Medicine Wheel: The Native American Zodiac

When first becoming acquainted with the idea of totems, some people have trouble identifying themselves with animals or understanding where to start. I went to the Medicine Wheel when first looking for totems in my life. Much like the commonly known Chinese Zodiac and zodiac signs, the Medicine Wheel can essentially act as the Native American Zodiac. Each of the twelve moons represents a similar period of time (about a month) in the year, each having birth totems associated with it. In some cultures, this is not only restricted to animals; some include affinity colors and plant or mineral totems.

Each birth totem has a personality that characterizes those born during the moon. Below is a list of each moon, their birth totems, and a personality description.

BUDDING TREES MOON: March 21st - April 19th

Animal Totem: Falcon

Affinity Color: Yellow

Traits: energetic, outspoken, adventurous, enthusiastic, imaginative

Falcons are full of initiative, but often rush in to make decisions that they may later regret. Lively and extroverted, they ave enthusiasm for new experience but can sometimes lack persistance.

FROGS RETURN MOON: April 20th - May 20th

Animal Totem: Beaver

Affinity Color: Blue

Traits: conservative, creative, practical, reliable, patient, productive

Practical and steady, beavers have the capacity for perseverance. Good homemakers, they are warm and affectionate, but need harmony and peace to avoid becoming irritable. They have a keen aesthetic sense.

CORN PLANTING MOON: May 21st - June 20th

Animal Totem: Deer

Affinity Color: Green

Traits: quick, alert, expressive, friendly, intuitive, curious

Deer are willing to sacrifice the old for the new. They lack routine, thriving on variety and challenges. They have a wild side, often leaping from one situation or relatoinship into another without reflection.

STRONG SUN MOON: June 21st - July 21st

Animal Totem: Woodpecker

Affinity Color: Pink

Traits: emotional, sensitive, protective, vulnerable, thrifty, kind

Emotional and sensitive, woodpeckers are warm to those closest to them, and willing to sacrifice their needs for those of their loved ones. They have lively imaginations but can be worriers.

RIPE BERRIES MOON: July 22nd - August 21st

Animal Totem: Salmon

Affinity Color: Red

Traits: confident, energetic, dramatic, generous, trusting, authoritative

Enthusiastic and self-confident, salmon enjoy running things. They are uncompromising and forceful, and can occasionally seem a little arrogant or self-important. They are easily hurt by neglect.

HARVEST MOON: August 22nd - September 21st

Animal Totem: Brown Bear

Affinity Color: Purple

Traits: unassuming, modest, helpful, good-natured, dependable

Brown bears are hardworking, practical, and self-reliant. They do not like change, preferring to stick to what is familiar. They have a flair for fixing things, are good-natured, and make good friends.

DUCKS FLY MOON: September 22nd - October 22nd

Animal Totem: Raven

Affinity Color:Brown

Traits: talkative, tolerant, pleasant, cheerful, artistic, easy-going

Ravens dislike solitude and feel most comfortable in company. Although usually good-natured and pleasant, they can be strongly influenced by negative atmospheres, becoming gloomy and bitter.

FREEZE UP MOON: October 23rd - November 22nd

Animal Totem: Snake

Affinity Color: Orange

Traits: determined, intense, decisive, impulsive, mysterious, imaginative

Snakes are mysterious, and secretive, hiding their feelings beneach a cool exterior. They are capable of bouncing back from tough situations encountered in life, shedding their troublesome pasts away.

LONG SNOWS MOON: November 23rd - December 21st

Animal Totem: Owl

Affinity Color: Black

Traits: philosophical, bold, versatile, jovial, frank, confident

Owls need freedom of expression. They are lively, self-reliant, and have an eye for detail. Inquisitive and adaptable, they have a tendency to overextend themselves. Owl are often physically courageous.

EARTH RENEWAL MOON: December 22nd - January 19th

Animal Totem: Snow Goose

Affinity Color: White

Traits: shrewd, ambitious, patient, practical, persevering, prudent

Geese are farsighted idealists who are willing to explore the unknown. They approach life with enthusiasm, determined to fulfill their dreams. They are perfectionists and can appear unduly serious.

REST & CLEANSING MOON: January 20th - February 18th

Animal Totem: Otter

Affinity Color: Turquoise

Traits: broad-minded, lively, artistic, friendly, inventive, unconventional

Otters are perceptive, and feel inhibited by too many rules and regulations. This often makes them appear eccentric. They like cleanliness and order and have original minds.

BIG WINDS MOON: February 19th - March 20th

Animal Totem: Wolf

Affinity Color: Silver

Traits: adaptable, intuitive, generous, gentle, benevolent, trusting

Wolves are sensitive, artistic and intuitive people to whom others turn for help. They value freedom and their own space, and are easily affected by others. They are rooted to family and friends, and rely on good communication and genuine closeness with loved ones.