Animal Tracks :
Badger or Bear Paws, (badger seen here -- longer claws) usually considered a way of summoning the power of the animal spirit, or as an indication of the presence of the spirit. Badgers are revered as healing animals and as tenacious hunters. Their tracks may signify health and strength. Bear Paws/Tracks are also symbols of authority and leadership.
Wolf Tracks, or any other predators tracks usually signify a direction rather than simply the spirits presence. These also are a clan short hand indication of kinship -- "wolf clan", for example. Also symbols of authority and leadership.
Deer Tracks, are symbols of prosperity, safety, shelter, and also of the proximity to prey. Also used as a directional indicator, and as a clan symbol.

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The symbolic color system of the Cherokee :
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North - Blue - Winter, peace, and self reflection

South - White - Summer, corn, happy children and plentiful game

East - Red - Spring, Dawn, Rebirth, New beginnings

West - Black - Autumn, Death, The shadow life of the spirit

Sun - Yellow - Creator, Great Spirit

Earth - Brown - Mother Earth, and all of her bounty

Self - Green - To dedicate the heart to purity and honesty


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CROW MEDICINE: In Cherokee: (koga nvwati)
SPIDER MEDICINE: In Cherokee: (kananesgi nvwati)
ANT MEDICINE: In Cherokee: (tsosudali nvwati)


BADGER- the ability to reach a desired goal, industrious
BEAR - strength, inner power to perceive ones present circumstance
BEAVER - progressive builder, one who promotes family unity
BUFFALO - steadfast endurance to rise above one's weakness
COYOTE - ability to laugh at oneself, humor
EAGLE - a soaring spirit that transcends personal problems, a connection to the Divine
FOX - camouflage, protection, stealth; intuitive, resourceful
FROG - for centuries able to petition the spririts to bring forth abundant rain; calm, flowing
HORSE - one of only two fetishes that have innate healing powers; speed
MOUNTAIN LION - leadership, resourcefulness
RAM - used to procure an increase of herds; perseverance, agility, loyalty
RAVEN - this bird's beak is scratched across an afflicted person's skull releasing it's healing powers
SNAKE - a powerful fetish symbolizing life, death and rebirth; friend of dreams
TURTLE - a symbol of long, meaningful life
WOLF - teacher, path finder on the never ending journey for survival; strong character, tenacious

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Badger-This quick creature is frightening and can be dangerous to all small creatures. It is considered to be a healer, knowing how to use herbs and roots. One with the medicine is usually open and has much knowledge of other animals. They can usually see beneath the surface of things and people. They are active both night and day and live primarily on rodents, at times storing them in their homes for later consumption. It is basically unsociable and does not relate with others well. Those with its medicine often will teach through stories rather than directly. The father will sometimes help with the raising of the young, but prefers to be alone. They are comfortable with themselves and are very reliant. The badger is ferocious and never gives up.

Bat-This was the night watcher, able to know the smallest of details. He is good at playing games because of his superior dodging qualities. The bat as a totem, usually helps with facing some of your greatest fears-it's time to die and leave some aspect of your life behind. This is usually not negative, it will help to leave the thing behind that is no longer helping you. It should remind to us to face our fears. If not, the fears can spread and overcome us. The bat is a social animal and lives in flocks. Those wit the bat medicine has great auditory perceptions and most will find that they can discern hidden messages. Listen as much to what is being said as well as what is not being said. One should be able to determine truth behind another's words.

Bear-There are many different stories of the bear. But it was always considered powerful and, in most cases, a healer. The bear is temperamental and can be forced into aggression without too much warning. He represents individuality, supporting one's self, not depending on others for their needs. They are also considered as dreamers. When one wears a bear claw, he is considered brave, powerful and wise. They have always been considered related to humans. The bear will eat most anything and actually eats less meat than many other carnivores. The bear as a totem can teach us how to turn inward to find what is needed. While in its deep sleep, the kidneys shut down, giving any diseased kidney time to heal. This is part of the bear medicine. All bears are astonishingly swift and all can climb. As a totem, one should remember to keep their child inside alive and one should nit try to hide away all the time. Cubs are born during their deep sleep and are kept safe during the winter at their most vulnerable time. Black bears are extremely playful even as adults. The brown bear is usually solitary. The grizzly is known for its strength and ferocity, but is not usually aggressive. The polar bear is by far the most outstanding hunter. They have no fear and is the most aggressive of all bears. It's only enemy is man. All bears love honey and one should remember to get as much sweetness out of life as possible.

Beaver-The beaver was considered the best at gathering its resources together and then using them to build what was needed. It is an excellent swimmer and can stay submerged for up to 15 minutes. Water is associated with emotions and this can show us how to manage them. The beaver family is close and will mate with only one other for life. They are master home builders and have quite amazingly intricate canals in their home. And they keep this in constant repair. They work together as a team to down a tree. One will keep watch while it rests while the other is chewing. Its habits are helpful to the environment by opening up tracks of bushes for food to deer and others. It also helps make farmland for humans by their dams. And when a beaver leaves its home, it will drain and leave rich soil. Beavers should act as a reminder to act upon our dreams to make them a reality.

Bobcat-Also known as the wild cat, it has tufts of hair on its ears and sideburns. It is a solitary animal and those with it as a totem often find themselves in the same situation. One should come to terms with that, learning how to be alone but not lonely. The females usually have a small territory, but the male will move through many others. Once mating is accomplished, they each will go their separate ways. Since the bobcat is a solitary animal, they will find their friends tend to share secrets with them. It is important to keep their confidence and not tell what they know about others., as this will tend to be found out quickly. One with bobcat medicine has the ability to turn on and off creative forces. They will know how to utilize life forces silently but powerfully. Their medicine is always strongest when others do not know of it. As a totem, one should learn when, to whom and how much to speak. They should be cautious with what they share as things tend to be blown out of proportion. The bobcat has keen eyesight, excellent hearing, and sensitive whiskers making it a wonderful nighttime hunter. One with its medicine will be most effective at night. They will hear what is not being said. Others are usually not comfortable in the presence of one with bobcat medicine because they know that things are being heard and seen that they don't want known. This makes the bobcat person an excellent counselor or even a manipulator. They are able to trust their own sense and unless there is a logical reason to say otherwise, it is usually right. The bobcat is not very fast, but can leap great distances. The mother will start training her young early and by about seven months the young have learned to hunt alone and around nine month they have left the family. Those with the medicine usually learn quickly and thoroughly and usually they and their young will become strong and independent.

Cougar-This stealthy animal, once found throughout the majority of the US, was also known for leadership and courage. They are very sure of themselves, not taking any unnecessary steps and usually stalks the easier prey. They should not be confused with leopards or jaguars, but they do share many of the same characteristics. The cougar is also known as puma, mountain lion, panther (though panther is actually a leopard), or catamount. If a cougar comes as a totem, it is time to learn about power, trials have usually already come, now it's time to assert. Most cougars learn by trial and error which strengthens them and hones their skills. One will find that people will not like your assertions. But don't allow others to keep you stationary, stretch your muscles and show your capabilities. Those with the cougar medicine are usually attacked by others, especially by those who have grown comfortable with the status quo and do not wish to see you grow. And these may never admit when you do grow. A cougar will leap at opportunities. Since the deer is the cougars favorite prey, one should remember that power can be asserted gently. It should teach decisiveness in the use of personal power. It does not hesitate and when threatened will go for the most vulnerable place. Those with cougar medicine control of their life and circumstances most effectively.

Coyote-As is common knowledge, this playful trickster was always getting into mischief, but usually because of his curious and helpful nature. He is considered to know a lot about life and we can still learn from him today. He is amazingly adaptable, but his power does not always work. Even though its not working, it serves a purpose. There is always hidden wisdom where the coyote is concerned. The coyote is playful and loves to have fun. Even though the coyote is skillful, it will look for ways to do things without use of their own skill, trying to find shortcuts. It should remind us not to be too serious, and anything is possible. The coyote hunts in teams and have a well-organized system. The chase occurs in relays. While one coyote rests, another gives chase. One with the coyote medicine has the ability to stimulate cooperation to accomplish important tasks in the most efficient manner. The coyote has even teamed up with badgers and hunt together, reflecting the coyote's ability to adapt to the situation. They have their dens anywhere, but prefers a hillside near water. They often return to the same den to have their litter, but rarely uses the den year-round. Those with the coyote medicine do not limit themselves to one place and looks for mental stimulation and usually require a lot of it. The coyote has a close-knit family and sometimes mate for life. The father is very conscientious and participates in the care and raising of the young. Both parents train the young in hunting. The male cares for the female while she is pregnant, and if the mother dies during the raising of the young, he will take over.

Deer-This loving animal was known for its gentleness, ability to move quickly and gracefully, and always on the alert to sense danger. The mule deer is a wanderer, while the caribou migrates twice a year. The female deer will stay with the young during the first few days with little movement. After this, the young can usually stand and follow its mother about. The doe fawn usually stays with its mother for about a year while the buck usually leaves after a few months. The father takes no part in the rearing of the young. A deer's senses are very acute. It is especially effective at detecting contrasts and edges in dim light.

Fox-Full of cunning and playfulness, he is a provider that has the intelligence needed for getting through difficult situations. They are also creatures of the night, but is often visible at the times of dawn and dusk. Their large ears help keep them cook during the summer. Their color is used as camouflage and this helps them remain relatively unseen. One with the fox medicine can blend in with the surroundings, come and go unnoticed, move silently without revealing their intentions, and through this can see and hear things that otherwise would not have been noticed. Since the tail remains horizontal while running and is used as a rudder, one should be able to make sharp turns in life with ease. The tail is used for insulation during the cold, their medicine teaches how to stay warm and cozy during times of coldness, including relationships. The thickest of the fur makes the fox look bigger than it really is. Though the fox does not like water, it is still an excellent swimmer. They have tremendous stamina, an ability they can bring to others. As a totem, one must learn to pace themselves through life and learn to move straightforward. The fox can also run up trees if necessary reflecting the use of new resources. Their hearing is very acute and can hear a mouse squeal over 150 yards away. Foxes are color blind, but have a great ability to see varying shades of light and darkness, giving the ability to size up people accurately. But by far the sense of smell is their keenest. It hunts as much with this sense as any other. They are attracted to unusual odors and can determine subtle differences. Most foxes have only one partner and are very monogamous. They also live alone about 5 months out of the year. They are often alone and comfortable in whatever state of life. They like to use the same den year after year and will make it larger and more comfortable. They are territorial, but will return to their home. The fox is a survivor and a great hunter. They have especially good instincts and have learned how to avoid potential danger, going out of its way to do so. They actually have a small appetite, but eat small amounts frequently throughout the day, storing extra food in its den. They are dainty, graceful and lightfooted in hunting. They hunt more like a cat, leaping upon their prey and holding it with their front paws. Crafty and patient, it will lie in camouflage intensely studying its prey until just the right moment. The fox will often "charm" its prey by leaping, jumping, rolling and chasing itself, so that it "charms" the prey's attention. It will move closer and closer without recognition and then, the fox leaps and captures its prey.

Groundhog-Also known as the woodchuck, the groundhog is a burrowing rodent and lives at the edges and open areas of woods. Through its tunneling ability, it reflects how to get deep within an area of interest. It does not fully mature for about 2 years. They make elaborate dens with several exits and storage rooms. Half of its time is spent underground. They leave their bedroom higher than the lowest end of the tunnel so they won't be flooded. They clean up after themselves and even bury their excrement in separate toilet chambers. Groundhogs are non-territorial but will not allow others in their tunnels. They know if a tunnel is presently occupied by fresh dirt being at the entrance. If one shows up as a totem, then you should make sure your boundaries are known. Groundhogs hibernate for 4-6 months. They will fatten themselves and gorge through summer and late fall. Hibernation usually symbolizes death without dying. It can also represent dreamers.

Otter-Loved for his playfulness, the otter was full of laughter and mischievousness. Otters awaken curiosity and remind us that everything is interesting if we look at it from the right angle. They always seem to have fun in whatever they are doing. During the summer hours they are mostly in the water. They have large territories and usually mark their homes with a scent. The adult otter has no enemies and protect their young very well. They are fast and agile in the water and can out swim fish. Though they will usually swim away from danger, they may still have to fight and they are ferocious about it. The mother will usually chase the father out of the den when the young are born. After the young are out and about, the father is usually let back in. The young usually have to be taught to swim by the mother.

Possum-Possums teach us how to use appearances. Sometimes it is necessary to "play dead." It can also help you see when others are putting up masks. The possum is an excellent actor and will play the part needed to escape danger. They are nocturnal animals and raise their young in a pouch. They are blind when born but are still able to climb up into the pouch immediately after birth. They remain there for about one month.

Rabbit-Though alert and nurturing, this little furry creature was considered by some as being full of tricks to obtain what he, not only needed, but wanted. The Cherokees have stories of the first rabbit who no one would attempt to outsmart everyone, but was usually beaten by his own game. However, he is considered a great escape artist. The rabbit is known for its ability to procreate, its fleetness, its ability to make great leaps and hops. They are mostly found in thickets and tall grasses, active both day and night, bur mostly visible at dawn and dusk. They can have 2 to 5 litters per year, keeping their numbers high since they are preyed upon so much. The mother will feed the young in morning and at evening, while feeding herself during the day. This protects the young by not drawing attention to them. Within one month, the young are on their own. The rabbit has a great defense ability. They often create forms by digging shallow bowls open in front and back to use for hiding and resting. They can avoid being seen by freezing and blending in with their environment. They double back, making quick turns, and are extremely fast. They can teach how to recognize signs.

Raccoon-This resourceful bandit is considered shy and secretive, but not afraid to speak his mind when cornered. It is one of the most adaptable animals and is even able to live within the city. Their paws are dexterous and can be used almost as well as hands. They like to slosh their hand and food in water before eating. They will eat most anything, but usually eats mostly vegetables and fruit. Raccoons are extremely curious and love to explore. It is an expert at disguise and secrecy. They do not hibernate, but go into a heavy sleep during the winter, living off their body fat. They are courageous and can be quite ferocious. They are deceptive and agile and are experts at self-defense. They are very sociable animals but not found in large groups.

Skunk-Causing intensity, this little animal would always be on guard and ready to do what was needed to defend himself. The odor of a skunk was considered to keep off diseases, therefore, the Cherokees would remove the scent bag and hang it over their doors. It is a very powerful totem/medicine, people who have this medicine are usually quite respected for themselves and what they can do.They can teach how to give respect, expect respect, and demand respect. It helps you recognize your own abilities and how to assert them. The skunk does not get out of the way of any animal, moving along at its own pace, with its own mind. It is self-assured and confident. Their natural enemy is the great horned owl. The skunk is fearless but are also very peaceful. They move slowly and calmly and will only spray after giving warnings. It will stamp its feet and turn its back to you, then it will raise its tail, and then the skunk will look back over its shoulder. If you are still there, it's usually too late when it sees you over its shoulder! The spray doesn't kill, but can numb the sense and tends to linger for several days on the victim. Skunks have one litter per year, but that usually contains 10 little ones. They can spray from the moment they are born. People with skunk medicine can draw or repel people at will. They are a solitary animal for the most part. They are usually quiet so people with the its medicine usually don't blow their own horns. Skunks are very adaptable and can teach when its best to be noticed and how to go about it most effectively. They are carnivorous, but will eat almost anything and does its hunting at night.

Squirrel-Innocent and playful, this little four-legged friend would prepare amongst his play for hard times. Squirrels are quite sociable but don't like strange squirrels. They have a keen sense of smell and will find their stored caches even if they forget where they buried their nuts. Red squirrels will chatter and scold when strangers appear. They are more aggressive and is usually a better fighter than the gray. The gray squirrel is the most enthusiastic and like all squirrels do not hibernate. It builds its nests in the hollows of trees or in the treetops. The nests are usually ball shaped and the entrance is on the side. They when usually run and avoid fights. All squirrels wrestle for play and are extremely observant and imitative. This is how they learn. They communicate quite well; their bushy tails add to their expressiveness. They will often express emotion through flicks of its tail. Squirrels can teach balance within the circle of gathering and giving out. They are master at preparing and teach work and play go hand in hand.

Wolf-A lot is to be learned from this sacred animal about family life. He is loyal and perseveres in the most harsh of times always providing for his family. He is considered a great hunter who never fails by the Cherokee. Though he is family oriented, he will maintain his own individuality. He will go out of his way to keep from fighting, by showing his teeth, growling, etc. He explains himself well through body language and tone inflection. Usually very confident and knows their place. They are friendly, social, and highly intelligent. The wolf is the true spirit of the free and unspoiled wilderness. Wolves are usually not as large as people depict them to be; their fur is what gives this allusion. They are very ritualistic-in as many ways as the human. They live by carefully defined rules and there are specific territories that are sacred. Their social behavior is based on hierarchy and each has its place and function within this hierarchy. Those with the wolf medicine know who they are and how to develop strength, confidence and surety in that they do not have to demonstrate and prove themselves to all. The wolves have a complex communication system. In the nonverbal, they us movement of the head, tail and direct eye contact. They learn the meanings and responses from the time they are pups. Their vocal communications have different howls meaning different things. They also bark, whine, whimper, and growl. Every member of the pack knows its position in relation to others. Wolf packs are not entirely autocratic, nor are they totally democratic. There are times when both occur, and it is this flexibility which adds to the success of the wolf government. The alpha male and female often mate for life. The entire pack will help with the raising of the young. The wolf of course is a predator and their prey are most often the young, sick or old. Wolves will not waste much time on a healthy adult moose that stands its ground. They will travel great distances in their hunting. They have a stamina and strength that enables them to travel far, and for extended periods. Wolves usually consume all they kill, gorging themselves. They are extremely intelligent and goes out of its way to avoid trouble or danger. Wolves have very keen senses particularly that of smell. But its hunting depends primarily on hearing. The wolf can make quick and firm emotional attachments.

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