Sunstirred: Signs

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when an animal "goes out of its way to get our attention" (Bobby Lake-thom)
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When I see a hawk, what does it mean? Does it mean anything? Is there some sign or symbolism or something connected to seeing that hawk? The answer to these questions is 'It depends.' If the animal 'crossed your path,' then it might be a sign. If the animal seemed to purposely bring itself to your attention, it might have some sort of message for you. And it doesn't have to be a hawk, or even an animal, to be a messenger. It could be a cloud formation, a lightning bolt, or even a pebble in the path that you sense only with the sole of your foot. The message of this animal (for now we'll continue to think of it as an animal) is going to be a personal, subjective message, if there is a message at all.

As you might be realizing at this point, the first thing you need to do is doubt whether there is a message. However, do not be so skeptical as to ignore it all together. Some messages require immediate action, and if you are an observant person, you will 'know' that it is a sign.

But sometimes a cigar is just a cigar (to paraphrase Sigmund Freud). If the animal lives near a path that you frequent, perhaps you are just passing it--like any neighbor might casually pass you without it meaning anything. However, it is important to keep in mind that anything that you 'notice,' that you think 'might' be a sign, probably is, or else why are you thinking about it? OTOH, if you are like me, you might just enjoy observing animals just for the heck of it.

You need to use your own visionary prowess, experience, and common sense. You also need to use your own knowledge of the animal you are observing, of its habitat, of its habits and characteristics, and of how it behaves at different times of day. Ultimately, if you are going to be watching for signs, you have to trust your own judgment.

Brushes the Sky
(Disclaimer about sources)

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WARNING: Never kill a sign!

NOTE: The best advice for warding off a bad sign was placed in the Owl entry.

References: BLT == Bobby Lake-thom (Spirits of the Earth);
GH == Gerald Hausman (Turtle Island Alphabet) - google;
JBR == John Bearcat Redmond (Superstitions of Nature);
BtS == the author of this document, Wankatya (up above aka Puts Head in Clouds aka Brushes the Sky)

Alligator warns of danger: study its behavior and be prepared for an attack by someone or something (BLT)

Ant super-strength; intelligence; psychic abilities;
big, black: warns of earthquakes when it appears unexpectedly and seems to be trying to tell you something (BLT);
red, biting: challengers (BLT);
step on one and it will rain (JBR);
if they make a colony inside your door or in entry to your tent, you will have good fortune (JBR);

Antelope messenger and warning about human behavior: a herd on the move means you will soon meet a group of friendly people; if a doe gets close, a friendly woman will approach; if a buck, a friendly man; if you see antelope fighting, you will soon encounter conflict with friends or relatives (BLT)

Badger danger ahead if seen when travelling (BLT);
favored by gamblers (JBR);

Bat if bats fly toward you, someone is trying to curse you, betray you, or bewitch you (JBR);
they need to be flying straight at you and not just swooping down and eating the mosquitoes that your CO2 is drawing to you

Bear see also COUGAR
seen as good and bad by Navajo (et al) == coughing bear means sickness while tamed spiritually (as in a fetish) the bear can also provide the cure (GH);
seeing a bear in the woods means that you are near a sacred place and the spirits of that area are checking you out: give thanks to it and make a wish (BLT);
if a bear comes to your house or around a camp looking for food, a harsh winter is coming (BLT);
contemplation; resting; strength;
with a fish: good fortune in near future;
being hunted: pressure or the need to retreat (usually emotionally rather than physically);
sleeping: take a restful vacation by yourself; do something to 'recharge' your energy;
as totem: wisdom

Bearcat no such thing

Beaver confusion and conflict are coming if a beaver moves in near a house or camp (BLT)

Bee messenger with news about sex: if you flies in or by your house, the person coming to visit is 'interested' in you sexually (BLT);
as totem or fetish: used for fertility, protection, and love

Beetle step on one [accidentally] and it will rain - step on one [accidentally] in your house and someone will die there - when one or more walks into your home, a storm is due that day (JBR)

Bird if not a bird that is listed here, then the following applies -- even if the bird is listed here, this information may still apply and/or inform the meaning listed under the specific type of bird;
pay attention to issues involving motion, moods/attitudes;
if the bird is going in the direction of the prevailing wind, good fortune is signalled;
if birds seem to be flying alongside you as you travel, you will find new friends to join you on your journey;
a bird in a nest, or building a nest, can be a sign of a new home;
when all birds vanish, it is either almost dark or about to storm (BtS);
feather: can be used in various rituals and/or to counter various warning signs (see Garter Snake)

Black cat true black cats are rare: most that seem black actually have patches of white or ginger on them somewhere (a fact also noted by JBR) if it crosses your path, misfortune will soon follow;
killing one will cause even worse misfortune;
the misfortune will occur with a fairly short amount of time, within the week -- the only countersign (indicator that the impending misfortune) has passed) is the occurence of the misfortune (BtS)

Blowfly big flies that feed on death and decay - represent evil and dark forces - the more that show up, the worse the situation - sorcerers use them (BLT)

Blue-tailed Lizard good luck: money or a gift is coming (BLT);
see also Lizard

Blue Jay see Stellar's Jay

Bobcat see Cougar

Buffalo destruction heralded a greater evil yet to come (GH);
white: spirituality, wisdom, wealth (BLT) - heralds return of prophet-like White Buffalo Woman who introduced the Sacred Pipe, and the accompaning ritual, to the Lakota (multiple sources);
totem: abundance

Butterfly good spirits are present - change, harmony, peace (BLT);
totem: transformation

Buzzard see Vulture

Cat totem: intuition; aloofness; balance; reincarnation;
presence of a witch;
increase in magic or spiritual energy;
hard sign because cats are common;
hunting: good sign you will catch what you are after but possibility needs to be faced that you will be unsuccessful;
successful hunting: success - quick decision;
sleeping: probably means nothing but if you were clearly meant to see it as a sign, it means that whatever strife you've been facing will soon go away;
wandering: unexpected guests

Chameleon messenger that warns of sudden changes in someone's health, lifestyle, or home (BLT);
see also Lizard

Chickadee someone is talking bad about you (BLT)

Cock protection;
keeps ghosts and evil spirits away (JBR);

Cockroach warnings of dire events to come;
warning of undesirable, unpleasant, and/or unwelcome people are coming to your home;
sickness;
swarms indicate presence of sorcerer (sending) (BLT)

Cougar being stalked by an enemy, physically or spiritually (BLT);
extremely bad sign if seen with grizzly bear (BLT) [LOL]

Cow totem: vitality, prosperity, peace;
laying down: storm is on the way - could be a threat to your vitality or prosperity;
standing around, chewing: everything is okay - can be 'all clear' after 'warning' signs (BtS)

Coyote usually a good sign but can be misleading (BLT);
beware of tricks of any kind (speed traps, practical jokes, ambushes, etc) (BtS);
coyote is trying to teach you something about nature (BLT);
single, howling: loneliness (BtS);
totem: trickster

Crane good luck for people fishing;
good luck during conflict;
brings peace, stability, and harmony - feathers are used to take away negative energy and anger (BLT);

Cricket when somewhere unusual, they are a bad sign: bad wishes are being directed against you (BLT);
when they are abundant, they are a good sign (BLT);
when they stop singing, something that they perceive as danger has entered the area (BtS)

Crow see also Raven;
if hawk (etc) has signalled danger, crow is 'all clear'

Deer totem: gentleness, healing, connection to Gaia;
being hunted: alertness, sure-footing;
with fawns: productivity in your endeavors;
sleeping: calm will follow any storms you are experiencing;
see also Antelope;
warns us about what is nearby: spatially and/or temporally;
during vision quest: often means you will meet a stranger on the trail (if you see two, then two strangers, etc) (BLT);
around a campfire: it is delivering a message from the spirit world, thank it and ask it to contact you in a dream(BLT) - try tobacco to enable the contact (BtS);
buck pawing ground with head down: you will meet a challenger in a social situation involving women (usually directed at a man) (BLT);
danger is approaching == deer only run toward people if running from something they perceive as worse == whatever is chasing the deer is scarier than you are! (BtS)

Dog total devotion or loyalty

Dolphin totem: life, breath, protection, psychic awareness;
often sign of joy;
near shore: good luck; protection is coming (BLT);
a group of dolphins while fishing: fishing will be good and the feast will be attended by dolphins (BtS)

Dove totem: peace;
devil cannot enter a dove (JBR) - evil spirits cannot enter a dove - witches cannot control doves;
by a mine shaft: do not enter - danger;
they are the souls of loved ones and should not be killed (JBR);

Dragon totem: ancient power, genius, inner fire, magic (of air, of fire);
in a cave or lair: treasure will be found soon;
hatching: emergence of psychic abilities - growth of inner strength;
flying: change of perspective is coming soon

Dragonfly there will be fewer mosquitoes (BtS);
they mark the spot where the fishing is good;
if you have a bad attitude, they might mislead you (JRB)

Duck If November ice will bear a duck
Most of winter will be slush and muck (proverb)

Eagle totem: power;
message from sky deities, creator (various);
while praying: your prayer is answered (BLT);
while travelling: you will meet a spiritual guide or teacher (various);
while planning/preparing a ceremony: ceremony will be successful (BLT);
stealing an egg will bring you bad luck (JBR);
feathers having various magic powers: protection, healing, luck, etc. (see Garter Snake)

Egret see Crane

Elephant totem: memory, strength, family, imperturbility;
in a group: family ties will strengthen;
in a circus: being on display or embarassment ahead - lack of freedom indicated - you are being controlled by outside influences

Elk see also Deer;
a woman seeing an elk is either being protected or is being helped with/protected from female problems, fear, anxiety, sexual problems, and/or bad luck - if applicable, the problem involved will soon go away(BLT);

Fish totem: fertility, abundance, the ocean's bounty, mastery of currents and cycles;
swimming against stream: drive to procreate will increase - struggle ahead - determination and fortitude will help you;
on a hook: a situtation in which you feel trapped and/or unable to escape;
in a tank: ambush usually camouflaged as something pleasant

Fisher see Wolverine

Fish hawk see Osprey

Fly bad sign that warns of jealousy and the coming of storms or other bad weather (BLT);
see also Blowfly

Fox totem: adaptability, cunning, mastery of disguise/camouflage, knowing when to act, stealth;
moving through forest: awareness of one's surroundings is advised;
messenger of sickness and possibly death (BLT);
fox power can used to reverse a problem such as bringing someone back from a coma or death (BLT);
watch out for tricks (proverbial)

Frog totem: doctor, healer, meteorologist, emotional healer/psychologist;
messenger of rain (BLT);
croaking at night: it will rain soon(The Emerald Forest, 1985 John Boorman movie, et al) - it will rain tomorrow (BtS);
croaking in daytime: it will rain soon (JBR) - if before noon, it will rain this afternoon or evening (BtS);
can be used to bring rain and water (BLT);
killing one is bad as they are the souls of children who die in childhood (JBR);
if one jumps into your house, everyone in the household will have very good luck (JBR)

Garter Snake
Garden Snake different colored stripes such as red, yellow, or green: messenger of jealousy;
one (several) near you: beware of next person (group of people) that you see or that you talk to because that person (those people) will be negative, antagonistic, or dishonest;
if one comes into your house: a special sign, a messenger, or a challenger == for the first two, thank it; otherwise, warn it not to come back (using a large bird feather and smudges) and to take its bad intentions (etc) with it (BLT);

Ghost good ghost will give you a warm feeling/bad ghost will feel cold and eerie, and might pester you (BLT);
see also Moth

Gila Monster good protector;
see also Lizard

Goose heralds of spring and winter (common sense);
heralds of luck and/or common sense (BsT);
totem: luck, innocence;
laying an egg: a pleasant surprise will be forthcoming;
golden egg: monetary improvement

Gopher comes up out of hole and starts digging around: it is taking away pain and/or disease (BLT) (Shoshone);
digs a hole in the yard unusually near your house: someone that you know will die soon (Yurok, Karuk, Hupa) - the closer the hole to the front door, the closer the person is to your family (BLT) - the hole is against your doorstep or the foundation near front door: the person will be a family member (BtS);
digging in the garden: just a hungry pest, try offering food and making a deal for it to stay out of the rest of the garden (BLT) (BtS);

Grasshopper large numbers mean a drought and/or hot weather (BLT);

Grizzly Bear adds emphasis to other signs (of course it is worse to see a Grizzly Bear AND a Wolf (another bear, any other dangerous animal) than just to see the animal without the Grizzly Bear);
see Bear;
see also Cougar

Hawk hawk flying means danger ahead that is moving or can move - hawk sitting means danger ahead that is stationary (i.e. tree across road, booby trap, etc) - see also Crow (BtS)

Hornet see Yellow Jacket

Horse totem: swiftness

Hummingbird totem: messenger, good luck (carrier);
takes prayers to sky deities - colors promote healing and balance - can teach how to spirit travel, and how to develop psychic powers (BLT);
hard to determine if it is a sign as male hummingbirds will often 'buzz' a person especially during its courting or when it is guarding a nest, which is a sign, of course, that it is courting or guarding a nest (BtS)

Jay see Stellar's Jay

Kingfisher feathers in clothes will bring great fortune (JBR)

Lion see Cougar

Lizard totem: strong dreamer, shaman, totem finder/dream interpretter/spiritual advisor;
signal omens, dream visitors, spies, and/or weather;
small lizards protect children and babies: they warn adults if baby is sick - if one is in house near baby, leave it alone as it will protect the baby from snakes, spiders, bugs, animals, sickness, and bad spirits (even soul stealers) (BLT);
bride sees one on the way to her wedding: she will have an unhappy marriage (JBR);
near a woman or girl: she will have great skill with her fingers (JBR);
see Blue-tailed Lizard (money lizard);
see Gila Monster;
see Chameleon

Magpie the road ahead is clear of danger;
visitors are coming;
cheers up sad people with good advice

Mink similar to Muskrat and Otter;
totem: wealth and health;
signals good behavior;
seen while you are fishing: you will have good luck fishing (BLT);
see also Wolverine

Mole totem: moles are spies if one comes in the house, someone really hates your family and will do whatever it takes to do serious harm (BLT);
see one digging in front or back yard: usually means someone close to you is going to die (BLT)

Moon totem: intuitive

Moth if one lands on your shoulder, ear, or head, and/or seems to be trying to communicate, it is a messenger from the spirit world, usually the message is that there is a ghost around - see Ghost (BLT);
if one flies in your face, a letter will soon arrive (JBR)

Mountain Lion see Cougar

Muskrat wealth (BLT);
similar to Mink and Otter

Osprey beware of dangerous and potentially lethal accident;
warning of serious danger when travelling by boat (BLT)

Otter totem: playfulness, adventurous, zealous, joyful;
in water: you are in your element and have found a solid place in your personal or professional life;
similar to Mink and Muskrat;
sign of wealth, happiness, good luck, and/or health (BLT);
dead on highway: reverses the above (BtS);
see also Wolverine

Owl totem: wisdom, vision, artistic;
wisdom can be used for good or ill;
night magics, messenger of Athena;
favorite ally of sorcerers - messenger of evil, sickness, accidents, death;
hooting: a warning that there are hidden matters that need attention;
if an owl flies into your life, spend some time working moon rituals, especially those related to creative endeavors;
hooting around your house: warning of danger for someone you know - the closer the owl is (the louder the hooting), the closer the relative or friend affected (BLT);
burn sage to ward off any bad sign especially those concerning spirits and the evil magics of sorcery (BtS);
hooting during the day: sadness before day's end (JBR) or one of the few species of daytime owl is nearby;
hooting in town: a virgin has been taken and the first child will be female (JBR)

Panther see Cougar

Parrot it will rain soon if parrot is making loud noises (GH)

Peacock beware of hubris (1/19/06 North Fork)

Pelican self-sacrifice, storage, need to watch your words

Phoenix overcoming impossible odds, reincarnation, new life/cycle, cleansing, energy of fire;

Rabbits In UK, some people believe seeing white rabbits three times very quickly on the first of each month will ensure good luck for the rest of the month (JBR)
Some miners believe if they see a white rabbit when going to the pit they would know there was to be an accident and not go down the pit (JBR)
It’s also well known if you have a rabbit’s foot it’s unlucky to lose it (JBR)
Some gardeners in Europe hang rabbit’s feet from tree branches to insure a good harvest of their fruit (JBR)
Still rabbit is sensing danger, probably you (BtS)

Raven similar to crows. They give prophecies (JBR)
Same as crows, Ravens are signs that danger is past (BtS)

Robin The Irish Gypsies believe if you kill a Robin, a large lump will grow on your right hand and cause you lots of discomfort (JBR)
When you see the first robin of the season make a wish and it will come true (JBR)
A robin up in a tree during the Spring usually means there is an egg stealing bird(such as a Jay) nearby. If you see one chasing such a bird, it means, obviously, that the robin has a nest with eggs nearby (BtS)

Sharks *Sailors say that sharks following a ship in a group of three is a bad omen and predicts a death on board (JBR)

Sheep *It’s unlucky to meet a flock of sheep when walking along a road (JBR)

Sparrow *It is bad luck to kill one (JBR)

Spider *&All spiders are good luck (JBR)
&Spiders bring messages and warnings from one’s dead relatives.

Stork *Symbol of birth and if lovers see a pair of them, it signifies a birth due in 2 years time (JBR)

Swallow *When it flies and swoops around about your house, there is going to be good weather (JBR)

Swans *Its unlucky to kill a swan (in UK, they belong to the Queen) (JBR)
Swan eggs cannot hatch unless there is a storm (JBR)
In Scotland if you see 3 swans flying together, a disaster is about to happen (JBR)

Toad *Toads can be turned into old witches on a new moon (JBR)
If a burglar carries a toad in his/her pocket, s/he will never be caught (JBR)
If a toad crosses your path on your wedding day, you and your spouse will be happy forever (JBR) Tortoise *The tortoise is sign of long life and strength (JBR)
Some Native Americans believe that the tortoise creates earthquakes as it carries the world on its back (JBR)

Wolf *The tooth of a wolf will protect children from all evil spirits (JBR)

Wren *Children in France are told not to touch the nest of the wren as their faces will grow many pimples (JBR)
In England, a person that harms a wren will suffer a broken bone (JBR)

NOTE on sources of the above information: The majority of the information has been collected by me over the years without recording the source of the information. If you see something that I am copying from you, and I did not ask your permission, I apologize. Please contact me and I will give you credit. A large part of the information comes from personal experience. I know which part that is, of course, so if you are claiming that part, I again apologize that you think I took it from you, but actually we both just witnessed similar things and interpretted them in a similar way. Anyone that wants can borrow or steal this information from me without giving me credit. All I ask is that you don't steal it wholesale, meaning don't just copy my html code and make a web page identical to this one. Whatever you do, remember that your role as an interpretter of signs should elevate you above such petty issues as intellectual property.

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Alligator	warns of danger: study its behavior and be prepared for an attack by someone or something (BLT)
Ant	super-strength; intelligence; psychic abilities; big, black: warns of earthquakes when it appears unexpectedly and seems to be trying to tell you something (BLT); red, biting: challengers (BLT); step on one and it will rain (JBR); if they make a colony inside your door or in entry to your tent, you will have good fortune (JBR);
Antelope	messenger and warning about human behavior: a herd on the move means you will soon meet a group of friendly people; if a doe gets close, a friendly woman will approach; if a buck, a friendly man; if you see antelope fighting, you will soon encounter conflict with friends or relatives (BLT)

Badger	danger ahead if seen when travelling (BLT); favored by gamblers (JBR);
Bat	if bats fly toward you, someone is trying to curse you, betray you, or bewitch you (JBR); they need to be flying straight at you and not just swooping down and eating the mosquitoes that your CO2 is drawing to you
Bear	see also COUGAR seen as good and bad by Navajo (et al) == coughing bear means sickness while tamed spiritually (as in a fetish) the bear can also provide the cure (GH); seeing a bear in the woods means that you are near a sacred place and the spirits of that area are checking you out: give thanks to it and make a wish (BLT); if a bear comes to your house or around a camp looking for food, a harsh winter is coming (BLT); contemplation; resting; strength; with a fish: good fortune in near future; being hunted: pressure or the need to retreat (usually emotionally rather than physically); sleeping: take a restful vacation by yourself; do something to 'recharge' your energy; as totem: wisdom
Bearcat	no such thing
Beaver	confusion and conflict are coming if a beaver moves in near a house or camp (BLT)
Bee	messenger with news about sex: if you flies in or by your house, the person coming to visit is 'interested' in you sexually (BLT); as totem or fetish: used for fertility, protection, and love
Beetle	step on one [accidentally] and it will rain - step on one [accidentally] in your house and someone will die there - when one or more walks into your home, a storm is due that day (JBR)
Bird	if not a bird that is listed here, then the following applies -- even if the bird is listed here, this information may still apply and/or inform the meaning listed under the specific type of bird; pay attention to issues involving motion, moods/attitudes; if the bird is going in the direction of the prevailing wind, good fortune is signalled; if birds seem to be flying alongside you as you travel, you will find new friends to join you on your journey; a bird in a nest, or building a nest, can be a sign of a new home; when all birds vanish, it is either almost dark or about to storm (BtS); feather: can be used in various rituals and/or to counter various warning signs (see Garter Snake)
Black cat	true black cats are rare: most that seem black actually have patches of white or ginger on them somewhere (a fact also noted by JBR) if it crosses your path, misfortune will soon follow; killing one will cause even worse misfortune; the misfortune will occur with a fairly short amount of time, within the week -- the only countersign (indicator that the impending misfortune) has passed) is the occurence of the misfortune (BtS)
Blowfly	big flies that feed on death and decay - represent evil and dark forces - the more that show up, the worse the situation - sorcerers use them (BLT)
Blue-tailed Lizard	good luck: money or a gift is coming (BLT); see also Lizard
Blue Jay	see Stellar's Jay
Bobcat	see Cougar
Buffalo	destruction heralded a greater evil yet to come (GH); white: spirituality, wisdom, wealth (BLT) - heralds return of prophet-like White Buffalo Woman who introduced the Sacred Pipe, and the accompaning ritual, to the Lakota (multiple sources); totem: abundance
Butterfly	good spirits are present - change, harmony, peace (BLT); totem: transformation
Buzzard	see Vulture

Cat	totem: intuition; aloofness; balance; reincarnation; presence of a witch; increase in magic or spiritual energy; hard sign because cats are common; hunting: good sign you will catch what you are after but possibility needs to be faced that you will be unsuccessful; successful hunting: success - quick decision; sleeping: probably means nothing but if you were clearly meant to see it as a sign, it means that whatever strife you've been facing will soon go away; wandering: unexpected guests
Chameleon	messenger that warns of sudden changes in someone's health, lifestyle, or home (BLT); see also Lizard
Chickadee	someone is talking bad about you (BLT)
Cock	protection; keeps ghosts and evil spirits away (JBR);
Cockroach	warnings of dire events to come; warning of undesirable, unpleasant, and/or unwelcome people are coming to your home; sickness; swarms indicate presence of sorcerer (sending) (BLT)
Cougar	being stalked by an enemy, physically or spiritually (BLT); extremely bad sign if seen with grizzly bear (BLT) [LOL]
Cow	totem: vitality, prosperity, peace; laying down: storm is on the way - could be a threat to your vitality or prosperity; standing around, chewing: everything is okay - can be 'all clear' after 'warning' signs (BtS)
Coyote	usually a good sign but can be misleading (BLT); beware of tricks of any kind (speed traps, practical jokes, ambushes, etc) (BtS); coyote is trying to teach you something about nature (BLT); single, howling: loneliness (BtS); totem: trickster
Crane	good luck for people fishing; good luck during conflict; brings peace, stability, and harmony - feathers are used to take away negative energy and anger (BLT);
Cricket	when somewhere unusual, they are a bad sign: bad wishes are being directed against you (BLT); when they are abundant, they are a good sign (BLT); when they stop singing, something that they perceive as danger has entered the area (BtS)
Crow	see also Raven; if hawk (etc) has signalled danger, crow is 'all clear'

Deer	totem: gentleness, healing, connection to Gaia; being hunted: alertness, sure-footing; with fawns: productivity in your endeavors; sleeping: calm will follow any storms you are experiencing; see also Antelope; warns us about what is nearby: spatially and/or temporally; during vision quest: often means you will meet a stranger on the trail (if you see two, then two strangers, etc) (BLT); around a campfire: it is delivering a message from the spirit world, thank it and ask it to contact you in a dream(BLT) - try tobacco to enable the contact (BtS); buck pawing ground with head down: you will meet a challenger in a social situation involving women (usually directed at a man) (BLT); danger is approaching == deer only run toward people if running from something they perceive as worse == whatever is chasing the deer is scarier than you are! (BtS)
Dog	total devotion or loyalty
Dolphin	totem: life, breath, protection, psychic awareness; often sign of joy; near shore: good luck; protection is coming (BLT); a group of dolphins while fishing: fishing will be good and the feast will be attended by dolphins (BtS)
Dove	totem: peace; devil cannot enter a dove (JBR) - evil spirits cannot enter a dove - witches cannot control doves; by a mine shaft: do not enter - danger; they are the souls of loved ones and should not be killed (JBR);
Dragon	totem: ancient power, genius, inner fire, magic (of air, of fire); in a cave or lair: treasure will be found soon; hatching: emergence of psychic abilities - growth of inner strength; flying: change of perspective is coming soon
Dragonfly	there will be fewer mosquitoes (BtS); they mark the spot where the fishing is good; if you have a bad attitude, they might mislead you (JRB)
Duck	If November ice will bear a duck Most of winter will be slush and muck (proverb)

Eagle	totem: power; message from sky deities, creator (various); while praying: your prayer is answered (BLT); while travelling: you will meet a spiritual guide or teacher (various); while planning/preparing a ceremony: ceremony will be successful (BLT); stealing an egg will bring you bad luck (JBR); feathers having various magic powers: protection, healing, luck, etc. (see Garter Snake)
Egret	see Crane
Elephant	totem: memory, strength, family, imperturbility; in a group: family ties will strengthen; in a circus: being on display or embarassment ahead - lack of freedom indicated - you are being controlled by outside influences
Elk	see also Deer; a woman seeing an elk is either being protected or is being helped with/protected from female problems, fear, anxiety, sexual problems, and/or bad luck - if applicable, the problem involved will soon go away(BLT);

Fish	totem: fertility, abundance, the ocean's bounty, mastery of currents and cycles; swimming against stream: drive to procreate will increase - struggle ahead - determination and fortitude will help you; on a hook: a situtation in which you feel trapped and/or unable to escape; in a tank: ambush usually camouflaged as something pleasant
Fisher	see Wolverine
Fish hawk	see Osprey
Fly	bad sign that warns of jealousy and the coming of storms or other bad weather (BLT); see also Blowfly
Fox	totem: adaptability, cunning, mastery of disguise/camouflage, knowing when to act, stealth; moving through forest: awareness of one's surroundings is advised; messenger of sickness and possibly death (BLT); fox power can used to reverse a problem such as bringing someone back from a coma or death (BLT); watch out for tricks (proverbial)
Frog	totem: doctor, healer, meteorologist, emotional healer/psychologist; messenger of rain (BLT); croaking at night: it will rain soon(The Emerald Forest, 1985 John Boorman movie, et al) - it will rain tomorrow (BtS); croaking in daytime: it will rain soon (JBR) - if before noon, it will rain this afternoon or evening (BtS); can be used to bring rain and water (BLT); killing one is bad as they are the souls of children who die in childhood (JBR); if one jumps into your house, everyone in the household will have very good luck (JBR)

Garter Snake Garden Snake	different colored stripes such as red, yellow, or green: messenger of jealousy; one (several) near you: beware of next person (group of people) that you see or that you talk to because that person (those people) will be negative, antagonistic, or dishonest; if one comes into your house: a special sign, a messenger, or a challenger == for the first two, thank it; otherwise, warn it not to come back (using a large bird feather and smudges) and to take its bad intentions (etc) with it (BLT);
Ghost	good ghost will give you a warm feeling/bad ghost will feel cold and eerie, and might pester you (BLT); see also Moth
Gila Monster	good protector; see also Lizard
Goose	heralds of spring and winter (common sense); heralds of luck and/or common sense (BsT); totem: luck, innocence; laying an egg: a pleasant surprise will be forthcoming; golden egg: monetary improvement
Gopher	comes up out of hole and starts digging around: it is taking away pain and/or disease (BLT) (Shoshone); digs a hole in the yard unusually near your house: someone that you know will die soon (Yurok, Karuk, Hupa) - the closer the hole to the front door, the closer the person is to your family (BLT) - the hole is against your doorstep or the foundation near front door: the person will be a family member (BtS); digging in the garden: just a hungry pest, try offering food and making a deal for it to stay out of the rest of the garden (BLT) (BtS);
Grasshopper	large numbers mean a drought and/or hot weather (BLT);
Grizzly Bear	adds emphasis to other signs (of course it is worse to see a Grizzly Bear AND a Wolf (another bear, any other dangerous animal) than just to see the animal without the Grizzly Bear); see Bear; see also Cougar

Hawk	hawk flying means danger ahead that is moving or can move - hawk sitting means danger ahead that is stationary (i.e. tree across road, booby trap, etc) - see also Crow (BtS)
Hornet	see Yellow Jacket
Horse	totem: swiftness
Hummingbird	totem: messenger, good luck (carrier); takes prayers to sky deities - colors promote healing and balance - can teach how to spirit travel, and how to develop psychic powers (BLT); hard to determine if it is a sign as male hummingbirds will often 'buzz' a person especially during its courting or when it is guarding a nest, which is a sign, of course, that it is courting or guarding a nest (BtS)

Magpie	the road ahead is clear of danger; visitors are coming; cheers up sad people with good advice
Mink	similar to Muskrat and Otter; totem: wealth and health; signals good behavior; seen while you are fishing: you will have good luck fishing (BLT); see also Wolverine
Mole	totem: moles are spies if one comes in the house, someone really hates your family and will do whatever it takes to do serious harm (BLT); see one digging in front or back yard: usually means someone close to you is going to die (BLT)
Moon	totem: intuitive
Moth	if one lands on your shoulder, ear, or head, and/or seems to be trying to communicate, it is a messenger from the spirit world, usually the message is that there is a ghost around - see Ghost (BLT); if one flies in your face, a letter will soon arrive (JBR)
Mountain Lion	see Cougar
Muskrat	wealth (BLT); similar to Mink and Otter

Osprey	beware of dangerous and potentially lethal accident; warning of serious danger when travelling by boat (BLT)
Otter	totem: playfulness, adventurous, zealous, joyful; in water: you are in your element and have found a solid place in your personal or professional life; similar to Mink and Muskrat; sign of wealth, happiness, good luck, and/or health (BLT); dead on highway: reverses the above (BtS); see also Wolverine
Owl	totem: wisdom, vision, artistic; wisdom can be used for good or ill; night magics, messenger of Athena; favorite ally of sorcerers - messenger of evil, sickness, accidents, death; hooting: a warning that there are hidden matters that need attention; if an owl flies into your life, spend some time working moon rituals, especially those related to creative endeavors; hooting around your house: warning of danger for someone you know - the closer the owl is (the louder the hooting), the closer the relative or friend affected (BLT); burn sage to ward off any bad sign especially those concerning spirits and the evil magics of sorcery (BtS); hooting during the day: sadness before day's end (JBR) or one of the few species of daytime owl is nearby; hooting in town: a virgin has been taken and the first child will be female (JBR)

Panther	see Cougar
Parrot	it will rain soon if parrot is making loud noises (GH)
Peacock	beware of hubris (1/19/06 North Fork)
Pelican	self-sacrifice, storage, need to watch your words
Phoenix	overcoming impossible odds, reincarnation, new life/cycle, cleansing, energy of fire;

Rabbits	In UK, some people believe seeing white rabbits three times very quickly on the first of each month will ensure good luck for the rest of the month (JBR) Some miners believe if they see a white rabbit when going to the pit they would know there was to be an accident and not go down the pit (JBR) It’s also well known if you have a rabbit’s foot it’s unlucky to lose it (JBR) Some gardeners in Europe hang rabbit’s feet from tree branches to insure a good harvest of their fruit (JBR) Still rabbit is sensing danger, probably you (BtS)
Raven	similar to crows. They give prophecies (JBR) Same as crows, Ravens are signs that danger is past (BtS)
Robin	The Irish Gypsies believe if you kill a Robin, a large lump will grow on your right hand and cause you lots of discomfort (JBR) When you see the first robin of the season make a wish and it will come true (JBR) A robin up in a tree during the Spring usually means there is an egg stealing bird(such as a Jay) nearby. If you see one chasing such a bird, it means, obviously, that the robin has a nest with eggs nearby (BtS)

Sharks	*Sailors say that sharks following a ship in a group of three is a bad omen and predicts a death on board (JBR)
Sheep	*It’s unlucky to meet a flock of sheep when walking along a road (JBR)
Sparrow	*It is bad luck to kill one (JBR)
Spider	*&All spiders are good luck (JBR) &Spiders bring messages and warnings from one’s dead relatives.
Stork	*Symbol of birth and if lovers see a pair of them, it signifies a birth due in 2 years time (JBR)
Swallow	*When it flies and swoops around about your house, there is going to be good weather (JBR)
Swans	*Its unlucky to kill a swan (in UK, they belong to the Queen) (JBR) Swan eggs cannot hatch unless there is a storm (JBR) In Scotland if you see 3 swans flying together, a disaster is about to happen (JBR)

Wolf	*The tooth of a wolf will protect children from all evil spirits (JBR)
Wren	*Children in France are told not to touch the nest of the wren as their faces will grow many pimples (JBR) In England, a person that harms a wren will suffer a broken bone (JBR)