Seal of the United Cherokee Foundation Inc. 
Cherokee Symbolism

      Construction of the Seal/Logo was by Robin and Robert
        Smith a Cherokee Couple of Laguna Beach California
   

The Grey Wolf is symbolic in that one of the matriarchial
clans of the Cherokee long long ago was called the Wolf
Clan, this clan was the warrior clan of the Cherokee people.

The Seven pointed star with one single point of the 7 pointing
upward, and is a very important part of Cherokee culture, it
points to the "CREATOR" above, the two points pointing
downward signifies the creator's way, it takes two of all,
for the perpetuation of creation. It was adopted by Act of the
Cherokee National Council, and approved In 1871 on the
Seal of the Cherokee Nation. Additionally symbolizes the
seven age old c lans of the Cherokee, Wolf Clan mentioned 
above, another is the Bird Clan it could be said the Eagle
represents the Bird Clan:  But Not so the bird Clan were
keepers of the birds, sacred feathers,  for ceremonies and
bird medicines. Members of this Clan were also known as
the the Messengers, and were highly skilled at using blow
guns and building snare traps.


The eagle is the  great sacred bird of the Cherokee Indians
and of nearly all native tribes.Eagle figures prominently in their
ceremonial rituals. Each Tribal group/Nation has its own stories
and legends concerningthe Eagle. Only the greatest warriors
and the Medicine Man wore feathers of the eagle. The legend
of the Cherokee and their eagle became Sacred.

Once a hunter in the mountains heard a noise at night like a
rushing wind outside the cabin, and on going out he found that
an eagle had just alighted on the drying pole and was tearing at
the body of a deer hanging there. Without thinking of the
danger, he shot the eagle.

In the morning he took the deer and started back to the
settlement, where he told what he had done, and the chief sent
out some men to bring in the eagle and arrange for an Eagle dance. They brought back the dead eagle, everything was made ready, and that night they started the dance in the townhouse.

 About midnight there was a whoop outside and a strange warrior came into the circle and began to recite his exploits. No one knew him, but they thought he had come from one of the farther Cherokee towns. He told how he had killed a man, and at the end of the story he gave a hoarse yell, Hi! that startled the whole company, and one of the seven men with the rattles fell over dead. He sang of another deed, and at the end straightened up with another loud yell. A second attler fell dead, and the people were so full of fear hat they could not stir from their places. Still he kept on, and at every pause there came again that terrible scream, until the last of the seven rattlers fell dead, and then the stranger went out into the darkness. Long afterward they learned from the eagle killer that it was the brother of the eagle shot by the hunter.

The significance of the symbolic colors of the  Cherokee is important. This is the way it was given in the beginning. This knowledge is important to all who seek the understanding of the circle of life; the Sacred circle is given to the Cherokee. It is a Holy form and must not be broken.

Red is the color of the spirit of the east. It represents success in war, love overcoming illness, or any other undertaking. This understanding is intertwined into the awareness that the Granmother sun comes to us from the east, it is new beginnings, new life, new consciousness, creativity, positive direction, the ability to impart worthwhile things to others, all are associated with the spirit of the east.

Black is the color of the spirit of the west. It represents death and mystery (as in the unknown) as they pass from this level of life. our ancestors go west, behind the setting sun.  We face the west for answers to the unknown or mystery. To conjure or destroy an enemy black is used. Death of an enemy, an illness, a cycle of bad luck, all are associated with the west.

Blue is the color of the spirit of the north. It represents unsatisfied desires, hard times and failure, it is also the place of reassessment and overcoming, a seeking of harmony and balance with those with whom we share. As the cold north wind weakens, it also provides a time of reflection and self-awareness all are associated with the spirit of the north. 

White is the color of the spirit of the south. It represents peace and happiness, opportunity and understanding. The white path is one of peace and spirit. Just as the white spirit lives in the south, the warm south winds bring new life. food and renew mother nature's cycle. 

Brown is the color for animals. Yellow is the color of trouble and vexation. Neither have a cardinal point. They both are pervasive in our lives.

The seven directions known to the Cherokee and symbolized by the seven sided Council House, the seven pointed star.cleansing requires seven repetitions, chants require seven repetitions, proclamations require seven repetitions, as well as other ritual requirements.