The natural world served as the Native Americans’ source of inspiration. They equated almost everything, including birth signs, with characteristics of other living things.
Native Americans have long had a strong connection to the planet and all of its inhabitants. They also believe in a concept known as an animal birth totem, or the spirit animal that, according to your birth date, will serve as your life’s companion.
The birth animal for each sign can offer insight into a person’s personality, life path, and other significant facets of our existence on Earth.
Native American Zodiac Animals and Their Meaning
Otter
(Jan 20 – Feb 19)
Element: Air
Western Zodiac: Aquarius ♒
Color(s): Silver
Stone/Mineral: Silver or Turquoise
Traits: Unconventional, Independent, Friendly
Compatible With: Deer, Raven, Falcon
Otters are spirited and unusual animals. On the other hand, they are also excellent problem-solvers and will persist until they find a solution. The otter is unconcerned by the fact that many people find them challenging to read. They have a distinctive perspective on the world and are unconcerned with what other people think of them. Otters continuously yearn for independence and adventure, but they also have a softer, more compassionate side.
Wolf
(Feb 20 – Mar 19)
Element: Air and Water
Western Zodiac: Pisces ♓
Color(s): Blue-green
Stone/Mineral: Turquoise or Jade
Traits: Sensitive, Intuitive, Generous
Compatible With: Bear, Woodpecker, Snake
The complicated, enigmatic wolf prefers to relax and observe their surroundings while making notes. They can be challenging to get close to since they often bury their feelings and only reveal aspects of themselves that make them feel at ease. The wolf is highly imaginative, clever, and artistic, and he spends a lot of time alone honing his trade. They are so fiercely independent that the term “lone wolf” was coined to describe them.
Falcon
(Mar 20 – Apr 19)
Element: Fire
Western Zodiac: Aries ♈
Color(s): Yellow, Green
Stone/Mineral: Opal
Traits: Powerful, Spontaneous, Sapient
Compatible With: Salmon, Owl
The fiery, independent, and domineering sign of Aries is represented by this animal. Falcons enjoy taking charge of a situation and directing it from beginning to end. They don’t like to be bossed around or dominated, and they don’t handle attempts to tame them well. Falcons don’t undertake much observation or planning before launching into a new activity or business venture. They may come across as arrogant and disagreeable, yet they actually have a good heart underlying their obstinate, brash demeanor.
Beaver
(Apr 20 – May 20)
Element: Fire and Air
Western Zodiac: Taurus ♉
Color(s): Yellow, Blue
Stone/Mineral: Jasper, Hematite
Traits: Practical, Hardworking, Reliable
Compatible With: Goose, Woodpecker, Bear
The beaver has a strong work ethic and won’t give up until the job is finished. They may, however, be obstinate and unwilling to consider other people’s opinions in a given scenario. They are trustworthy and dependable individuals, and you can depend on them to carry through. Beavers are calm, level-headed, and logical and pragmatic thinkers.
Deer
(May 21 – Jun 20)
Element: Fire and Earth
Western Zodiac: Gemini ♊
Color(s): Yellow, Blue
Stone/Mineral: Agate
Traits: Moody, Intelligent, Conversationalist
Compatible With: Raven, Otter
Despite their passive disposition, deer may also be friendly and quite likeable. They travel rapidly and don’t stop till they get there. Deer are friendly and cheerful, yet they may also have a completely different personality at times, retreating inside their shell and longing for alone. The characteristics of this behavior are ideal for a Gemini, whose birthday falls within the dates mentioned above.
Woodpecker
(Jun 21 – Jul 21)
Element: Water
Western Zodiac: Cancer ♋
Color(s): Pink
Stone/Mineral: Carnelian, Rose Quartz
Traits: Protective, Sensitive, Supportive
Compatible With: Snake, Wolf, Beaver
The noble woodpecker can be summed up in a few terms, including persistent, devoted, and brave. Despite their diminutive size, they have a powerful punch. Woodpeckers make themselves known when they enter a space, yet they are by no means haughty. In actuality, the whole reverse is true. They constantly put the needs of others before their own and are exceptionally kind, compassionate, and humble. However, people can be easily upset when expectations aren’t met.
Salmon
(Jul 22 – Aug 21)
Element: Fire and Water
Western Zodiac: Leo ♌
Color(s): Red
Stone/Mineral: Carnelian
Traits: Proud, Energetic, Confident
Compatible With: Owl, Falcon
The salmon has a strong personality and instantly brightens whatever space they enter. They enjoy being in the spotlight and don’t hate it at all. The salmon is a very gifted, clever, and social animal, but without great desires and goals to go towards, they may develop undesirable habits and stagnate. They appreciate surrounding themselves with energetic, optimistic individuals, ideally those who also have big dreams in mind.
Bear
(Aug 22 – Sep 21)
Element: Water and Earth
Western Zodiac: Virgo ♍
Color(s): Brown, Purple
Stone/Mineral: Topaz
Traits: Practical, Modest, Dutiful
Compatible With: Goose, Beaver
The brave, mighty bear is logical, analytical, and straightforward to the core. Bears are incredibly patient creatures who will always be loyal to you. A bear may be quiet and placid on the outside, but they may have a nasty temper on the inside.
Raven
(Sep 22 – Oct 22)
Element: Earth and Air
Western Zodiac: Libra ♎
Color(s): Brown, Blue
Stone/Mineral: Jasper
Traits: Peace-loving, Friendly, Diplomatic
Compatible With: Otter, Deer
Ravens naturally find the ideal balance in their life, and by doing so, they assist others in doing the same. They never put up with unfairness or bullying and always speak up for what is right. Despite the fact that they are also reserved, they are never afraid to pursue their goals in life. Even though they are experiencing a whirlwind inside of them, they have a very elegant speaking style that makes them seem calm and collected.
Snake
(Oct 23 – Nov 22)
Element: Water and Earth
Western Zodiac: Scorpio ♏
Color(s): Violet, Orange
Stone/Mineral: Amethyst
Traits: Impulsive, Secretive, Spiritual
Compatible With: Woodpecker, Wolf
Despite their unfavorable image, don’t stereotype snakes before getting to know them. They can come off as distant and cunning, but they have huge hearts. To better understand them, you only need to expose their outer layers. They are extremely sensitive and creative, but be careful around them because they often want retribution from those who wrong them.
Owl
(Nov 23 – Dec 21)
Element: Earth and Fire
Western Zodiac: Sagittarius ♐
Color(s): Gold, Black
Stone/Mineral: Obsidian
Traits: Adventurous, Broadminded, Independent
Compatible With: Falcon, Salmon
Owls appear to have two distinct personalities. Although they are very wise, strong, and patient, they can also be erratic and unstable. Additionally, they have a thick exterior that requires persistence to break through. Owls are stern yet also affable and amiable. They prefer to move around frequently so they may get some fresh air and experience new adventures. They don’t like to stay in one place for too long.
Goose
(Dec 22 – Jan 19)
Element: Earth and Air
Western Zodiac: Capricorn ♑
Color(s): White, Silver
Stone/Mineral: Quartz, Peridot
Traits: Dependable, Ambitious, Methodical
Compatible With: Beaver, Bear, Raven
One of the hardest workers among the animal signs, geese frequently forsake other facets of their lives in order to focus entirely on their task. Although they are resistant to being convinced by other people’s viewpoints, they take pleasure in trying to convince others to accept and believe their own. They put all of their effort into their work to avoid failing, which is one of their greatest concerns in life.