"Navajo" is derived from the Tewa Pueblo word navahu’u, which means "farm fields in the valley." The early Spanish chroniclers reinforced  this concept,  referring to the Navajo as Apaches de Nabajó "Apaches who farm in the valley" - eventually shortened to "Navajo."

Given this close connection to the earth and nature, it’s not surprising that animals and birds, sun, moon, stars and Mother Earth became part of Navajo legend and folklore and took on magical attributes.  Attributes which are said to be passed on to those who wear the symbols.  Here are just a few examples.

The legend of Kokopelli   In Red Indian legend the kokopelli has many guises.  Magician, storyteller, teacher, healer, trickster, God of the Harvest and the original journalist.

Cousin to the mythical Gods of the Ancient World, Kokopelli, with his hunchback and flute, possesses a playful, carefree nature and brings good fortune to everyone he meets.  Sexy, joyous and uninhibited, the masculine Casanova is believed to represent fertility and, as an untamed spirit of nature,  is famous for  his pranks and good-natured tricks.  It is all in good fun – and especially in today’s world – his humour is refreshing.  The stories may differ according to the storyteller, but tales shall be told for many, many years to come.  Yet, through it all, Kokopelli remains an inspiring figure with a great passion for life.

The Dream Catcher  As the legend goes,  Dream Catcher was used by the Woodland Indians and was hung in the lodge, near the bedroom window.  Its use was to catch all dreams good or bad.  The bad dreams would get caught in the webbing and be held there until first morning light, then burned off.  The good dreams were caught, but knowing their way to the hole in the centre would filter down into the feathers and be held there only to return another night to be dreamed.

The Circle of Life.  The spiral symbol.  One of the most common petroglyph symbols in the Southwest, is the spiral.  It represents man’s emergence from the previous world and the migration path.

Feathers represent the Creative Force and are symbols of prayer, marks of honour or sources of ideas.  Feathers were chosen according to the attribute of the specific bird -  eg. goose feathers would be used to fledge an arrow because of the long flights of the geese.   Eagle feathers for honour or to connect the user with the Creator.

Eagle.  The most powerful Guardian Spirit is Lightning, whose force is the very essence of every vision.  Next comes the Eagle or Thunderbird.  Thunderstorms were believed to be caused by an enormous bird that made thunder by flapping its wings and lightning by opening and closing its eyes.  Eagle was a clan ancestor and Guardian Spirit, bringing success in war and long life.  He was also seen as the sacred bearer of unlimited happiness.  Master of the sky, Eagle is considered a carrier of prayers. Many Indian Nations honour this bird as possessing courage, wisdom and a special connection to the creator.  His image is associated with spirits and visions

Horse.   As a Native American symbol, the Horse symbol  combineS the grounded power of the earth with the whispers of wisdom found in the spirit winds Horse is like the wind.  Its attributes are speed, endurance, power and freedom.  When horse agreed to carry man on its back, it transformed the Native American nations from slow-moving nomadic groups into powerful mounted warriors.  Horse also teaches us the responsibility that goes with power and freedom.  Horse represented the power of the tribe and is associated with success.

Frog.  A  water animal associated with renewal, Spring and fertility

Bear.  An introspective creature spending its winters in hibernation, considering the year’s experiences, thus he is awarded the attribute of great thought.  Bear is also considered exceptionally powerful because he can stand on two legs like man.  Thus he is a good mediator between animal spirits and humans.

Deer, Hunting prey animal, a sacrifice and also mentioned as "first helper" in some emergence stories, family protection and speed.

Lizard, depicted as Horned Lizard.  Associated with perseverance and keeping ancient secrets.  Some say "they'll steal your eyes if you look at them too much!" They also are found in Coyote stories as ones who annoy Coyote.

Tadpole, immature frogs associated with fertility and renewal.  Because they transform, they are considered very powerful.

Turtle.  Water animal, strength, female power fetish animal, fertility, long life, perseverance. Considered to be able to defy death.  Also an annoyance to the Coyote.

Coyote.  The trickster , is also a powerful hunting prey god and fetish.   Often considered an omen that something unpleasant might happen. This howling Coyote with bandana is a copy of a cottonwood folk-sculpture first created by Santa Fe artist Ricardo Rodriguez and later mass-produced ad nauseum by anyone who wanted to sell something to the tourists.

Hummingbird (paired)  Symbol of devotion, permanence and eternity.    Hummingbirds are particularly known to be ferocious fighters and defenders of their territory -- many times stronger than their small size would indicate.

Parrot, connected with both the sun and rain.  Parrots were considered carriers prayers and would confer blessings.  Kept for their feathers and colour and considered a very expensive possession, thereby demonstrating  prosperity.

Crane.  Connected with water and the end of summer, images of migratory fowl like Sandhill Cranes are common in pottery and  petroglyphs from the Mimbre culture in Southwestern New Mexico.

Turkey.  An important food source and mentioned in several Tewa Pueblo stories. Its feathers have many ritual uses.

Owl.  Considered to be the spirit of departed, wise elders and leaders.  A silent hunter, the owl is connected with darkness and night as well as keen eyes and skilful hunting.  Among  some cultures, the owl is considered a bad omen, portending death.

Snake.  Usually depicted with his tongue extended.  Found in many healing and fertility rituals, snake is connected with lightning, the male organ, speed, and being able to move undetected.  He is also considered a hunter, and in some emergence stories is "first helper", although his nature is usually more ominous.

Dragonfly.  With its iridescent wings that shimmer with rainbow colours as it flickers from sunlight to shade, creates a web of illusion that our eyes cannot follow.  As it dances between air and water, Dragonfly reminds us of the need to balance the mental element, air, with the emotional element, water.  Dragonfly puts us in touch with the magic and mystery of life, at the same time reminding us to keep our feet on the ground.   Connected with water and Springtime, fertility, renewal; considered a messenger.

Butterfly.  A symbol of transformation and resurrection, giving the ability to rise above humble beginnings.  The butterfly teaches the ability to let go of the outgrown and expand into the next stage of life’s transformation.  As with humans, the butterfly grows in stages from egg to larva to cocoon and finally to birth as a butterfly.  The butterfly can give the courage to claim your freedom from the cocoon and become your true self.  Emotionally, the butterfly can help us to transform negative feelings into positive ones.

Dolphin.  Dolphin is the keeper of the sacred breath of life, a reminder of the precious nature of life.

Wolf. In Navajo legend the wolf is Pathfinder, the Teacher. His connection with the moon means he welcomes new ideas and strives for understanding. Wolf is the Guardian of the East, where the Sun rises, giving the Wolf powers of illumination. Wolf symbols belong to those who truly understand the depth of passion that belong to this noble creature. The Wolf is a representative of deep faith, and profound understanding.  Not at all the picture of ferocity or terror, Wolf is a creature with a high sense of loyalty and strength. Another misconception is that of the "lone wolf". To the contrary, the Wolf is actually a social creature, friendly, and gregarious with its counterparts.  The Wolf is an incredible communicator. Those with totem wolf symbols are of the same inclination - they are expressive both vocally and physically, naturally eloquent in speech and also have knack for creative writing.