One of my readers asked me about the meaning of Native American starburst symbols, to which I respond here:

Multiply the hundreds of Native tribes, by the hundreds of eras of their existence, by the hundreds of regions they have inhabited, by the hundreds of artistic renditions of the Native starburst motif, by the hundreds of interpretations of that starburst pattern designated by each tribe…this may explain some of the difficulties in narrowing down one meaning to a single starburst symbol for which you seek.

However, here are a few meanings: 

Many (plains tribes) Native American starburst are simple triangles formed around a circle.  Within the circle is usually depicted a stick figure of a man or animal to symbolize strength, courage and virility.

The starburst symbolism for many tribe deals with cosmic union – and man’s strength derived from such connection.

Algonquin and Arapaho would often draw these starburst patterns as a record of dreams or vision quests.  They were also drawn in manhood rituals – a right of manhood – coming of age ceremony.

I got an email from a gentleman who was working on a tattoo and wanted a Native American symbol for seer, to which I respond:

Dear Marks Alot: 

There are a few symbolic elements you can incorporate into your clients tattoo to represent the Native American concept of “seer.”

Most plains tribes consider the Lynx & the Crow to be immaculate “seers.” They consider these creatures to be highly intuitive, and keeper of secrets.

It is believed that Higher Authorities within the tribe such as Medicine Men, or the Grandmother figure were able to speak to these creatures. 

The Lynx and Crow would only speak to those who were open and wise enough to receive their messages.  Further, it was said that these creatures would give messages to these specially developed tribe members – messages dealing with future events, and status of people among theirs and other tribes.

Another option are tracks.  Plains tribes placed enormous value on one who could “read sign.”  Accurately reading tracks was not just for hunters of the tribe (common misinformation).  Rather, those who could read the signs of tracks as well as the rhythm of the trees, the ways of the sun, moon, stars and seasons…members who could literally read the tracks of the Mother were viewed as true “seers” among the tribe.  

Photo by Hashmil on Flickr.

Shown left is an adaptation for the Native American symbol for sister (plains Indian).

The X with a small circle is a represents woman-ness, female power, fertility, and compassion.

Side-by-side, these symbols represent two women bonded in a relationship of the soul – sisters.

Should one female symbol be above the other – this would be a symbol for mother or a representation of a grandmother relationship.

The positioning of side-by-side is very important as it indicates a union, bond, equality – a sharing in the journey of blood.

The circle around the two female symbols signifies family – family ties, family blood, clan closeness & protection.  The circle that never breaks – it holds that which can never be broken – the bond of souls, the bond of blood between this female relationship.

I was recently asked for a Native American symbol for mother, to which I respond.

Dear Maternally Instinctive,

There are two Native American symbols for mother that come to mind. 

The first (shown left) is the Hopi Tapuat – the mother child symbol.  The lines represent stages of life, umbilical cord, and the path of moving – always within the watchfulness of the Mother.  The center symbolizes the amniotic sack – the center of life – the beginning.  This piece is also refered to as the Journey symbol.

The next symbol (shown left) is the Navajo nahas-tsan beh-assun – Mother Earth.  Traditionally painted in turquoise, and marks on her body symbolize corn, pumpkin, tobacco and beans – all life giving elements to the Navajo.  She is rarely seen without her counterpart – Father Earth (yash-diklith beh-hasteen).

I would encourage you to do further research on your own about the Native American culture and their perceptions of the mother concept.  These are only two symbols from two tribes…there are far more Native American symbols for mother than just these.

Further, take the time to meditate upon these concepts for yourself.  You’ll be amazed at how much the Native American energies are willing to share when you come with an open heart and mind as well as a sincere desire to learn.

One of my readers asked me for information on Native American Medicine Wheels.  Specifically,  she wanted to know how the phases of human life were represented within the wheel – to which I respond:

Dear Native Nurturer: 

As you know, there are numerous Native American tribes.  Each tribe (if each indeed has a specific symbol for the life phases) will each have a different symbol.  Although some tribe symbols are similar, no symbols are universal amongst all tribes.

The best I can provide you with is the assignment of characteristics of human growth designated by the Navajo medicine wheel (shown above).  These assignments are according the the directions of the wind, the creatures of the Mother, and the colors of the spirit realm.  Attributes of this powerful Native American Symbol are as such:

• Child: South/Mouse/Red
• Death: West/Bear/Black
• Adult: North/Buffalo/White
• Birth: East/Eagle/Yellow

The symbolism of each quadrant within the wheel is mammoth, and require much devotion for fullness of understanding.  

As you contemplate the wheel, and the developmental stages through the Native’s eyes, consider the following philosophical phrases in conjunction with the above listed wheel designations:

• “With the sway of south winds we flow from the blood of the Mother, small as mice and innocent yet with powerful potential in our tiny eyes.”
• “Our newborn dew passes off from us like the sun setting west.  We explore our domains and form conclusions about the way of things.  In play we mount courage and find our way as the bear. ”
• “As high pines kiss north skies, we stand tall in our growth. We provide, we expand, we rule thunderously as the buffalo.”
• “The sun rises upon our lives and judges it fit for sacrifice.  With supple eagle wings we now slip off the flesh and climb light’s highest rung.”

I hope this information proves useful on your journey to deeper understanding of Native American symbolism/philosophy.

Regards & blessings to you,
A. Venefica

The Hopi tribe is among the most prolific in offering Native American symbols. One of the more common of these is the “swastika” or ”four angle cross.”

We can delve into the Native American swastika symbol meaning by investigating several Hopi legends.

In one Hopi legened, the first portion is the cross (without the right-angle bends).  This symbol represents spiritual migration.

These people understand that they first journey is a spiritual one.  We start from the center and move out in four directions in a spiritual sense – extending our senses and spirit out into the etheral realm.  This makes up the cross (without the right-angled bends).

The right angle is representative of the physical migration of the Hopi. According to legend after the spiritual journey is made, the physical migrations of the clans began along the North/South axle of Earth and along the East/West axle of Earth.

There is also another Hopi legend that the first portion of the symbol meaning was part of a sun walk ritual where the first of the individual clans walked out into the Sun migrating out as far as the Sun’s rays extended.

After walking the length of the Sun’s rays, they then turned left and walked as far as the Earth would allow.

This form of the legend makes the four-angled cross a sacred symbol of Sun & Earth.