Deer Totem

The deer symbolizes friendship, peace, gentleness, compassion and fertility. Deer are also known for being keepers of Mother Earth. The symbols on the deer in this piece represent the spiritual characteristics associated with the deer. Kokopeli, the symbol on the deer’s body, is a symbol of fertility and is often seen paired with the deer symbol in Native American designs. The maze on his chest is the tapuat, the Hopi symbol for the cycle of life and Mother Earth. The broken arrows running down the deer’s back symbolize peace while the crossed arrows (shown on the circle behind the deer) symbolize friendship. In the middle of the deer’s forehead are two hummingbirds entwined, a Native American symbol of love. The larger symbol behind the deer is a medicine wheel, which shows the twelve directions of love and happiness. As you can see, I loved researching this totem and learning about the power of the deer totem, especially because it is such a positive spirit animal.