Native Americans have always carried within their culture a beautiful oneness with the world around them, a serenity with nature that has been lost to many of us. A few weeks back, several of my classmates presented a powerpoint to our Ancient Civilizations lecture that touched on the importance of animals and their spirits within Native American culture. I particularly found interesting the tidbit mentioned on the use of jewelry as totems.

Necklaces carved in the shape of the animal of one's choosing-- be it a cat, an owl, or a hawk-- would serve to impart both wisdom and skill onto the wearer, as well as protect them. Intrigued, I've done a little research and discovered something called a "solar" totem (sort of like a Native American zodiac). It is believed that certain Native American cultures posited that upon birth, one was assigned an animal specific to the astrological phase they were born beneath. These are not to be confused with the animals chosen by Native Americans throughout life or crafted into jewelry-- they are something separate. While I can in no way validate the entire accuracy of this supposition, I found it fascinating nonetheless. It was fun to speculate, if I possessed Native American linage, what "solar" animal I would have received. Take a look below to see each solar animal and the days they represent.

The Goose

December 22 - January 19

Postive Traits: Ambitious, Driven, Indomitable

Compatibility: Bears, Beavers, Crows

Negative Traits: Selfish, Despondent, Demanding

The Otter

January 20 - February 18th

Postive Traits: Innovative, Insightful, Rehabilitating

Compatibility: Deer, Crows, Hawks

Negative Traits: Tactless, Unconventional, Fickle, Unruly

The Wolf

February 19 - March 20

Postive Traits: Compassionate, Perceptive, Resilient

Compatibility: Snakes, Bears, Woodpeckers

Negative Traits: Timid, Illogical, Vague, Indecisive

The Hawk

March 21 - April 19

Positive Traits: Ambitious, Pioneering, Adventurous, Amiable

Compatibility: Salmon, Owl

Negative Traits: Narcissistic, Selfish, Impatient

The Beaver

April 20 - May 20

Postive Traits: Headstrong, Determined, Professional

Compatibility: Bears, Geese, Woodpeckers

Negative Traits: Greedy, Selfish

The Deer

May 21 - June 20

Postive Traits: Intellectual, Amiable, Witty

Compatibility: Crows, Otters

Negative Traits: Restless, Inconsistent, Lethargic, Forlorn

The Woodpecker

June 21 - July 21

Postive Traits: Imaginative, Thrifty, Delicate, Compassionate

Compatibility: Snakes, Wolves, Beavers

Negative Traits: Remorseless, Possessive, Temperamental

The Salmon

July 22 - August 21

Postive Traits: Benevolent, Charitable, Creative

Compatibility: Hawks, Owls

Negative Traits: Arrogant, Prejudiced, Tyrannical, Dogmatic

The Bear

August 22 - September 22

Postive Traits: Astute, Modest, Meticulous

Compatibility: Beavers, Geese

Negative Traits: Berating, Hypocritical, Fussy

The Crow

September 22 - October 22

Postive Traits: Visionary, Romantic, Diplomatic

Compatibility: Otters, Deer

Negative Traits: Frivolous, Indecisive, Hostile, Naive

The Snake

October 23 - November 22

Postive Traits: Imaginative, Insightful, Calculated

Compatibility: Wolves, Woodpeckers

Negative Traits: Covert, Apprehensive, Belligerent, Stubborn

The Owl

November 23 - December 21

Postive Traits: Versatile, Scrupulous

Compatibility: Salmon, Hawks

Negative Traits: Anxious, Strident, Tactless