The 12 Native American Zodiac Signs Explained

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Plus, how the Native American zodiac relates to the Western zodiac

Co-authored by Amy Bobinger, BA Reviewed by Paige Ferris

Last Updated: October 27, 2025 Fact Checked

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Native American Zodiac Signs

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Origin

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Animal Variations in the Zodiac

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Four Clans of the Zodiac

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Native American vs. Western Astrology

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Takeaways

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Video

The Native American zodiac is a modern interpretation of traditional beliefs from various Native American Tribes. But even if it isn’t a practice that can be directly traced to a specific tribe or nation, it’s still a unique zodiac system that’s based on moon phases and totem animals. We’re taking a deep dive into the Native American Zodiac, including how the Native American zodiac signs correspond to the Western zodiac signs.

Native American Zodiac

Otter: January 20–February 18
Wolf: February 19–March 20
Falcon: March 21–April 19
Beaver: April 20–May 20
Deer: May 21–June 20
Woodpecker: June 21–July 21
Salmon: July 22–August 21
Bear: August 22–September 21
Raven: September 22–October 22
Snake: October 23–November 22
Owl: November 23–December 21
Snow Goose: December 22–January 19

Section 1 of 6:

Animals of the Native American Zodiac

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Otter: January 20 – February 18 People born during this period—also known as the the Rest & Cleansing Moon phase—are often playful, curious, and clever—like an Otter. They form strong connections with their family and friends and approach life with a free-spirited, imaginative point of view that can come across as unconventional. As a result, Otters can sometimes be seen as rebellious—but they have the potential to be true visionaries.^{[1]
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- Moon: Rest & Cleansing Moon^{[2]
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- Direction: North-northeast
- Mineral: Silver
- Plant: Aspen
- Clan: Butterfly
- Element: Air
- Most compatible with: Raven, Falcon, Deer
- Southern Hemisphere Dates: July 20 – August 22
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Wolf/Cougar: February 19 – March 20 People born during the Big Winds Moon phase often feel a wolf’s unique blend of loyalty and independence–they’re fiercely devoted to their pack, but also value time spent alone. Wolf people have keen instincts and tend to thrive when they’re given the space to listen to their intuition and follow their passions. However, they may have a tendency to be a bit sensitive or speak harshly.^{[3]
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- Moon: Big Winds Moon^{[4]
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- Direction: East-northeast
- Mineral: Turquoise
- Plant: Plantain
- Clan: Frog
- Element: Water
- Most compatible with: Bear, Snake, Woodpecker
- Southern Hemisphere Dates: August 23 –September 22
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Falcon/Hawk: March 21 – April 19 People born under Budding Tree Moon, like the falcon, tend to have sharp, discerning personalities. They’re often strategic and insightful, and they embody a spirit of fearlessness, freedom, and a determination to carve out one’s own path in life. This strong perspective can sometimes cause them to come off as arrogant or impatient.^{[5]
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- Moon: Budding Tree Moon^{[6]
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- Direction: East
- Mineral: Fire opal
- Plant: Dandelion
- Clan: Thunderbird
- Element: Fire
- Most compatible with: Salmon, Owl
- Southern Hemisphere Dates: September 23 – October 22
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Beaver: April 20 – May 20 People born during the Frog’s Return Moon can often be compared to the Beaver—hard-working, with a strong vision for the future. They tend to be responsible, tidy, and even-tempered. However, they can become too focused on an end goal, which can cause them to come across as overly stubborn and resistant to change.^{[7]
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- Moon: Frog’s Return Moon^{[8]
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- Direction: East-southeast
- Mineral: Chrysocolla
- Plant: Blue camas
- Clan: Turtle
- Element: Earth
- Most compatible with: Woodpecker, Bear, Goose
- Southern Hemisphere Dates: October 23 – November 21
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Deer: May 21 – June 20 People who are born during the Corn Planting Moon phase often exhibit a deer’s symbolic traits, like being curious, graceful, and quick. Deer people are intuitive and have a strong connection to the natural world. They can also have a tendency to be suspicious and may not stay in one place for long.^{[9]
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- Moon: Corn Planting Moon^{[10]
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- Direction: South-Southeast
- Mineral: Moss agate
- Plant: Yarrow
- Clan: Butterfly
- Element: Air
- Most compatible with: Raven, Otter
- Southern Hemisphere Dates: November 22 – December 21
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Woodpecker: June 21 – July 21 Like the Woodpecker, people born during the Strong Sun Moon phase have a tendency to be creative, adventurous, and resourceful. They also tend to have strong, nurturing relationships with the people closest to them. However, people born under this sign may struggle with anger and jealousy.^{[11]
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- Moon: Strong Sun Moon^{[12]
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- Direction: South
- Mineral: Rose quartz/Carnelian agate
- Plant: Wild rose
- Clan: Frog
- Element: Water
- Most compatible with: Snake, Wolf, Beaver
- Southern Hemisphere Dates: December 22 – January 19
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Salmon/Sturgeon: July 22 – August 21 People born during the Ripe Berries Moon phase tend to exhibit traits of the salmon—they’re driven by an innate intuition that pushes them toward their goals, even if that means going against an expected path. This can also give them a fun, infectious energy, especially when they feel like they’re heading in the right direction. However, that dedication can lead to a single-minded pursuit of goals—sometimes at the expense of others’ needs.^{[13]
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- Moon: Ripe Berries Moon^{[14]
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- Direction: South-southwest
- Mineral: Garnet/iron
- Plant: Raspberry
- Clan: Thunderbird
- Element: Fire
- Most compatible with: Falcon, Owl
- Southern Hemisphere Dates: January 20 – February 18
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Bear: August 22 – September 21 People born during the Harvest Moon phase often share traits with the bear—they’re stoic, calm, and strong. They also tend to be nurturing and in tune with nature, and they may value a healthy balance between work, play, and rest. However, prioritizing rest means others may sometimes see them as lazy, and they can sometimes come across as shy.^{[15]
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- Moon: Harvest Moon^{[16]
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- Direction: West-southwest
- Mineral: Amethyst
- Plant: Violet
- Clan: Turtle
- Element: Earth
- Most compatible with: Goose, Beaver
- Southern Hemisphere Dates: February 19 – March 20
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Raven: September 22 – October 22 People born under the Ducks Flying Moon often embody the traits of the raven—intelligent, charming, and resourceful. They may tend to be intuitive and creative, and can often use those skills to easily adapt to whatever comes their way. However, Raven people can have a tendency to be a little unreliable.^{[17]
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- Moon: Ducks Flying Moon^{[18]
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- Direction: West
- Mineral: Jasper
- Plant: Mullein
- Clan: Butterfly
- Element: Air
- Most compatible with: Otter, Deer
- Southern Hemisphere Dates: March 21 – April 19
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Snake: October 23 – November 22 People born during the Freeze-Up Moon phase often exhibit the Snake’s strong connection to the spiritual world. They may also be especially resilient, able to reinvent themselves much like a snake sheds its skin. However, Snake people’s mysterious nature can sometimes cause them to be feared by others.^{[19]
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- Moon: Freeze-Up Moon^{[20]
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- Direction: West-northwest
- Mineral: Malachite/copper
- Plant: Thistle
- Clan: Frog
- Element: Water
- Most compatible with: Wolf, Woodpecker
- Southern Hemisphere Dates: April 20 – May 20
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Owl: November 23 – December 21 Like the owl, people born under the Long Snows Moon tend to be wise, intuitive, and natural leaders. They may have a keen understanding of how to overcome life’s challenges, and they often have a strong taste for adventure. However, the need for excitement can sometimes cause them to act recklessly.^{[21]
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- Moon: Long Snows Moon^{[22]
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- Direction: North-northwest
- Mineral: Obsidian
- Plant: Black spruce
- Clan: Thunderbird
- Element: Fire
- Most compatible with: Falcon, Salmon
- Southern Hemisphere Dates: May 21 – June 20
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Snow Goose: December 22 – January 19 People who are born during the Earth Renewal Moon phase tend to embody the Snow Goose’s determination, versatility, and persistence. They’re often competitive and difficult to stop once they set their sights on a goal, and their ambition and strategic vision can help lead them to success. That can, however, manifest as a tendency towards obsession if Goose people aren’t careful.^{[23]
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- Moon: Earth Renewal Moon^{[24]
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- Direction: North
- Mineral: Quartz crystal
- Plant: Birch tree
- Clan: Turtle
- Element: Earth
- Most compatible with: Beaver, Bear, Raven
- Southern Hemisphere Dates: June 21 – July 21

Section 2 of 6:

Where did the Native American Zodiac originate?

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The Native American Zodiac is largely a modern system. The Native American Zodiac that we see today doesn’t necessarily reflect the traditional astrological beliefs of any Native American groups. It’s a modern interpretation that draws from elements of real indigenous practices, like the medicine wheel and animal totems. That said, it can be an interesting and fun way to look for personal insight while connecting with indigenous cultures.^{[25]
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- The Native American indigenous people span two continents and consist of vast and diverse tribes and nations—each of which has its own unique cultural practices and beliefs.
- How can I figure out my Native American Zodiac sign? Like Western astrology, finding your Native American Zodiac sign is as simple as finding the sign for your birthday.

Section 3 of 6:

Why do some Native American Zodiacs use different animals?

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There are different animals because there’s no one defining Native American Zodiac. Because of the diversity of Native American peoples (and because the Native American Zodiac is a modern system), some people may represent zodiac phases using different animals. However, the attributes for that zodiac sign tend to be similar even when different animals are used.
- For instance, both Wolf and Cougar are used for the Big Winds Moon (February 19–March 20). They have overlapping traits like independence, resilience, and intuition.

Section 4 of 6:

What are the four clans of the Native American Zodiac?

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The 4 clans are Turtle, Frog, Butterfly, and Thunderbird. Each clan is associated with a specific element, and there are 3 Moon phases (and corresponding zodiac signs) assigned to each clan. Here are the primary traits of each clan:^{[26]
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- Turtle—Clan of the Earth: Practical and grounded (Snow Goose, Beaver, Brown Bear)
- Frog—Clan of the Water: Versatile and empathetic (Wolf, Woodpecker, Snake)
- Thunderbird—Clan of Fire: Volatile and radiant (Falcon, Salmon, Owl)
- Butterfly—Clan of the Air: Nimble and gentle (Otter, Deer, Raven)

Section 5 of 6:

How does Native American astrology differ from Western astrology?

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Native American astrology is based on the moon rather than the stars. Each segment in the Native American zodiac represents a specific moon phase and is based on animal traits, while the Western Zodiac is charted based on the position of the stars in the sky and draws traits from constellations.^{[27]
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Expert Source

Paige Ferris
Tarot Reader, Astrologer, and Intuitive Psychic

Expert Interview} That said, the dates and traits for each sign largely overlap between the two systems. Here’s a list of the Native American zodiac signs and which Western zodiac signs they correspond to.
- Otter = Aquarius
- Wolf = Pisces
- Falcon = Aries
- Beaver = Taurus
- Deer = Gemini
- Woodpecker = Cancer
- Salmon = Leo
- Bear = Virgo
- Raven = Libra
- Snake = Scorpio
- Owl = Sagittarius
- Snow Goose = Capricorn

Section 6 of 6:

Takeaways from the Native American Zodiac

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The Native American Zodiac can help us connect to ourselves and nature. Even though the Native American Zodiac isn’t actually an ancient astrological system, it can still offer meaningful insights into our lives and the world around us. Here are some areas where we might benefit from studying the Native American zodiac:
- Cultural connection: By learning more about the real beliefs and practices behind the modern Native American zodiac, we can deepen our understanding of and appreciation for the indigenous people of North and South America.
- Personal growth: The Native American zodiac may offer insights into our own strengths and weaknesses that can help us be our best selves.
- Connection to nature: Studying the Native American zodiac can give us a deeper appreciation for the phases of the moon and the animals who share our space.
- Artistic inspiration: Many people find that the Native American zodiac offers a creative spark that can help them create unique zodiac-themed designs.
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Some people believe the Native American zodiac is appropriative. The Native American zodiac may facilitate the idea that Native Americans are a single, monolithic culture, rather than a diverse collection of peoples. Additionally, some people consider their Native American zodiac animal a sort of “totem” or “spirit animal”—concepts that are sacred beliefs in some indigenous cultures.
- In many indigenous cultures, a totem animal is a spirit that guides a person throughout their lifetime. A totem can also be a symbol for a tribe or clan.^{[28]
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- Totem animals are a type of spirit animal, but not all spirit animals remain with a person permanently like a totem.