Present day medicine shields usually center on a personal nature spirit, natural totem or even an animal or symbol that the bearer should feel they have a natural affinity with. From that centre the medicine shield reaches out. We want to be safe, successful and socially acceptable, and spiritually whole.

A shield protects confidence on the part of the bearer. It is circular. This is a significant symbol in itself. The circle represents the great circular way of creation. All things are are unending, like a circle. We will all leave this planet some day, but the circle is the ultimate symbol that our spirit life is unending.

Present day designs may feature: A lone symbol (as shown above) emphasising a particular bond with that animal or spirit, or two or more symbols for their combined strength and wisdom like the hand-crafted shiled shown to the right The Shield artwork depicted here shows several sumbols all close to the heart of Native American culture. These two items are currently avaialble at The Trading Post...

Also a medicine shield may have other combinations of animals and symbols along with various attached fetishes. These would be to signify a balance with nature and the elements along with the bearers desire to be at one with them all.
It is an extraordinary gift to receive a shield from another. It was not uncommon for a warrior to receive their first shield from an elder or close friend upon their reaching personal or spiritual adulthood.
These shields have been made, wherever possible, using natural methods and materials.

-Laughing Hawk