Soaring Eagle
As some people, and I am one, who find it useful to use the native American symbols used in this deck, I have decided to make a listing. I am in no way an expert on this subject, but this should save you time looking each symbol up on the internet. My interpretations to these symbols is based on the fact that I am native American, and have some knowledge in this area.
This deck is mainly based on the native peoples from the western US.. You will find symbols used for the Southwest peoples, and the Northwest peoples, including Alaska. There are also symbols from the plains peoples. I think I’ve mentioned everyone. For easier interpretation I have used the term “nations” or “peoples” instead of “tribe”. I also used “native” rather than “indian”. This is my preference, it may not be yours. I have tried to “generalize” the terms, and they are in order as they appear in the cards, not in alphabetical order.
Spirit Guide: Each person has their own spirit guide, this will vary person to person. You may note that in my Significant Details, I may mention that a certain animal is a spirit guide. That is my interpretation, it may not be yours.
Clown: Many nations that I know well have a “clown”or "contrary", someone who is backwards. This is especially true for important ceremonies. This person usually wears their clothes backwards, walk backwards, etc.. These people were considered “special”, touched by the Great Spirit. I do not see the clown as about to fall or step off the cliff, because I expect to see him walk backwards.
Coyote: The coyote was usually the “trickster” in most of these cards I merely see him as a spirit guide. “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.”
Medicine pouch: The medicine pouch is very sacred to anyone who has one. It’s contents differ from nation to nation, and person to person.
Deer: The deer is encouraging, active, and sharp minded. “Symbolizes speed and family protection; plenty of game. Watch, listen, be patient, consider irreversible decisions carefully.”
Eagle/Thunderbird/Golden Eagle: Many nations considered the eagle/thunderbird to be a connection to the Great Spirit.
Peace Pipe: A pipe had several uses, in these cards, I see it as being used for meditation by a medicine man.
Smoke: The smoke from a sacred pipe or fire used for meditation was thought to go to the spirit realm.
Eagle Feathers: Eagle feathers were traditionally awarded to a warrior for deeds done well. It signified their status among their people. The same would be said of a woman, though usually her feathers were given in relation to her husband/father. “Sacred pieces of spirit - a reflection of a person's vision and accomplishments - bravery, good judgment, humility and special perspective. Prayers floating in the wind. Chief.”
The Sun: The sun was associated with beginnings.
The Moon: The moon was associated with endings, meditation, thus illusions.
Corn: Fertility
Turtle: Truth, Fertility, Long Life, Perseverence
Grand Mother and Grand Father: The elders of the nation were revered, and their stories sacred.
Bison/Buffalo: Rebirth. “Provides the good things for those living as well as sacredness. Wisdom, renewal and personal power based on knowledge.”
Staff: The staff signified a person of importance, possibly an elder, and the more eagle feathers, the more prominent.
Shaman: The shaman was very revered by most nations. He/she was the connection to the spirit realm. He/she led the prayers, appeased the spirits after a hunt, etc.
Raven: Bearer of news (good or bad)
Wolf: Leader, Teacher of new Ideas and Wisdom
Totem Pole: for the Alaskan tribes, and others, the totem pole is a family history.
Mountain tops: for many nations the tops of the mountain were sacred areas.
Bear: Majesty, Freedom, Power “The protector and symbolizes physical strength and leadership as well as the wild, untamable side of humanity.”
White birds: the Spirit
Dragon Flies: Messengers
Puma: Power, Leadership, Swiftness. “Wise leadership without ego; balancing power, intention, strength; self-confidence; freedom from guilt; cunning.”
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.”
Spider: “The story weaver-creating something from almost nothing. Said to connect the past with the future; creative and weaves the pattern of life.”
Snake: “Usually seen in healing and fertility rites. He is often considered a hunter.”
Vision Quest: sacred journey, who made a spiritual journey differed from nation to nation.
Burial methods varied from nation to nation.
All quotes to this point taken from: Native American Animal Symbols - Who are They, What do They Mean and Why http://www.support-native-american-art.com/Native-American-Animal-Symbols.html
Salmon: Proud, intense, confident, wisdom, inspiration.
Sea Otter: Playful, friendly, dynamic, joy, helpfulness, and sharing.
Sunflower: Fertility
This deck is mainly based on the native peoples from the western US.. You will find symbols used for the Southwest peoples, and the Northwest peoples, including Alaska. There are also symbols from the plains peoples. I think I’ve mentioned everyone. For easier interpretation I have used the term “nations” or “peoples” instead of “tribe”. I also used “native” rather than “indian”. This is my preference, it may not be yours. I have tried to “generalize” the terms, and they are in order as they appear in the cards, not in alphabetical order.
Spirit Guide: Each person has their own spirit guide, this will vary person to person. You may note that in my Significant Details, I may mention that a certain animal is a spirit guide. That is my interpretation, it may not be yours.
Clown: Many nations that I know well have a “clown”or "contrary", someone who is backwards. This is especially true for important ceremonies. This person usually wears their clothes backwards, walk backwards, etc.. These people were considered “special”, touched by the Great Spirit. I do not see the clown as about to fall or step off the cliff, because I expect to see him walk backwards.
Coyote: The coyote was usually the “trickster” in most of these cards I merely see him as a spirit guide. “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.”
Medicine pouch: The medicine pouch is very sacred to anyone who has one. It’s contents differ from nation to nation, and person to person.
Deer: The deer is encouraging, active, and sharp minded. “Symbolizes speed and family protection; plenty of game. Watch, listen, be patient, consider irreversible decisions carefully.”
Eagle/Thunderbird/Golden Eagle: Many nations considered the eagle/thunderbird to be a connection to the Great Spirit.
Peace Pipe: A pipe had several uses, in these cards, I see it as being used for meditation by a medicine man.
Smoke: The smoke from a sacred pipe or fire used for meditation was thought to go to the spirit realm.
Eagle Feathers: Eagle feathers were traditionally awarded to a warrior for deeds done well. It signified their status among their people. The same would be said of a woman, though usually her feathers were given in relation to her husband/father. “Sacred pieces of spirit - a reflection of a person's vision and accomplishments - bravery, good judgment, humility and special perspective. Prayers floating in the wind. Chief.”
The Sun: The sun was associated with beginnings.
The Moon: The moon was associated with endings, meditation, thus illusions.
Corn: Fertility
Turtle: Truth, Fertility, Long Life, Perseverence
Grand Mother and Grand Father: The elders of the nation were revered, and their stories sacred.
Bison/Buffalo: Rebirth. “Provides the good things for those living as well as sacredness. Wisdom, renewal and personal power based on knowledge.”
Staff: The staff signified a person of importance, possibly an elder, and the more eagle feathers, the more prominent.
Shaman: The shaman was very revered by most nations. He/she was the connection to the spirit realm. He/she led the prayers, appeased the spirits after a hunt, etc.
Raven: Bearer of news (good or bad)
Wolf: Leader, Teacher of new Ideas and Wisdom
Totem Pole: for the Alaskan tribes, and others, the totem pole is a family history.
Mountain tops: for many nations the tops of the mountain were sacred areas.
Bear: Majesty, Freedom, Power “The protector and symbolizes physical strength and leadership as well as the wild, untamable side of humanity.”
White birds: the Spirit
Dragon Flies: Messengers
Puma: Power, Leadership, Swiftness. “Wise leadership without ego; balancing power, intention, strength; self-confidence; freedom from guilt; cunning.”
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.”
Spider: “The story weaver-creating something from almost nothing. Said to connect the past with the future; creative and weaves the pattern of life.”
Snake: “Usually seen in healing and fertility rites. He is often considered a hunter.”
Vision Quest: sacred journey, who made a spiritual journey differed from nation to nation.
Burial methods varied from nation to nation.
All quotes to this point taken from: Native American Animal Symbols - Who are They, What do They Mean and Why http://www.support-native-american-art.com/Native-American-Animal-Symbols.html
Salmon: Proud, intense, confident, wisdom, inspiration.
Sea Otter: Playful, friendly, dynamic, joy, helpfulness, and sharing.
Sunflower: Fertility