Animals are considered to hold certain powers and represent different traits. Individuals' names were compared to something in nature that represented them. Sometimes during a Vision Quest, the individual would encounter the animal or other natural being which would would protect them and that individual could then learn how to adopt the power/trait of that animal. Some names would come from some event in life that would stand out and then the individual would be compared with a particular animal. Listed below are some of the animals and other items that I have gathered information on, alot from the book "Animal-speak." Not all tribes felt the same way, but it does seem that the traits tended to be comparable from tribe to tribe and also from individual to individual. And I do believe that a child's name will affect him/her later in life. When a totem is mentioned, this is when a particular animal has come into your life to teach you something, not necessarily your guide. When one has its medicine it is meant that they have learned from their animal those positive (and even negative) strengths from that animal and has learned how to apply them to life.

Alligator-This animal was seen as a survivor. It was aggressive and could withstand different environments. Of course, this animal would be known only on the Southeast region of the US. However, the crocodile is known around the world. The alligator will lay their eggs in a huge pile of dirt and other debris. It will always remain in the immediate area to protect their eggs. However, once the young are born, the mother has no other true protective skills. According to the species, some mothers will carry their young to the water as much as possible. However, while young, the alligator babies are left alone to defend for themselves. If they survive until adulthood, there is no other predator, except for man, that is above them on the food chain.They take a long time to mature, but once there, nothing/noone can overcome them if they are careful enough.

Ant-As in the Aesop's fable of the ant and grasshopper, the early Native Americans saw this creature as one that prepared for the future, constantly working. It was known also for working together in a group to achieve its goal.

Barn Owl-This owl has a heart shaped facial disc which is unique. This shows ability to link the heart and mind. Since it has white feathering, it is considered a "ghost owl." It is a master hunter and has a masterful hearing ability, being able to echo the prey's location. They are inventive in opportunities and are adaptable and will take whatever food is available. Also see the OWL description.

Black Bird-This is the true blackbird, not crows/ravens. The female are usually streaked with brown and many of these birds has spots of different colors. The medicine of this bird is strongest during the summer and is the time of vibrancy and vitality of life. Winter should be used as times of rest and recapture energy. They are highly territorial birds and will often drive off other birds that invade their territory. This bird represents new surprises and understanding of nature.

Blue Bird-They are to help us keep in mind that we are born to be happy and fulfilled. The person that interacts with the bluebird can be one who tends to work and play aggressively or has been recently. The bluebird can also represent passage from one stage of life to another (eg puberty). Their feathers are known to be used to help summer come along. They are very gentle birds and don't push other birds, but when threatened, can be a handful.

Blue Jay-An omen for something good to come, these birds represented happiness. As well as being a bully and fearless, these birds are highly adaptable and resourceful which can help with obtaining higher knowledge within ourselves. They can survive with very little effort because of their great talents. The blue jay is considered a link between the heavens and earth, knowing how to control both. But because their abilities are between them, they usually do not master either one (even though the ability is there!). He should be a reminder that when we start something, we should always finish it.

Butterfly-This little creature was seen as carefree and also as one that could transform from one creature to another completely different one at maturity.

Buzzard-Is considered the healer among birds. It is considered by the Cherokee to have helped shape the earth. If a buzzard's feather is worn, it is believed the wearer will become bald. It is said the buzzard is immune to sickness and can keep away bad spirits. Also see the vulture.

Cactus-This is one of reserving life's necessity.

Canary-This bird represents healing and blessings through music and voice. This helps you with expressing your feelings and thoughts. Fresh air is important to the person with the canary as a guide.

Cardinal-This colorful bird had power to foretell good fortune or something needed was on its way. These birds brighten up our surroundings and colors our lives. We should remember this when going through life. They are friendly birds that help us by eating up weed seads and harmful insects (including the locust). Those with the cardinal as their guide should be careful with their diet so that they don't harm themselves or dull their vitality. The male cardinal shares with responsibility of incubating the eggs. They also will often feed the female during the raising of the young. This serves to remind us to keep to our responsibilities and the importance of our personal tasks. The cardinal has a loud whistle which helps us to remember to listen carefully. This should include listening inwardly for strength in creativity and intuition.

Cedar-For most nations, the cedar was considered the most sacred tree, used mostly for purification and ceremonies.

Crane-Seen as quite the independent animal, it was usually used for those who prefer privacy. It has also represented leadership/authority by longetivity. It will help teach us how to express our energies. The parents hide their young to keep them from predators. This reflects a sense of protectiveness and need for secrecy in regards to something new. The crane can teach you how to energize your creative resources and keep them alive by having proper focus in your life. Those with crane medicine (especialy women) do better to stay at home and raise their young rather than to divide their responsibilities between work and home. However, if this is not possible, the crane can teach you how to do both successfully.

Crow-This intelligent bird was akin to war, its intelligence could help one make it through a battle alive by wit and cunning. This bird has the ability to outwit others (including humans!), and do much more than survive well. Because black represents birth and creation, the crow should remind us that our creative instincts can do well during the daytime hours. They are constantly on guard and quite freely share their findings to warn others, even those not of their kind. Crows have a dynamic language. There even some rumors that when alone, they will actually sing soft music to themselves. There are several types of caws and each has a different meaning. This serves to show us that there are many different ways of creativity and communications. The crow is very adaptable to its environment and has a diverse menu. They have an unique ability to work and communicate together. Both the male and female work together in making their home and raising their young. They keep their nests very clean and even the young don't desecrate it. In legends, the crows have been known to predict harsh weather by the way they fly. The crow reminds us to look for opportunities to create and that magic is available to us every day.

Dove-The dove represent peace, comfort. When their feathers were worn, it usually represented someone who just lost a loved one, and the dove was grieving for them. The dove eats from the ground, and this should remind us to keep in touch with Mother Earth. The voice of the dove is considered to be able to bring refreshing water for new life out of its mournings. It should remind us that no matter what conditions we are experiencing at the present time, new waters and a new life are still possible.

Dragonfly-This little one was known to be carefree and always on the move.

Ducks-Ducks tend to represent emotional comfort and protection. With duck medicine, we should remember to nurture our own emotional natures as well as drink the waters of life. They usually are very friendly and can display an array of emotions. They are great at showing affection and like being around others. They will return to where they feel safe and accepted. One with duck medicine can handle their own emotions with grace and ease. They can teach how to get through life in different situations.

Eagle-Being the magnificent bird whose flight could take him high to the Creator, he is revered for taking our prayers to Him. He is used to represent spreading our wings, reaching out to high goals, greater sight and perception. He also represents peace and honor through achievements made. Eagles are so good at hunting, they actually take very little time doing it. Those with the eagle medicine can teach how to be of the earth but not in it. They are also good at learning how to work with the emotions and all aspects of spirituality with greater control. One can learn from the eagle how to grasp, hold and utilize those things necessary for life, without this, one cannot survive. It is important that one with the eagle as a totem, that unless learned how to control, verbal communication can unintentionally harm someone. They also have tremendous control, knowing when to catch their prey.

Finch-As a finch, one will learn how to increase their opportunities and experience various activities. One can survive in diverse environments and blend in well. The color of a finch is important, but make sure it is the true color of the bird, not just the name. A finch is to give us the information that life is going to become more active.

Frog-This water creature was in tune with his environment.

Goose-Considered a traveller, he will remain faithful to his brothers. The totem helps bring back childhood thrills and beliefs in stories and legends. The goose medicine will aid in communications through story usage. The usage of the feather for writing brings the facility of creativity and imaginations, helping with mental writing blocks. Geese are more territorial than ducks and are vegetarians. They mate for life and tend to represent that there is one special person for each of us. The young are quiet in the first year of life and then break free for their own world. With the migration in mind, those with the goose totem helps to search out for new worlds, opportunities, etc. They are team members, each helping out with the others. They will never fly right behind another one, thus leaving the line of sight open straightahead.

Great-horned owl-The daytime counterpart of the greathorned is the red tailed hawk, though the owl will harrass it and vice versa. Only the golden eagle is unafraid and unintimidated by the owl. This owl is considered the most ferocious and successful predator of the owls. It is powerful and swift, even known to snap the neck of a woodchuck. It will take whatever prey will show itself and will not hesitate to attack other birds of prey. The owl attacks life with fervor and will inhabit any area that is promising in food in which the skunk is one of their favorite since the owl's sense of smell is not the best. And by the way, the tufts of feathers at the top of the head are not the ears which are located at the bottom of the tufts and towards the center of the head. The ears are not directy one across from the other, but actually about an inch between the centers. This is so that they can "hear" 3-dimensionally, easier to locate where their prey is. This owl does not usually migrate, but will be very territorial during their life as long as there is food available. If a mate dies, another new mate will be allowed into their territory. They will usually lay 2-3 eggs at a time, sometimes more according to the food available in an area. Both the male and female will care for the young. They have even been known to pluck their feathers in order to give more warmth to the eggs for incubaiton. They do not make their own nests as they are very inadequte for this. They are known to either take uninhabited nests from other large birds of prey, especially the red-tailed hawk, or even lay their eggs in the forks of tree branches. They are very adaptable, ranging from northern Canada to southern South America, anywhere from forests to urban park areas. They are the first bird of prey that begin their mating season, usually early January, giving them the opportunities of the best nesting area. They prefer to hunt on the edge of a crowded forest, they will choose the edge so that they can see further and better than any other. Their diets are highly varied. They will take a prey small enuogh to just barely fit in their talons, to one that is large enough that they can barely carry away. Even housecats are known to be their prey. They are considered to be the strongest of the North American birds of prey and they are definitely the quietest in their flights. They tend to hunt mostly during dusk and dawn. Though they do not prefer full daylight hours, they are still very effective as their eyes are adaptable to the light. They hunt using mostly their very highly adapted sense of hearing and unusual telesopic to microscopic sense of sight. They can not move their eyes in the sockets and make up for this by being to turn their heads very rapidly 270 degrees, which is 3/4 of a complete circle. They tend to prefer hunting by sitting high on a perch where they can see everything beneath them. Their babies are full size in just about a month, and are literally "forced" from the nest in about 5-7 months. As the young, they are also forced from their parents territory. These owls are known to be able to survive wounds that would cause most other birds to die. The females tend to be larger than the males, by up to 5 pounds. They have little to no sense of smell that gives them the ability to be about the only predator of the skunk. When the owl eats, it will eat their prey in full, discarding what is unnecessary later in a pellet, such as bones, feathers, etc. The great horned owl is usually solitary and likes those places that are "unsettled". One of the positive from having an owl around is that they tend to control the rat and mice population. And when the owl is not hunting, they are anything BUT quiet. They like to inform others they are there, marking their territories or giving the mating call to others. Unless a great horned owl is taken from the nest before their eyes are opened, they will be totally untrainable. One more intersting fact about this owl, they will during the winter, actually cache their food, keeping it frozen until needed. Then they will set on it to thaw it out before it is eaten.

Gulls-The gulls are both of the water and air. This combines swimming and flying. They inhabit the shorelines, which is neither truly land or sea. Therefore, the gulls are reflecting the ability to work in other dimensions than that which is normal. The appearance of a gull usually discloses abilities in the proper way to behave. Though while in a group, they are noisy and will take every opportunity that even glints, the gull when alone, emits a much different behavior. One with gull medicine can read people more effectively through gestures and other sublimal signs. They also help keep the shores clean from debris. They are particular eaters. The color red actually invites them to eat; this is why the mother bird has a red spot on her beak.

Hawk-This messenger watched the skies and foresaw coming dangers or blessings. To wear its feathers had to do with power and strength. Hawks have the keenest eyes of all raptors. There are many kinds of hawks-you should research the specific qualities in a particular kind. Females in the hawk family tend to be larger than the male, due to the fact she is the one that guards the nest. Most hawks mate for life. See the red-tailed hawk for specifics.

Heron-This bird is able to show us how to get through life in even the most seemingly unstable ground. The longer the legs of an animal, the deeper it may go into the water. You don't need massive pillars to be able to stand in the water, but you do need to know how to stand on your own. The heron is a lone hunter. Having a heron as a totem, you should explore the world through many different ways. Those who have the heron medicine usually specialize as a "jack of all trades" and are very successful with it. Their way is usually not outwardedly structured so most people can't follow it. But this is just how it is seen from outside, there is security there for it gives the ability to do a variety of tasks. If one doesn't work, another will and the heron is an expert in this matter. They don't need to "keep up the Joneses" and they don't live by traditions. They know how to take full advantage of what's around them, some things even the average person wouldn't even notice.

Hummingbird-As like most birds, this winged-brother was considered a messenger who could stop time. He is also considered to be a bearer of love, unmatched by any other. Joy is another personification of this lovely bird. We should learn from the hummingbird that humming is a way of lightening up our day (this is actually an internal massage!). Since the wings actually form an "8", it is linked to infinity (thus the time stoppage). Hummingbirds could not live without the sweetness of flowers and a lot of flowers would hurt from their existinction. Thus the hummingbird recalls the "cause and effect" theory. They know how to use flowers/plants for healing. It is the most skillful flyer of all birds, yet it cannot walk. It can take off at high speeds and stop even quicker. Hummingbirds are not fearful and has been known to even chase eagles off. Those with the hummingbird medicine can explore the past and learn from it. They can show the joy from the nectars gathered anywhere, any time and very quickly indeed. The colors of the hummingbirds have been associated with the rainbow, therefore many tribes used their feathers to help with bringing forth rain. They are playful and even play while bathing. They are extremely independent and like to be alone and free. The female chooses the male that attracts her, else she doesn't even return a look while he does everything he can to get her attention. The mothers raise their young with no help from the fathers. They build their homes with extreme care and design. Each one is usually unique. The hummingbirds will hibernate over night to keep from losing the much needed energy.

Kestrel-The kestrel is the smallest of the falcon family and is widespread across the United States. It has wonderful eyesight and can see a beetle from a great distance. While from one point to another to another to find the most advantageous, all the while listening and waiting. It usually hunts from a perch, but sometimes will hover for a touch above the prey before the plunge. This is unique among birds of prey. This allows those with their medicine to be able to perform with great speed and precision, using the flight and stop to full advantage, teaching control of speed and movement. One with this medicine does not waste any opportunity and will react at the correct moment to achieve the greatest success. The kestrel inhabits both the country and the city. They will tend to always sit where they can see all around them. They stimulate a quick, graceful and agile mind and teaches how to use mental processes more effective/patiently to capture the needed and desired.

Kingfisher-The bird was considered a healer and could remove sickness from someone in ailment. It has also long been thought of as a symbol of peace and prosperity-of new warmth and love. Those with the kingfisher's medicine will show children especially, how to enjoy life and also how to prosper. The kingfisher will go as far north as possible as long as there are water sources to hunt from. It has the ability to draw life from water to feed itself. As a totem, the kingfisher should teach you how to dive headlong into opportunities that usually proves to be beneficial.

Lizard-This quick little creature was conservative and could get out of harm's way quickly.

Loon-The loon is an unique bird that is believed to be a better swimmer than even the penguin. Thugh it is awkward and clumsy on land, it is a powerful swimmer. It can stay submerge for up to 5 minutes, dive deeper and swim faster than other birds. The loon's bones are solid, unlike all other birds; it empties its lungs when diving, but keeps just enough to sustain. This ability not only allows the loon to be the swimmer it is, it also allows it to escape predators. It shows you how to attain a state of consciousness in dreaming and to pay attention to your dreams. Its call tells to pay attention to those hopes, wishes, and dreams you have tucked away, for they may be about to have an opportunity to come forward. One with the loon as a totem usually finds themselves comfortable in only one (maybe 2 at the most) environments. As a totem, imagination and dreams should come alive. The loon should be able to tell us the difference from reality and dreams. The medicine should help you learn how to become more comfortable in different environments. It is there to remind us that we are never given a hope, wish , or dream without also being given opportunities to make them a reality. And the only thing that can keep that from coming to pass is compromise.

Magpie-A cousin to the crow, the magpie is curious, somewhat impudent, and have a reputation for stelaing anything they can get their hands on, which shows skill in using whatever they can find. But they are scavengers, opportunists, and only good at teaching you what to use on hand. Don't expect more out of them than what they can give. Their homes are usually messy and can be a warning not to look for quick/easy answers. As totems, they are not easily controlled, since it has a will of their own. Their knowledge, though may seem favorable on the outside, is still very incomplete and therefore not preferred.

Mockingbird-The mockingbird has one of the most famous, beautiful songs and voices of all the birds. They are able to mimic even other wildlife. They sing year round and will even sing while in flight. Other than the obvious what this bird can help you with, it can also teach you new languages or talents. They help show your inner talents, including your life's purpose. It is a courageous bird, even attacking cats or other raiders. It tolerates no impudence and is confident in its abilities. While searching for food, the mockingbird has a action (flashing the white feathers of its body) that causes insects to react by alarming them. Those with the mockingbird medicine can help stimulate responses from others, to recognize subtle clues often missed and to hear the true song of others.

Owl-Seen as one full of the truth and wisdom, he was a careful thinker who would ponder before giving an answer. He is one aware of his surroundings at all times and cannot be taken off guard by others. By several of the Southwest tribes, he is considered to carry the spirits of the dead to the Creator. Therefore, if seen or heard, one may foresee death. The feathers were often worn by Cherokee medicine men for its mystical powers, though they usually represented something bad, even death, was going to happen. The owl is a night bird with very special eyes. They can adjust in an instant from a telescopic to a microscopic focus. Their eyes are adaptive to detect subtle movements. However, their eyes still see very well in the daytime. In many owls, the hearing is as accurate as the eyesight. One who works with the owl medicine will be able to see and hear what others are trying to hide. They can detect and pinpoint all sublimal signals. Others tend to be uncomfortable with this because you can see what they are hiding. Owls can see what is hidden in the night, therefore having knowledge that they can share. The person with owl medicine will often subconsciously see more about someone than even they know and will often wonder why a particular thought would come to mind about a person, but these thoughts should be trusted. Owls do not necessarily have nests; they have been well known to lay eggs in forks of trees. The owl flies silently, keeping to their own business. The owl will swallow its prey whole and discard what is not needed later. Search each individual species out to learn their own particular traits. I have given some small details of a few throughout. Some owls will share territories with their daytime counterparts, the hawk, through toleration in different ways.

Pheasant-Confident, this attractive bird was one to never give up. And in a few culture they are considered to link to the energies of family fertility.

Pigeon-Pigeons are definitely a link to home. Even Christopher Columbus whose true name was Colombo was Italian for pigeon and of course we all know he found a new home for his kind. But a pigeon can still find their way back to their home no matter how far they have come. They are symbols for a time or need to return to home; they can teach us how to find their way back when lost. They can recall the positive aspects of our home life, bringing back happy/morally-right moments when needed.

Quail-The quail was considered sacred and spiritual. Their frenzied mating antics have earned them the reputation for fertility. The bob-white is actually a member of the quail family but often confused as being the same. It can speak its name. It can help you learn your guide. It has the power of names and the process thereof. Quails will gather together in the cold of winter to stay warm. They will sit in a tight circle and actually use their bodily discharges for warmth. This circle also allows them to warn others and spontaneously take off in flight in case of a predator. With the sudden explosion of flight, it disarms the predator and allows escape. Those with the quail medicine do not hesitate in the face of threat.

Raven-Especially in the northeastern part of the country, the raven was known as the teacher. He represents the understanding of others, from the inside, not the outward appearance. Therefore, he can manipulate others because he understands their thoughts and actions. Since the raven is actually the same as the crow, but larger, it will benefit you to learn the crow. A few traits accredited to the raven and not the crow are being a trickster, being foolish and wise at the same time. Ravens also are known how to speak other languages and can learn to speack the human language. They are playful and excellent at tools. They are not intimidated by others, and are very fast and wary. They can teach us how to take the unformed and give it the shape you desire.

Red-tailed Hawk-The red-tailed hawk is very symbolic. He represents internal power to the ultimate. Only those that have developed this power some will have its medicine. Also it may represent that childhood dreams are coming into being. Since the red-tail can hunt from either fly above or from perching on a pole, it can teach you how to reach high yet keep your feet on the ground. Hawks are often harrassed by smaller birds, those with it as a totem will usually have people who constantly taunt you, especially about your lifestyle. The red-tailed hawk's habitat is usually permanent, though it might migrate from time to time. They usually mate for life and both will defend their nest to extremes. Those with this hawk's medicine can help balance and use all senses appropriately and will teach to find our true purpose in life. This hawk is fearless, it will even take on poisonous snakes. It is well-prepared for this by having a scaled leg that help prevent snake penetration. Because of the strong energy from the red-tail, one with this animal spirit must be careful. They can tear someone up with out meaning to.

Robin-Though thought of as a migrator, a robin will keep his home year-round if food is available. Robins are territorial birds, using the color red and their song to establish it. When two males confront each other, it is mostly through song that the fighting is done, physical confrontations are very few and are without injury of any kind. So when confronted with problems, this person can usually move forward since they see most things as a threat, instead of a block. Both parents feed the young and will have more than one brood a year. The robin can help you force creativity.

Screech Owl-This owl is usually much smaller than others, usually only 6-10 inches tall. Unlike their names, they really don't screech, their sound are more like a soft whinny. The males and females sing a duet during mating. The time the screech is heard is when the young are threatened and is voiced by the young. Despite their size, they are often compared to the great-horned owl when it comes to ferocity and courage. They datime equivalent of the screech owl is the kestrel. they will share the same territory. Both love the woodland borders and will use tree holes for nesting. They are excellent hunters and will cooperate in their hunting. It can teach that cooperation is needed sometimes to survive.

Snake-As with all nations around the world, the snake is shrewd and mystical. It can change from one creature to another, leaving the old life behind and starting anew.

Snowy-Owl-Most owls hunt by night, but the showy owl can and will hunt during daytime hours as well as night. It will hunt most usually by sitting and waiting. They will conserve their energies (thus considered lazy), but are constantly observing and will jump into action when true opportunity comes along. It will eat its weight in food every day and will migrate where the supply is. It is prophetic in the way it seems to show that it knows when a drought is coming and will move beforehand. When the snowy owl moves, it does not announce its appearance but will enter quietly and continue with its own business. The talons in its feet withdraws into the feet when walking. It accomplishes its tasks with timing and skill, not intimidaiton. True strength is gentle as taught by the snowy.

Sparrow-For being small, the sparrow is one that is perky, assertive and can hold its own against many dangers. It will remind you a new sense of dignity and self-worth, helping to overcome in various situations.

Spider-This small creature was always considered creative.

Starling-The starling is at comfort in groups. They feed, travel and will even mob in groups. Many birds have been known to be quite badly beaten by a mob of starling, only the screech owl seems to be too tough for such behavior. Both appropriate and unappropriate behavior can be learned through the starling. Vocal expression is more successful through the spring season. One with the starling as a totem should be careful how they say things to others as it can be taken wrong and out of context. And one should be careful how sensitive they are to others' words. This bird can mimc dozens of birds. This allows communications among others in various languages.

Stork-As most know, the stork represents family and their young. The stork as parents are very caring and protective of their young. They will usually use the same nest year after year. They are symbols of new birth and new opportunities to awaken a new sens eof joy and promise. Storks do not have real verbal communications, but are masters at gestures, dances and postures for various purposes.

Swallow-Swallows follow warm weather. They reflect protection and preservation from disasters. When seen flying high, it foretells good weather, when low, it foretells rain. Though the bill is small, it can open extremely wide, projecting that communication is more than what appears, even indicating hidden wisdom. The swallow feeds on many harmful insects, thus helping others in the environment. It is a graceful flyer and spends vert little time on the ground. It teaches us how to move on from old issues and problems. Their legs and feet are small and weak, which can indicate one is weak when trying to be to close in solving problems. Sometimes one needs to move off at a distance to see the whole perspective and to be objective.

Swan-The swan is the largest of all fowls and feeds off of soft water plants, using its sensitive bill as a feeler underwater. One with this medicine, their emotions are more sensitive to themselves and others. The lock neck is a bridge between the head and body. It shows high self-worth and beauty and shows and with its medicine, one can teach how to recognize the beauty in others no matter what the outside appearance. The swan likes the cold much more than heat and will stay in the cold as long as there is food. Swans can break a man's arm with just a beat of their wings. They are devoted parents and mate for life and live as long as 80 years. The swan is a totem of the child, poet and dreamer.

Turkey-Against today's opinion, the turkey was seen as smart and elusive. When one wore its feathers, it was seen as the spread tail of a threatened turkey to show greatness, invincibility, and courage. The call of the turkey sounded like the war cry of the Cherokee. It is a symbol of all blessings that earth contains and the knowledge of how to use them to its benefit. Like the buffalo, every part of the turkey is used. Mainly as food, feathers for decorations, and bones even were used as whistles. It is highly adaptable, the greatest threat today, is loss of habitat. The male will often have several hens and the females must actually lay down in order to get his attention. The hens are known to use the same nest as others, showing the concept of sharing. They roost in trees at night for safety and usually stay in numbers.

Turtle-Another commonly known item is that the turtle helped created the world. He is self-reliant, creative and plans his steps out before made. There's no hurry, things will get done, but let's do it right the first time. To have turtle qualities, one holds great value of both the earth and water. One can get out of sticky situations through thoughtful manuvering and can achieve balance in life. He is one who is at home any time, anywhere. When there is danger about, he withdraws into his home, leaving out the danger until it is passed.

Vulture-This bird is probably the most misunderstood. Foremost, these birds will eat what can be harmful to others, thereby cleaning up the environment and keeping disease from spreading. It is a symbol of purification, restoring harmony that has been broken. The vulture has weak talons and feet which cannot tear or grasp, this is why it relies on others to do the killing. Though there are several varieties of vultures, each can walk, stand and perch firmly with dignity. They have an unspoken confidence in spite of their appearance. Those with a vulture as their totem are usually noticed by what they do, not how they appear. The vulture is a patient hunter, waiting while riding the thermals without flapping their wings. This shows that one can fly for longer periods of time without much effort, by using what is available to them. The vulture has keen eyesight and can see subtle messages sent to them from other birds. They can spot kills miles away. The digestive system of the vulture is of course unique. It can stand extremely high levels of botulism. They contain chemicals in their digestive tracts that kill the bactoria. Though the vulture is known to excrement on iteslf, this is done for several reasons: to kill the bacteria on their outside and to cool the legs. But the vulture usually keeps itself quite clean and will bathe often. The vulture has no real voice, it can only hiss. This gives the ability to act, instead of just talk.

Whippoorwill-Its call told you that you would sleep good and maybe have a dream that will show you soemthing good.

Willow-This tree was used medicinally and considered clean. It promotes life.

Woodpecker-The pecking of the woodpecker is considered to be the heartbeat of the earth. The black and white of woodpeckers show that we need to look closer at things to see them more clearly. The red headed woodpecker should have us recall to use our mental processes. The woodpecker peck holes in trees to get to their food; those with this medicine have the ability to analyze accurately.

Wren-The wren is the most resourceful and adaptable bird. It builds its nest anywhere convenient, usually close to the ground or even on the ground. The males do most of the building and will build several fake nests to detour predators. Some believe that they do this to attract females. It is only after these fake nests are built that the female will settle into the true nest. The male usually sleeps apart from the family. The wren is bold and very resourceful. The voice of the wren is large for its size, also it will sing from sunlight to dark. It is quite touchy and will confront any animal that seems to threaten it. When one has the wren medicine, they can use whatever resource is available and can teach how to most effectively build within one's environment.