Native American Sun Symbols on Whats-Your-Sign

Last Updated on October 1, 2020 by Avia

Sun symbols are seen in some shape or fashion in every Native American tribe. This should be a clear indication of how much the sun was revered for its power.

Views and beliefs surrounding the sun symbols vary according to region.

Unanimously, the sun was of great importance to all indigenous people who lived off the land.Provider of warmth, facilitator of crops, and the great bearer of light – it is no wonder this symbol finds its way on so many Native American artifacts and artwork.

Below are a few Native American sun symbols along with their symbol meanings according to each prospective tribe. Or, click here to read an article about the symbolism of the sun.

“The sun, The darkness…
They are all listening to what we have to say.”
~Geronimo

Common Native American Sun Symbols

Raven Sun Chief:
Indigenous people of the North American Pacific region (like Kwakiutl and Haida) have a legend that states the Sun was a chief released from a box by a Raven, The Sun Chief inhabited the sky and it was believed he could be reached by climbing a chain of arrows. He descended by sliding down its long rays. The Sun represents abundant life and its warmth radiates with healing and peace.

native american seven ray sun symbol — Native American Seven Ray Sun Symbol

Seven Ray Sun Symbol:
The seven-ray sun is is one of the most common symbols among Native American Indian tribes. Each of the seven rays represents the seven energy centers within human beings, and also the development of each of these energy centers. This symbol identifies the healing arts, and represents a peace-loving person. It also signifies the transitional power behind an entity who is evolved enough to radiate internal light outward in the environment.

navajo sun symbols feathers — Navajo Feather Sun Symbol

Feather Circle Sun Sign:
Circular Feather Arrangements are found in the artwork of the Plains Indians. Very often feathers featured around a circle (signifying the sun) is a classic Navajo sun symbol. These symbols are used to record war stories or heroic events…each feather representing an important moment in history. The feathers around the sun are also related to the concept of creation, and the cycles of time (transience). A Navajo feathered sun is also a nod to the celestial-god status of the sun.

Hopi Sun Symbol:
The Hopi have a lovely way of assigning celestial features with personality. The Hopi sun symbol is a happy, creative and natural energy. The sun is a supreme god due to the Hopi’s dependence upon it for the growth of corn, and other sustaining crops. The sun symbol represents the heart of the cosmos and deals with vitality, growth, and passion.

Sun Meanings in Mayan Culture:
Mayan sun symbols are all about ascension, clarity and awareness. Mental focus upon the sun facilitates enlightenment. The sun was highly regarded by the Mayan civilization. It brought about high yielding crops, and the sun appeared during time of greatest productivity. Internally, the sun brings about philosophical productivity. Bringing the sun into meditations warms the consciousness, and allows divinity to blossom.

Kachina sun symbols — Kachina sun symbol

Hopi Kachina Sun Symbol:
From the Hopi tribe, Kachinas are the spirits of the invisible life forces. They are supernatural beings who serve as divine messengers between people and gods. The Sun Kachina is a symbol of life, growth, strength of spirit, and abundance. This sun symbol is in the form of the Kachina spirit doll. The Hopi also uses a simpler version of the sun symbol and uses the motif (shown above) to impress upon their arts and crafts. Side note: There are varying versions of the Kachina sun spirit doll design. I designed this one when I ran an embroidery business. You will see it on other sites. Those are copies of my original version created in 2007.

I hope you enjoyed this page on Native American Sun Symbols.

For more thought-provoking pages on this website by clicking on the related links at the end of this page. Find out on sun symbol meanings, Native American symbolism, and more!