Animal Symbolism: Creating Totem Jewelry
Just as colors, shapes and other symbols used in jewelry hold special meaning and connotations, so do animals. Some animals represent patience, cunning or wisdom, while others are primal and wild. Depending on culture, some animals have different symbolism and are therefore depicted for varying reasons in art, clothing and jewelry. Totem animal jewelry is a spiritual connection, one that a person feels drawn to. We may feel connection and guidance from different totem animals depending on the season of life we're experiencing. Using animal totems in jewelry is a way to connect with the Earth, to ground ourselves in the natural world and to learn from the creatures around us.
The concept of connection with animals, real or fantastic, has appeared in many cultures around the globe for ages. The term we are most likely to associate with animal symbolism is that of "totems" found in Native American history. We're not talking only about totem poles--the actual animal spirit that totems represented. Sometimes those depictions were manifested as poles, but they could also appear in other forms such as a small carved figure, amulet and carved or painted stone. Totems could also be symbols of tribes or families, or there would be multiple totem animals that guided a person along their path through this life.
Materials
Natural products work best for this kind of jewelry, including gemstones, shell, nuts, wood and seeds that can be carved, cut, knapped, burned, dyed or painted. Tagua nut focal components, for example, provide an ideal surface for depicting a totem animal spirit. The totem jewelry can be in any form you like, from earrings to necklaces, bracelets to anklets, brooches, etc. Pendants are particularly popular due to placement of the spirit animal totem lying near the heart.
Of course, if you can't find a spiritual animal in a "natural" material, you can always use other materials or even make your own from polymer clay. Seed beads are ideal for creating woven shapes, lending themselves perfectly to depicting totemic animals. Metal charms and drops can be enhanced with colorful Gilders Paste® or patinas. The designs can be as simple or elaborate as you want them to be.
Totem Animal Symbolisms
Create handmade animal totem jewelry or put out this animal symbolism chart* for customers to see where their heart and spirit are being directed, then make meaningful totem jewelry creations for the individual. When totem jewelry is worn, the wearer can become focused on particular attributes or can feel assured by the animal spirit as they traverse a season of life.
NOTE: This is not a comprehensive list of all animal totems. This is a compiled list of animal symbolism that spans continents. Some cultures may have differing opinions on symbolic representations. Certain animals did not have associations with individual cultures because they do not live in that region. But, with globalization bringing us together in new and exciting ways, you and your customers have access to a wide variety of animals to design special totem jewelry. Lastly, totem animal connections are personal and unique, so you may feel drawn to certain animals or have alternative associations for reasons different than this list portrays.
| Animal Spirit | Associations and Symbolisms | Animal Image |
| Alligator |
Ancient knowledge
Primal energy Survival and resiliency Stability Creation (including life and fertility) Cunning Emotional depth Instinct Self-confidence |
|
| Bat |
Communication
Familial bonds Rebirth Journey Vision and perception Truth within dreams Omen of change Dreams Moon Courage in the face of darkness |
|
| Bear |
Strength, especially in the face of adversity
Grounding Time for healing Importance of rest and solitude Introspection Women Protection Sun Warrior spirit |
|
| Beaver |
Ingenuity
Diligence Productivity Achievement and accomplishment Belief in and building towards one's dreams Constructive thinking Problem-solving Adapt and overcome change Stubbornness Cooperation Resourcefulness |
|
| Bee |
Industriousness
Diligence Cooperation Community Fertility and sexuality Celebration Sun and brightness Abundance Work/life balance Trust in miracles |
|
| Butterfly |
Personal transformation
Metamorphosis Life cycle movement Renewal and rebirth Playfulness Joy Freedom Soul Immortality Color Grace in the face of change Springtime |
|
| Cat |
Inner and outer balance
Patience Independence Curiosity Dark and light harmony Confidence Flexibility of mind, body and spirit Beauty Hunting Powerful Luck Happiness Success |
|
| Chameleon |
Discovery
Curiosity Insight Patience Sensitivity Perception Adaptability and change Self-reflection Vision Creation and life Multitasking Instinct Clairvoyance Lack of hurry Living at one's own pace |
|
| Coyote |
Paradox
Hidden wisdom Sense of humor Playful Inventive Reveals truth Magic Shape-shifting Creator Complexity of balance Omen |
|
| Cow |
Mother Earth
Nurturing and nourishing Power Fertility and feminine power Potential Protection Patience Sacredness Commitment Support |
|
| Crow |
Mystery
Magic Insight Power of intention Destiny Fearlessness Prophecy Inner transformation Seeing through illusions Speaking truth Good fortune or an omen Guidance Mischief Intelligence |
|
| Deer |
Peacefulness
Serenity Bravery Innocence Empathy and sensitivity Vigilance Regeneration Watchfulness Balance of femininity and masculinity Gentleness Longevity Caretakers of the Earth |
|
| Dog |
Obedience
Guardian Selfless Loyalty/fidelity Friendship Unconditional love Reliability Protection Astral travel Defense for those who cannot defend Good luck Altruism Reap what you sow |
|
| Dolphin |
Self-love
Community Effective communication Emotional awareness Healing Rebirth and resurrection Protector Intelligent and instinctual Playfulness Harmony |
|
| Dragon |
Power
Fortitude Courageous Supernatural and metaphysical Hidden knowledge Chaos Immense possibility Protection Energy Vitality Passion Nobility Celestial prowess Freedom Discovering balance Good luck Independence |
|
| Dragonfly |
Self-realization
Emotional maturation Deeper understanding and mental clarity Transformation Spiritual Reflection Other realms Positivity Confidence during change Fresh perspective Elemental and fairy realms Ancestors Victory Health restoration Summer |
|
| Eagle |
Efficiency
Bravery Prayers Gaining perspective Relationship commitment Great Spirit Liberation Freedom Confidence Hope New beginnings |
|
| Elephant |
Good luck
Intelligence and wisdom Pure beauty Quiet confidence Peacefulness Good fortune Fertility Honor Pride Dignity Longevity Steadfastness and determination Social and family connection Leadership Stamina Guardianship Environmental protection |
|
| Fish |
Water connection
Eternity Fertility Flow of life Persevering against all odds Spiritual change Consistency Individual fish tend to have more distinct symbolisms |
|
| Fox |
Swiftness
Resourceful Craft Keen mind Cunning Increased awareness Discernment Communication and messages Shapeshifting and trickster Wisdom Agility Benevolent spirit Karma |
|
| Frog |
Prosperousness
Cleansing Transformation Regeneration Luck and wealth Ancient wisdom Safety during travel Crops and harvest Feminine spirit Natural healing |
|
| Hawk |
Intuitive vision
Messenger from the spirit world Spiritual awareness Focus Honed skill Observant Gain broader perspective Warrior prowess Tenacity in achieving goals Earth's guardian Unfaltering vigilance |
|
| Heron |
Introspection
Virtue and integrity Solitude Meditation Determination Good luck for fishermen Autonomy Giver and taker of life Renewal Grace Spiritual progress Heavenly guide Inner stillness |
|
| Horse |
Strong emotion
Masculine energy War Pride Authority Life force Strength Cosmos Practicality Devotion Spirit knowledge Travel Sure-footedness |
|
| Hyena |
Balance of male and female energies
Sense of humor Happiness with what is in one's life Honest and open communication Community driven Survival Intuition and instinct Leadership and self-confidence Companionship Solar energy Immortality |
|
| Ladybug |
True love
Innocence Good fortune Divine intervention Fertility Liberation from worry Trust Spiritual realm awareness Light-heartedness Wish granting Bringer of life's gifts |
|
| Lion |
Authority
Ferocity Strength Leadership Royalty Consistency Choose battles wisely Fearless in the face of challenge Protection Personal power Assertiveness |
|
| Llama |
Diligence
Duty Stamina and endurance Patience Spiritual and physical protection Royalty Stewardship of creatures Communication Release the "heavy load" you are carrying |
|
| Monkey |
Kind-hearted fun
Sense of humor Familial ties and sense of community Good luck Versatility Authenticity Approach life with playfulness Innovation and invention Youthfulness High intelligence |
|
| Octopus |
Purity
Psychic strength Complexity Mystery Intelligence Enhanced intuition Emotional depth Appreciation of variety Unorthodox problem-solving Uniqueness |
|
| Otter |
Appreciation for the simple things
Play is important Magic Discover uniqueness Unyielding love and devotion Optimism Familial importance Unconventional creativity Mischief Good fortune Keep one on their toes Curiosity Dexterity Energy |
|
| Owl |
Wisdom
Good judgement Keen observation Insight See beyond initial appearances Harbinger of change Omen of death or death of circumstances (life transition) Defender of truth and honor Magical Stillness and calmness |
|
| Panda |
Balance
Peaceful problem-solving Ability to see both sides Discretion Thankfulness Resolved and resolute Docile Harmony Friendship Yin and yang Slow and steady energy Nature affinity Inner calmness Personal boundaries |
|
| Panther |
Astral travel
Feminine and mother energy Guardian Sensuality Power reclamation Beauty Conquer fear Valor Fierceness Courage to stand alone Solitude Mysticism Calculated movement |
|
| Peacock |
Beauty
Enhanced awareness Manifestation of the mythical phoenix Immortality and resurrection Strong foundation Benevolence Compassion Good will Showing your true colors with confidence Poise Purity Path to enlightenment Charity Nurturing |
|
| Rabbit |
Look before you leap
Guides between realms Prayer Spontaneity Quick-wittedness Ingenious Fertility Foretelling or prophesizing Springtime Renewal |
|
| Raccoon |
Resourcefulness
Cleverness Problem solver Adaptability and survival Curiosity and exploration Mischievous Dexterity Connection to other realms Sly Secret Unblock creativity Whimsy |
|
| Raven |
Self discovery
Spiritual rebirth Listen deeply and with intent Guidance through sacred of life journeys Confidential Creator Trickster Eloquence Bringer of sun or fire Find light within darkness Prophetic ability Magical mystery Omen of death (can be figurative) |
|
| Rhino |
Self-assured
Introspective Powerful and invulnerable Grounded Sure-footedness Inner resource Protection Solidity Physical presence Steady |
|
| Scorpion |
Passionate
Defense Removal of "toxicness" from your life Rebirth Determination Potential danger |
|
| Shark |
Safety
Slow and steady Fearlessness Survival Ferocity Sure movement Independent |
|
| Sheep |
Gentleness with others and yourself
Appreciate small things in life Affection Ability to accept guidance Self-sacrifice Patience Motherhood Hearth and home Purity or innocence Prosperity Empathy Good fortune |
|
| Snake |
Fertility
Rebirth and transformation Renewal and eternity Increased focus Healing Expanding one's horizons Sexuality Safe and graceful travel Connection to underworld and heaven Clever speech |
|
| Spider |
Reality maker
Balance Sure footing in difficult situations Patient Guide of deeper understanding Purpose in life Examination from different perspective Inventive Keeper of history or wisdom Medicine Feminine energy Industrious Creation (including of life or universe) Weaver of destiny Storytelling Trickster Good fortune and luck |
|
| Tiger |
Inner warrior and fighting spirit
Raw power Sexuality Dignity Curiosity Defense Abundance Poise Confront challenges Willpower Protector of the dead Unpredictability Summer, sun, and fire Balance of cosmic forces |
|
| Turtle |
Symbol for the Earth itself
Protective Goddess energy Remain true Pacing oneself Remain at peace with choices Understanding of our affect on the world Staying grounded Long life Endurance Happy home Attract blessings Emotional strength Persistence |
|
| Whale |
Don't sweat the small stuff
Physical and emotional healing Familial and community importance Peaceful strength Communication Spiritual realm awareness Compassionate Guardian of oceans Good luck Long-lasting love Navigation of life Self-discovery Examination of inner self |
|
| Wolf |
Retain individuality while valuing connection
Instinctual Deep faith Nurturing Strength Victory Lunar power Guardian Luck Survivalist Connection to celestial realms Devotion Protection Cooperation |
|
| Zebra |
Freedom
Familial ties Appreciate uniqueness (individualism) Importance of community Willful Hardy Playful Flexibility in times of change Finding balance Deeper spiritual growth Clarity of view |
|
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**Please note that all metaphysical or healing properties listed are collected from various sources. This information is offered as a service and not meant to treat medical conditions. Fire Mountain Gems and Beads® does not guarantee the validity of any of these statements.