Indian symbolism: A secret behind seven seals?

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Indian symbols have always been a reflection of ancient traditions. That is why today they are the most popular as tattoos, runes, and amulets.

Indian amulets

Before making a choice in favor of this or that symbol, you need to know at least briefly what it represents, why the ancestors of the Indians of North America used it, and how Indian amulets, talismans, signs, decorations and symbolism will help in modern life.

You can make them yourself, and popular bracelets are made from improvised materials and beads. All you need is sketches, photos and a little practice to create a powerful DIY Indian amulet. In our article you will learn which symbols will bring good luck and how to use them correctly.

What were the amulets of the Indians of North America?

Often Indian signs vaguely resemble images of animals or their parts: horns, tails, teeth or hooves.
In addition to images, animal body parts in the form of stuffed animals could serve as amulets. Stuffed animals were placed in the home, and sometimes attached to their clothes. The amulet was decorated with a piece of skin, feathers or medicinal herbs. So the fox’s tail prevented skin diseases: rashes, allergies, psoriasis, and if you make a frog talisman correctly, you can blend in with the outside world. Shamans recommended wearing some magical objects under clothes, and some, on the contrary, putting them on public display, so it was common to have several amulets with you at once.

In the bundle were:

• Charms for protection from animals while hunting. They helped to merge with the surrounding nature, improved the sense of smell, sharpened hearing and vision. They made the hunter practically invisible to the beast, and his steps acquired silent lightness. There are rumors about the existence of a talisman that helped not leave traces and odors behind.
• To protect against magic, these amulets repelled the attacks of sorcerers.
• Amulets that give strength. This group includes artifacts that heal illnesses, increase energy and stamina. There are also legends about the talisman of “eternal youth”.
• Items that give a person various abilities. For example, understanding the language of animals and plants, controlling the weather, or foreseeing the future.
• Each one had their own bundle and contained an individual set of magical attributes.

Talismans for acquiring abilities

The power of animals was especially revered by the inhabitants of North America. They admired the ideal thoughtfulness of the organism of fauna representatives. Through the creation of talismans, the Indians borrowed some abilities. Craftsmen always expressed respect to the deceased animal.

The most common properties of animals in Indian symbolism:

• the fox spine and tail resisted inflammatory diseases and healed wounds;
• the eagle's claws sharpened intuition and thought processes;
• snake skin endowed the wearer with cunning and determination;
• Owl feathers were considered to represent hidden knowledge and wisdom.

Indian amulets were always created from body parts of animals that died a natural death. It was forbidden to hasten the death of an animal - such an action was regarded as the highest sin.

Shark teeth

The shark tooth artifact is the most powerful and famous of the creative heritage of the Indians. It gave the owner courage and physical strength in difficult situations, maintained health and stopped bleeding. An important property of the talisman is to protect the owner from curses and the effects of dark magic.

The amulet has the most powerful effect on those who managed to obtain the tooth with their own hands. But the artifacts were also common among shamans, who provided services to warriors in exchange for receiving a powerful talisman.

Wolf eye

This animal was sacred to the Indians. He was extolled, expressed gratitude and respect through rituals. An artifact with a wolf's eye is very rare. The essence of its action is to preserve the life of the owner and help in overcoming difficulties. The energy of the ancient animal made it possible to sense danger and find a way to return home.

Such amulets were created in a special way. The eye was left in alcohol or a special oil for several days, after which it was wrapped in cloth and stitched into it. Once every few months the condition of the talisman was checked. If the organ becomes cloudy or changes color, an attempt at strong witchcraft was made against the owner. Then the amulet was burned, and the ashes were scattered at a distance from the home.

Bison teeth

The peculiarity of such artifacts is the ability to wear them openly. The beast's tooth had special power and was able to protect the wearer from the most powerful witchcraft. It had a positive effect on the family situation, strengthening the love between spouses and promoting harmony.

Only men were allowed to use the talisman. There was a legend that female energy cannot withstand the power of a bison. A representative of the fairer sex may lose sophistication and become rude and tough.

body of a toad

A simple artifact created from the remains of a dried toad had special powers. It was supposed to accompany the wearer throughout his life. Promoted spiritual development, protected from magical influence.

The animal's body was placed in a bag made of clean leather. It was worn in such a way as to ensure constant contact with the open body.

Wolf

The wolf is the totem animal of the “redskins,” but it is very difficult to make an Indian amulet from it with your own hands. The fact is that for the amulet you need a wolf's eye, which is carefully removed from the flesh. You can’t kill a wolf; it must die a natural death, which made the task more difficult. Once the eye was obtained, it was soaked in an alcohol solution or vegetable oil for about a week. Then they were wrapped in thick natural fabric. Periodically, the talisman was taken out to check whether it had taken on any negativity. If the eye became cloudy, it was burned along with the tissue. This meant that he had fulfilled his purpose. Such a magical artifact could serve a person for decades.

Kokopelli

Kokopelli with a month on his leg
One of the main gods of the ancient tribes of the American Southwest. According to legends, he travels through villages in the guise of a man and carries a flute with him all the time. His arrival is always accompanied by a change of season, because it is Kokopelli who is responsible for this natural phenomenon. In addition, this spontaneous little man loves to violate generally accepted rules in every possible way, but at the same time he is an extremely positive character and brings people only joy. As for his divine duties, Kokopelli has many of them, namely:

• Ensuring the material well-being of people, the fertility of the land and a rich harvest;
• Patronizes childbirth;
• Symbolizes energy, both creative and sexual;
• Instills in people a spirit of fun, adventurism and mischief.

Review:

Why do I only get Indian tattoos? Meaning and beauty are balanced and create a beautiful picture. I say this as an artist. And Kokopelli came to me first. I consider him my patron and main supplier of successful ideas.

Alexey, Samara.

Charms in battle

Indian amulets were successfully used on the battlefield. These ancient people fought long wars, first among themselves, and then with white people. Defending their lands and freedom, the aborigines adopted and used the qualities of animals in battle. For example, people wanted to take prudence from the bison, battle tactics from the wolf, the ability to heal wounds from the bear, and the ability to sense impending trouble from the coyote.

• The strange talisman was a stuffed crow attached to his head. A terrifying ritual - scalping. Some fighters could wear it on their head like a wig. It seemed to them that the power of the killed warrior was passing on to them. Collections of such “wigs” are still being found by archaeologists.
• Tribes living near the ocean used shark teeth or fins as a talisman. Anyone who defeats this aggressive and dangerous fish will himself become aggressive and dangerous. In those days, not only shark teeth were used, its meat was considered medicinal, relieving all ailments.
• Indian feathers are not just decoration. The more feathers, the more battles a person won. Vintage photos confirm this fact. It is also not unimportant that the feathers on the headdress served as a kind of antennas that picked up energy signals from the other world. With their help, they received hints from their ancestors.
• Silicon, although not part of the animal mascot group, was also popular among North Americans. It was believed that it cleanses the blood, makes thoughts clear, and removes poisons and toxins that come with food and drink.

Animals and birds

To get a tattoo of animals or birds, you had to earn it through your behavior.

• The image of a wolf was allowed to be applied to their bodies by warriors who wanted to show that they were as fierce and fearless in fights as this animal. In this way, the mental impact of the wolf’s bared muzzle on the enemy was achieved as emotional intimidation.
• But only those Indians who were able to defeat this terrible beast in a bloody and dangerous fight could afford to get a grizzly bear tattoo.
• The bison tattoo is a symbol of reverence for this animal, thanks to which many Indian tribes survived in the harsh climate of North America. The bison provided meat and fur, without which it is impossible to imagine the life of the ancestors of modern Indians.
• Sometimes it was possible to defeat such a dangerous beast as a jaguar, and then the proud winner could not only apply the image of a predator as a tattoo, but also wear its skin as an adornment and a sign of valor.
• Among the amulets among the Indians, it is worth noting not only the popular image of a wolf, but also the skull of a bull, which symbolized gratitude for the luck sent to the hunter by the gods. In addition, homes were decorated with a bull's skull in order to protect the family from damage by evil people and evil spirits.
• The eagle is a mighty bird that soars high in the sky and has no enemies. This is why it became a popular Indian totem, and the eagle feather was considered an honorary tattoo or headdress for chiefs, prominent tribal warriors, elders and healers. With the help of such a tattoo one could gain the opportunity to communicate with the gods and their protection.

The amulets of North American Indians are intended mainly for protection against negative magic and for good luck in battles with enemies or fights with dangerous animals, especially a talisman with the image of a wolf or grizzly helped with this.

How to make an Indian amulet yourself

You can make amulets of Indian tribes yourself. In the modern world, pendants or bracelets on the wrist are more popular. The places where the talisman comes into contact with these areas of the skin are not accidental. The aborigines believed that energy flows entered the body through them. The Indians made this conclusion because the pulse can be easily felt in these places. Uncovered skin in these areas is more susceptible to lethal effects, so the places where the heart pulse is felt were of particular importance for the tribes of that time.

To create a talisman, natural materials are used, this can be:

• tree;
• stone;
• leather;
• natural fabric.

The bracelet can be decorated for beauty. It is better to start this after a detailed study of the topic. The main rule is the motto: “Natural to natural!” Thus, the amulet can be decorated with a suitable stone, feathers, or fragments of skin.

For tattoo lovers, you can use the practice of applying a special image. Usually they “stuff” their totem animal in order, over time, to completely adopt its character and habits.

Indian face

Oddly enough, tattoos depicting Indians were invented by the Indians themselves. For a long time, no one except the tribal leader had the right to impale them. Unfortunately, the exact meaning of this tattoo is not known, but one of the meanings is a talisman that helps in love affairs.

The owner of such a pattern on the body will definitely find his soulmate and find happiness for the rest of his life. How exactly the Indian will be depicted, and even whether it will be a man or a woman, has no meaning and does not change the meaning of the tattoo. That is why it is so in demand now. He can be wearing a headdress with or without feathers, portrait or full-length, even on a horse. You can allow yourself everything that comes to mind, this will make your amulet one and only.

One of the options for applying an Indian to the body

Review:

I recently got a portrait of an Indian girl tattooed on my leg. I am very pleased with the result, the professionalism of the artist and the fact that my tattoo is one of a kind.

Dinara, Moscow

"Dream Catcher"

The popular talisman will not only protect sleep, but will also ward off evil spirits from a person. In a dream, a person is most vulnerable, which means that he needs protection. “Dreamcatcher” resembles a network through which only calm and good dreams pass. The morning sunlight destroys all the nightmares stuck on the amulet. As for good and pleasant dreams, they remain in the amulet and, according to legend, can be dreamed several more times.

You can create a “dream catcher” using a willow twig and deer tendons. A feather is attached in the middle as a symbol of life and breath. It is better for a woman to use owl feathers, and for a man to use eagle feathers. The talisman is placed above the bed so that the light of the sun passes through it. A magic item must be periodically cleaned of negativity. To do this, just hang it outside. It’s good if light from the Sun and Moon hits it during the day. Thus, all nightmares will disappear.

Today, Indian amulets are just a souvenir, but ancient knowledge should not be neglected. Everyone can find something suitable for themselves in the American Indian culture. For some, an important step will be to apply their totem to the skin, while others will find it more convenient to wear a shark tooth around their neck. In both cases, the Indian magic will work.

Totem animals

The Indians have always been distinguished by the fact that they lived in harmony with nature. A special place in their religion is occupied by sacred (totem) animals, with which certain personal qualities are associated. In this case, the tattoo can be used to judge what opinion the tribe has about a person. For example:

An example of applying totem animals to the body

• Wolf – perseverance, loyalty, highly developed intuition;
• Coyote - anger, cunning;
• Ox – desperation, willingness to take risks;
• Bear - strength, courage;
• Eagle – power, might, all-vision.

Important! It is especially honorable to have a grizzly bear tattoo. This right was awarded only to those who were able to defeat this majestic animal with their bare hands. Often such an unequal battle ended in the death of the hunter.

Mayan tribal tattoo

Mayan Tribal Tattoo
When it comes to Indian tattoos, Mayan style tattoos cannot be left aside. They are quite difficult to apply, and only a professional can cope with this task. Since most of the cultural heritage of this ancient civilization was irretrievably lost, all that is known for sure is that the tattoo on the body of a Mayan man is evidence of his military exploits and victories. And the more he is covered with patterns, the more such feats he has accomplished.

Modern tattoo artists, when it comes to the Mayans, usually depict artifacts of these Indians.

Feather

Birds fly out of a feather - one of the variants of a feather.
Among the indigenous peoples of America, a feather is a symbol of the eternal rebirth of life and the immortality of the soul. Only the most respected people of the tribe can wear such a tattoo: leaders, elders, healers, outstanding warriors. The feather helps you get into closer contact with the gods and makes it possible to talk with them. Tattoos with an eagle feather are made by warriors to imitate its courage, swiftness and strength. Eagle feathers are also used to decorate clothes, hats and dream catchers. For Indians, this is a way to show their respect to the totem birds.

Large volumetric feather in 3D style

Review:

There is a feather tattoo on my arm, it looks very feminine and neat. I didn’t really think about the meaning, but I always liked Indian tattoos. I posted the photo as soon as I took it, there were so many likes. Go for it, girls, you won’t regret it.

Galina, Ufa.