Animal Fetish Meanings

ARMADILLO

The keeper of the home. He is slow-moving and sure and makes sure he gets things done correctly. Armadillo represents variety in one's inner life; he is thick-skinned and reserved.

BADGER

Protective animal of the South and is associated with the color red. Living close to the ground, he has great knowledge of the earth. It is believed that the badger helps medicine men and shamans dig the roots and herbs needed in healing. Characteristics associated with badgers include tenaciousness, passion, control, persistence and earthiness.

BAT

The guardian of the night.

BEAR

Protective animal of the West and is associated with the color blue. He is called “The Great Protector or "The Sacred Bear".  He is a spiritual guide and also carries within him supernatural powers. Though all bears are healers, white bears provide especially powerful healing. Normally bear fetishes will have little or no tails but a variety of body shapes. Characteristics associated with bears include strength, courage, adaptability, healing and spiritual communion.

BEAVER

Builder, strong sense of family and home. The beaver is industrious and diligent. He represents achievement and hard work. They are known for their building skills and associated with water by some north eastern tribes.

BIRDS

Carry prayers to clouds and sky, asking for rain and blessing.

BOBCAT/LYNX

Hunting animal of the South and associated with the color red.  He is elusive and intelligent; a solitary and independent hunter. The bobcat also represents clairvoyance and is a secret keeper.

BUFFALO

The buffalo represents prophesy and fulfillment of powers. He also represents endurance to rise above one's weaknesses.

BUTTERFLY

The butterfly represents beauty and transformation. It also represents rebirth, the ability to change and to move on.

CORN MAIDEN

Emerged with the Zuni from the Underworld or Inner Earth. Brings plentiful harvest. She represents strength, creation, and wisdom.

COYOTE

Hunting animal of the West and is associated with the color blue. He is the master trickster and represents humor and the ability to laugh at one's own mistakes. He can be a great teacher showing us how our impulsive nature or our self-centeredness fail to serve us well. And he can remind us to recognize those habits which ultimately make our lives more difficult.

CROW

The crow is the keeper of the sacred law.

DEER

The deer represents grace, gratitude, and the power of gentleness. The deer has the ability to sacrifice for the greater good. He also represents agility and speed.

DOG

The dog represents friendship and loyalty.

DOLPHIN

The dolphin represents the spirit of trust and friendship. He is very loyal.

DUCK   

The duck represents the spirits of those who have passed on.

EAGLE

Protective & hunting animal of the Sky and associated with multicolor. The eagle symbolizes becoming one with the Greater Spirit. He is the messenger to the gods and associated with power, balance, dignity and grace. The eagle carries the power of intuition and creativeness. His spirit transcends personal problems. He represents vision and higher truths. Highly revered in Zuni, the eagle's feathers are still used in sacred ceremonies.

ELK

The elk represents the ability to pace oneself and gain increasing stamina. He represents confidence and power.

FALCON

The falcon represents power and harmony. He is intuitive and has the ability to see the big picture. While eagles are the messengers to the gods, falcons and hawks are the messengers to people or between animals.

FISH

The fish represents the ability to hide one's emotions. He is a purifier.

FOX

The fox is quick and observant. He approaches life with amusement and cleverness and can make himself invisible when threatened. He represents camouflage and protection. Fox fetishes will be similar to wolves but with elongated, fluffy tails.

FROG

Frogs are most often associated with water, prayers for rain, and fertility. He is also the fertility fetish. Women often keep a frog fetish by their bed when hoping to become pregnant. Frogs and tadpoles represent the cycle of life.

HAWKS

Known for their hunting skills and in keeping rodents away from crops. He represents energy and inspiration. While eagles are the messengers to the gods, falcons and hawks are the messengers to people or between animals.

HORNED LIZARD

The horned lizard represents longevity and self reliance.

HORSE

The horse represents partnerships and strength. He also represents power and achieving one’s potential. The horse has innate healing powers.

HUMMINGBIRD

The hummingbird is a messenger and represents the ability to stop time. He also represents joy and beauty.

LIZARD

The Lizard represents patience and wisdom. He also represents conversation and agility.

MACAW

The macaw was, and is, an important bird. Even today macaw feathers are highly prized and used ceremonially and in dance costumes. The macaw plays a part, as does the raven, in the Zuni story of migration.

MOLE

Protective & hunting animal of the Inner Earth and is associated with the color black. Protector of growing crops by hunting small animals such as mice and rodents. He represents awareness and grounding and has the ability to look inward. The mole has the least power of all the protective and hunting animals.  

MOOSE

The moose represents longevity, self esteem, and confidence.

MOUNTAIN LION

Protective & hunting animal of the North and is associated with the color yellow. He represents leadership and resourcefulness.  The mountain lion is carried by travelers to protect them on their journey and also carried by hunters to help ensure a successful hunt. The mountain lion can remind us to persevere, clarify our goals and move forward to achieving our dreams. They are carved with tails slung over the back and down the side or hanging down from the back.

MOUSE

Reminds one to pay attention to detail.

OPOSSUM

The opossum is a planner.

OTTER

The otter is very playful.  He represents laughter, curiosity and balanced femininity.

OWL

Guardian of the home.  He represents wisdom, truth, and has the ability to see what others cannot.

QUAIL

The quail represents holiness and the sacred spirit.

RABBBIT

Not traditionally a Zuni fetish. Due to their reputation for abundant reproduction, the rabbit is associated with birthing and fertility. The rabbit is the special guardian of women in childbirth and is associated with safe childbirth and a long life for children. He represents gentleness, charm, virtue, serenity and awareness of others.

RACCOON

The raccoon is shy and resourceful.

RAM

The ram is used to secure and increase the herd.

RAVEN

Not a traditional Zuni fetish, yet along with the Horse, the raven has the possession of healing powers. He is clever and represents magic and transformation. He is a messenger of great mystery and represents a change in consciousness. The raven helps guide us through the darkest of times.

SKUNK

The skunk represents self respect; helps us gain inner strength and an honored reputation

SNAKE

The snake represents energy and helps us connect with greater powers. He symbolizes the circle of life: life, death, and rebirth. He is believed to have curative powers and is also associated with lightning. The snake plays an important part in Zuni ceremonies.

SPIDER

The spider represents the creative patterns of life.

SQUIRREL

The squirrel represents the ability to plan ahead and is very industrious. He represents natural intelligence and the protector of reserves.

TURTLE

The turtle is the symbol of Mother Earth - longevity and confidence. He is also associated with self-reliance, tenacity and being a skillful navigator through life's obstacles.

WOLF

Protective & hunting animal of the East and is associated with the color white.  The wolf is a teacher, pathfinder, and survivor.  He represents loyalty and strong family ties. He teaches us inner guidance and clarity.