Bat
The only mammal that flies, glides through the blackness, listening with the keen perception of sonar to the soft sounds of the night. While feeding on insects and fruit, bats fertilize the plant kingdom. Bat medicine pollinates the seeds of our dreams. Bat enters and leaves the cave, suggesting symbolic or shamanic death and initiation. Times of transition can bring fear, but remembering that bat sleeps hanging upside down gives us new perspective. When we emerge reborn from the cave, we can soar through the darkness, hearing hidden messages from Spirit.

Bear
Bear was the principal animal for the Pueblo People and they are the most prevalent subject of Zuni fetishes. Bear fetishes are used for healing, protection, strength, journeying, mothering, hunting and gathering. Bear’s hibernation reminds us of the value of going within.

Beaver
Beavers are extremely energetic and exhibit great diligence in whatever they do. Their willingness to participate in purposeful and cooperative activity is part of their medicine. We can learn a great deal from this singular quality. Whether building their underwater lodges, repairing dams, or taking care of their kits, beavers do it with zeal. This is why we have the expression, “eager beaver.” They are gentle creatures who show us that working hard can be its own reward.

Beaver habitat is primarily aquatic, and they have developed intricate systems for survival with multiple escape routes in each lodge. Beavers are known to mate for life and keep their young with them as long as two years, creating a strong sense of home and family.

Bison
Bison is especially important to the Plains Indians. These magnificent animals were the basis of their lifeway before they were hunted to extinction by the white man. While not a traditional fetish subject for the Zunis, all animals have “medicine” and Bison reminds us of abundance and prayer.

Bobcat
The power of Bobcat is independence. While felines are independent in nature, this is epitomized in Bobcat. Its attitude is that fences, barns, and chicken coops are surely meant to keep out others. Their independent nature has caused them to be regarded as pests by farmers and ranchers but that trait is vital to their survival. Unlike most other felines, Bobcats do not have a strong aversion to water. They have been known to jump into water and swim after prey. They are rarely seen, as they hunt at night and they feed on a variety of animals so they can do well just about anywhere. Independent indeed!

Coyote
Coyote is called “the trickster” in numerous cultures. Life, however, is the real trickster and Coyote understands this. By accepting situations as they are and dealing with the unexpected willingly and eagerly, Coyote survives. Coyotes shows us that life is unpredictable and uncontrollable and that unexpected occurrences can be viewed as opportunities, not misfortunes. Coyote’s wisdom teaches us to live in the moment and wonder at it all.

Dragonfly
Ask Zunis about “Dragonfly” and they will tell you that Dragonfly is the messenger who carries prayers to Spirit World. The double-winged form of Dragonfly is sometimes referred to as the “Pueblo Cross.” Dragonfly is recognized as a sign of water, which is where this remarkable creature lays its eggs. Where there is Dragonfly, there is water; where there is water, there is life. Dragonfly is a skilled aerial acrobat, and like the mind, can move quickly in any given direction to accomplish its goal. Being mindful of dragonfly can help us guide us to our own positive and transcendent goals. The lovely, often-iridescent colors of the wings remind us that the mundane existence that we commonly accept as the only reality may be an illusion.

Eagle
Eagle medicine is that of extraordinary vision, of seeing the whole picture. Even though Eagle can see the smallest of details from a great distance, it maintains a comprehensive view. Eagle helps us to remember that one’s journey is spiritual as well as physical.

Elk
Setting a steady pace and conserving energy provides Elk the stamina to outdistance any stalking prey. Unlike Deer, these regal, impressive animals display a warrior disposition, both unyielding and steadfast. In mating season, bull elk make a loud whistling noise that attracts females and challenges other males. When mating season is over, Elk congregate with their own gender. By forming a herd of the same sex Elk has comfort, strength,safety, and the opportunity to leave competition behind. The medicine of Elk is about brotherhood and sisterhood, stamina and standing in your power.

Fox
The fox is often called “sly,” and this quality may be attributed to the way this creature camouflages itself while silently observing the world around it. The fox’s senses are ever alert, so that it may avoid any danger for itself and its closely bonded family. Twenty-one types of foxes exist around the planet, and in various cultures they are associated with the feminine, as well as with the supernatural, including sixth sense perception, invisibility, and shapeshifting.

Fox medicine can remind us not to reveal too much too soon, or that exercising discretion and restraint can be key to self-empowerment. One great gift of fox medicine is that they can adapt well to most anything for the good of the self and clan, so they will most certainly survive, dwelling comfortably in the borderlands and twilight, always allowing for a bit of amusement and magic along the way.

Frog
Frog is a sign of water. Water is life. In Zuni Pueblo, frogs often appear on prayer bowls since many of the Zuni prayers and dances ask for water in the form of rain or snow. Cleansing is also a part of Frog’s medicine as well as emotional and physical healing.

Hawk
To the Zunis, Hawk is the younger brother of Eagle. More earthbound than Eagle, Hawk carries messages among people and animals while Eagle’s connection is with Spirit world. Hawk medicine is used when hunting ground animals, such as rabbits and squirrels. The shrill cry of the hawk is always startling to hear. It is a sharp reminder to pay attention to the signs around us. It can signal an omen or simply be telling us to be mindful of the obvious. With its acute vision, Hawk constantly scans the horizon for information, thus the expression “hawk-eye.” Hawk behavior teaches us to do the same.

Horse
Horse brought power to the People. After the horse arrived on the Plains, people were able to move faster with heavier burdens, they could hunt game more efficiently, and they became fiercer warriors. Horse affords mobility that gives us freedom and power, but not the power that weighs us down. We need to be mindful that the most positive relationships are cooperative ones. All participants must respect the power of others with acceptance and tolerance. Our relationship to Horse differs from relationships between man and any other animal because it is a relationship requiring a deep understanding, without which the strength and benefits of Horse are inaccessible.

Mole
Mole’s behavior suggests that we trust what we feel, not what we see as the mole lives this way all the time. For the Zuni people, Mole is the guardian of Mother Earth.

Mountain lion
Mountain lion is at the top of the food chain and is regarded to be a great hunter and leader. Mountain lion’s presence is usually felt but not seen. Mountain Lion medicine is about setting good examples and boundaries.

Owl
Owls can see what others cannot and this is a large part of Owl medicine. Owl’s ability to do this reminds us of the importance of both worlds: the physical as well as the spiritual, perhaps the known and the unknown. Our willingness and courage to transform the unknown in ourselves into the known is a true source of wisdom. The Zuni Pueblo people call the owl “the Night Grandfather” because he does his work at night. Clairvoyant properties and uncovering deception have always been associated with Owl. Its connection with wisdom comes from Owl’s ability to discern that which cannot be “seen.”

Rabbit
Rabbit is a prey animal. By exhibiting fear Rabbit calls predators to it. Rabbit reminds us that only by acknowledging our fears can we move beyond them and not allow them to dictate our behavior.

Raven
Abundant lore, mythology, and magic surrounds Raven. Raven’s medicine is that of informing us of our inner, more hidden world to which we need to become comfortable in order to experience a change in consciousness. That shadow part of ourselves can be of great help to us if we have the courage to look into it. Raven is comfortable there and offers us the opportunity to discover the personal fears and demons that are keeping us from our awakening and our magic. The black color of the feathers of Raven contains all colors, evoking creativity, not negativity. Raven medicine can help us to really look at the issues that frighten, anger, and thwart us. Doing this can lead to understanding and integration so that the negative energy is magically lifted.

Snake
Snake sheds its skin. This is a powerful symbol of our need to discard old ways, patterns, and perspectives. Snake medicine is that of alchemy, i.e. that which is negative may be transformed into something positive.

Turtle
Turtle has always been esteemed because it carries its home on its back and goes with the flow of the river, not against it. In some mythologies, the first North Americans envisioned the continent as a turtle because it was surrounded by water. Turtle reminds us to respect Mother Earth.

Wolf
Wolf medicine has to do with deciphering information and finding new pathways for the benefit of the clan. Being part of a clan and exhibiting loyalty to it is some of the wisdom Wolf brings. And yet, even though Wolf is very loyal, it retains its individuality within the clan.