What do the animals on a totem pole mean?

Answer 1

I have read elsewhere that the Raven and the Beaver are very common on totem poles and the majority of totem poles are topped by a bird: raven, eagle, or thunderbird.

Thunderbird: Thunderbird is the most powerful supernatural creature. He lived in the mountains and fed on whales. When he flapped his wings, thunder rolled. Known as a hero in the legends of the Coast Salish Legends.

Killer Whale: The Killer Whale is the manifestation of Wolf; it is held in great awe for its size and power.

Eagle: Is a symbol of both power and prestige as well as peace and friendship. Eagle feathers are still considered sacred and were part of many ceremonies and rituals.

Moon: Is the protector and guardian of earth by night.

Sun: Is the protector and guardian of earth by day.

Wolf: The wolf is a symbol of strength in the family and the kinship associated with it. It is known to have the strength and loyalty in all relationships, and is a great team player with effort on behalf of all in the community.

Salmon: Is known as the provider of life, he is a symbol of abundance of prosperity. Salmon was and still is one of the main sources of diets for many of Salish People.

Beaver: Has a strong sense of family and home with openness to alternatives and the power of working towards goals and attaining a sense of achievement, . The Beaver has a understanding of the power in nature and works in harmony with it.

Loon: Is a symbol of sharing peace and tranquility and having a generous and giving nature.

Owl: The owl is a symbol of wisdom and is known to warn people of danger or death.

Otter: The otter is a symbol of trust and loyalty.

Heron: The heron is a symbol of one who is very patient, graceful and easy going.

Frog: A symbol of a new begining to all things, tho very small the frog plays a great role in our culture, he lets us know when it is time to put away winter activities and prepare for the new season.

Bear: A bear symbolizes consistency and stability of action, has the ability to discover the inner truth about oneself, and has great self awareness, with a desire to deliberate about choices and actions.

Raven: Raven is known as the Transformer or Trickster, and is a hero. Native Legends credit Raven with bravery and among other things, releasing the Sun and Moon.

Answer 2

Bear - Watcher, guardian of the world, giver of great strength of body, courage and power of will.

Buffalo - Possesses great strength.

Cat - It is a good hunter and very independent.

Coyote - It is a crazy trickster bearing tidings of sacred msichief.

Crow - Justice.

Deer - Compassion

Dog - Loyalty.

Dolphin - Wise and happy, able to explore the great depths of emotions, friend to lovers of the sea.

Dragonfly - It can tell you how to break through illusions and how to gain power through dreams. It teaches higher aspirations. Imagination

Dragon - It is fiery, rich and knows the answers to many riddles.

Eagle - Rising, circling the Sun, his cry thrills the brave and panic the faint-hearted.

Fish - Graceful.

Hawk - All-seeing, soaring on the breast of the wind. Observation.

Horse - Freedom

Hummingbird - Fierce warrior, jewel of the gods, whose feathers bear love magic. Pleasure.

Lion - Emblem of royalty, symbol of the Sun. Courageous guardian protectors.

Lizard - Vision

Lynx - Keeper of secrets.

Mouse - It has an eye for details.

Owl - Wise watcher in the night, fate-seer, riddler, beloved by Athena. Silence.

Panther - A good protective animal.

Puma - Shaman's companion on journeys to the other worlds; spirit of grace and silent power.

Rabbit - Fertility

Raven - trickster, wise in oracles and omens, messenger and watcher for the gods. Mystery.

Snake - Transformation.

Spider - Fate

Stag - Lord of the forest, masculine power of regeneration, giver of bounty, beauty and mystical signs.

Swan - Guide into dreamtime.

Turtle - Shyness

Wolf - Pathfinder for the human spirit; heart of the wildness of the world. Knowledge.