Native American Animal Birth Totem Meanings

Last Updated on July 24, 2021 by Avia

Exploring Native American Animal Birth Totem Signs

I originally wrote about these Native American animal birth totem signs for Token Rock when they invited me to offer meanings for Native American zodiac signs on their website. I was invigorated by the idea. Although I’ve written about other Native American astrology signs and wisdom, I knew this would be an extra opportunity to provide a fresh perspective into totemic astrology.

The original article no longer ranks in the search engines, so I thought I would re-publish it here on whats-your-sign.com. By doing so, I hope this information experiences a resurgence and so you sweet peeps might benefit from these birth totem insights. Even though I’m republishing these Native birth signs, I have taken the time to revise and update this information. I really hope you enjoy your sign!

Native American Animal Birth Totem and Native American Zodiac Signs

Where These Native American Astrology Signs Come From

In the early 90s and again in the early 2000s I worked with various Native American heritage organizations. During this time, I worked within a circle of Algonquin friends who shared information about their totem birth animals and their corresponding personality types. The Algonquin originated in Canada and the northeast US. Their given name means “allies” but they call themselves Omàmiwinini which means “downriver people” as the Ottawa River was one of their original homes.

I asked my Algonquin friends at the Native heritage center if they would mind if I created a unique Native American zodiac sign guide, and they generously agreed to collaborate. So, the Elders helped me establish the dates, animal totem birth signs and personality traits inherent to each.

It is the Algonquin stance that your birth date is the first drumbeat of a fantastic ceremonial dance of life. Furthermore, you make your way through life in step with your animal counterpart. The two of you (you and your animal birth totem) dance a pattern that weaves your life experience. And although you will have more than just one animal alliance, your animal birth totem is always available to share wisdom and help you with your evolutional growth in this lifetime. So, without further ado, here are the Native American zodiac signs made possible via Algonquin wisdom.

“If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them and what you do not know, you will fear. What one fears, one destroys.”
~ Chief Dan George, Tsleil-Waututh Nation

Your Native American Animal Birth Totem & Native Astrology Signs

March 21 – April 19: Hawk
You have an expansive vision, and your ability to see beyond what common reality holds is extraordinary. You were born with laser-like focus and thus have an uncanny ability for holding onto a higher vision. What’s more, you are absolutely fearless when it comes to pursuing your dreams/visions/goals. You love sinking your claws into a new quest, particularly when you are given full creative freedom. As a visionary with an intrepid streak in tackling new adventures – people look to you as a natural leader. Part of your life lesson is knowing when others are plucking your feathers for their selfish gain. Spreading your wings and shining more radiantly is the solution. In this way, you uplift through example. Get more about the symbolic meaning of the hawk here.

Native American Animal Birth Totem Moose

April 20 – May 20: Moose
You are a gentle giant among your tribe. Your heart has a massive capacity for love and provision, particularly concerning matters of home and family. You have tremendous influential powers and can sway opinions easily – if you choose – but you rarely over assert yourself upon others. You know your own power, but often elect to keep that power on reserve and in check. This is doubly true in your elder years. Creature comforts, family, friends, sharing, and tender moments of simplicity nurture your soul. All these heartwarming and endearing tendencies of yours vanish if you feel anything you value is threatened. If you perceive harm against your herd, you will strike with a chilling vengeance. Part of your life lesson is to learn flexibility in your perception and to better discern which battles to pick and which to avoid. Get more about the moose animal totem meaning here.

May 21 – June 20: Owl
Your tribal kin has a hard time following you, in spite of your phenomenal ability to intelligently communicate your thoughts to them. It has to do with a higher level of knowledge which is your set-point. Consistently, you maintain high mental standards which often forces others around you to fly up to your level to understand where you’re coming from (something many people are unwilling or unable to do). To complicate matters, you have an active shadow self which throws your clansmen completely off guard. This means you can be unpredictable and thus often misunderstood (or worse, feared). Part of your life lesson is to utilize your ability to see people from all angles and have patience with those who have trouble keeping up with you in the skies you fly. Get more about owl totem meanings here.

Native American Animal Birth Totem Sturgeon

June 21 – July 22: Sturgeon
You have an incredible lineage for intuitive knowing (typically passed from your mother), and the waves of your intuitive perception are best expressed through artistic manifestations. Poetry, art, music are all effective tools for you to convey the world you see. And your world is replete with themes dealing with the underachiever taking up the arduous journey of personal victory. This is why you are typically the storyteller of the tribe because you reach deep within your emotional whirlpools to access incredible ancient knowing. Your conveyances enlighten those around you. Your lesson is to use your fluctuating moods and intensely sensitive/emotional nature to work to your advantage as well as the advantage of the community.

Native American Animal Birth Totem Cougar

July 23 – August 22: Mountain Lion (Cougar)
As a mountain dweller, you are fueled by the realms of the sun, and easily attain high levels of success. Your tribal kin would call you lucky because they observe things always working out for your best interest. You would say you are extremely skilled, highly observant, and you know how to strategize or work the system to your best advantage. This is true. You have impeccable instinct (when you trust it) for knowing what will catapult you to higher realms of success. You also have a keen intellect that often manifests outwardly into a cutting bite as you may have a sharp tongue when speaking to others. Nevertheless, people look up to you upon your mountain and view you as the tribal hero/heroine. Part of your life lesson is to funnel your assertiveness as a means to guide and effectively lead without manipulating or crushing the vulnerable spirits of the souls placed in your charge. Get more about the symbolic meaning of the cougar here.

August 23 – September 22: Stag (Deer)
You are extraordinarily attuned to your environment – having a “sixth sense” about how things should be, and instantaneously knowing when something is “out of place.” Fortunately, you are incredibly deft at putting things back into order. Where your clansman fumble to make sense of confusion – you nobly step into a chaotic scene, soothe anxieties, and set things in order with aplomb. You also have a regal presence about you which intimidates some of your tribal members (in spite of your calming tendencies). They don’t know how to approach one such as you, with your classic gracefulness, refinement, and high standards. The disparagement between classes often leaves you fleeing from mainstream society. Your lesson is to learn how to meet your clansmen on their level without stooping below your own. Get more meanings for the stag and deer here.

Native American Animal Birth Totem Eagle

September 23 – October 22: Eagle
You are the equalizer of your tribal community. You have an inherent ability to focus your awareness in two directions which gives you the gift of foresight and hindsight simultaneously. Your clansmen look to you to settle disputes and arguments because of your advanced skills at discernment. You also have an evolved sense of equality. This often comes from a time in your own life where you had to fight for your own rights and personal liberation. You love to see justice served and you live life with a specialized concept of balance. Your life lessons will typically revolve around themes of balance. In fact, you may manifest this balance in staggering ways by balancing unconventional with conventional having a “public” life and a “secret” life. Get more about eagle totem meaning here.

Native American Animal Birth Totem Beaver

October 23 – November 21: Beaver
You swim in rivers of vast potential and wonder where reality and dreams commingle with ease. When the outside world does not comply with your perception of what it should be – you simply construct worlds of your own unique design and live there quite contently. Tribal members will seek you to interpret their dreams because you are so familiar with the constructs of parallel worlds. You are also incredibly aware of others’ emotions and use this gift to discern deeper meaning in their lives. You’re a master at disguise and will change your surroundings to match your moods. Part of your life lesson is to be mindful of other people in your reconstructive/transformative behaviors as the actions you take can sometimes cause emotional blockages for others. Get more about beaver totem meanings here.

November 22 – December 21: Red Fox
You incorporate a sense of play into the tribal community that is vital. Without your levity, and high energy your clansmen would be left deflated. You bolster those around you by encouraging laughter, teamwork, and a sense of camaraderie. Your tribe looks to you for entertainment, but they seldom recognize your depth. When properly motivated, you have the ability to drive sharp intellect into the heart of grand philosophical concepts – piercing core issues with the gift of honed insight. But you can be fickle and flighty in your intellectual pursuits which often leads you back to playful tricks and antics. You are endearing and loveable but to a point. Your lesson is to know your own limits and to recognize your potential through focus and self-grounding. Get more about the red fox totem meaning here.

December 22 – January 19: Black Bear
You often find yourself in a position of a tribal elder in your community because you represent a foundational cornerstone within the tribe. You might call it common sense, but those you dispense advice to see your wisdom earthshaking. In reality, you have a unique ability to see several steps ahead and know how to incorporate practical measures to bring about solid results to any endeavor. You recognize the value of hard work in order to obtain a goal. More importantly, you have a quality of patience that is remarkable. You can lay months in waiting and planning in order to see the fruits of your labor ripen. Part of your life lesson is to recognize that even though your ways are proven reliable, your process may not always be right for everyone (particularly the tribal youths). Get more about the Native American bear totem meaning here.

January 20 – February 18: Wolf
You also have a gift of specialized wisdom and even the skill of prophecy. You are infinitely generous to those within your clan and can be incredibly protective over your assets. In fact, you tend to draw a clear line between those who belong to you (your pack) and outsiders. It can take months, even years for you to accept an outsider. But your sense of loyalty to the whole of your community is legendary. Your unique knowing and perspective lead you to contribute incredible insights, inventions, and revolutionary ideas to your community. Paradoxically, sometimes your ideas aren’t as warmly welcomed as you feel they should be due to misunderstandings. Part of your life lesson is to develop communication skills that convey your ideas more clearly with a goal for communal acceptance. More about wolf totem meanings here.

Native American Animal Birth Totem - Whale — Native American Animal Birth Totem – Whale

February 19 – March 20: Grey Whale
You will likely find yourself living on the outskirts of the tribe – not because you do not wish for fellowship, but because living in isolation affords you the luxury of gathering your internal resources for the great spiritual work you are called to do. This spirit within you usually works in the form of healing. The members of your clan will seek you out as their tribal healer. Even those outside of your tribe will travel great distances to receive insight, cleansing, and healing from you. There are many people who seek your wisdom, and this can put a great deal of strain on you. You give so much of yourself – but there often comes a point when you’ve had enough, and become reactive. Your life lessons revolve around keeping your individuality while serving the community. Also, you must learn to respect your unique needs for self-nurturing, relaxation, and seclusion when you need it. More about whale totem meaning here.

I hope you enjoyed this information about Native American animal birth signs as much as I did writing about them. Furthermore, I’d like to take a moment to thank my Native Algonquin friends for helping me write this article on Native American zodiac signs. As always, thanks so much for reading.

Mighty brightly,

Avia