Eagle Animal-Spirit of Ute
The eagle holds a dominant sacred position in Ute cosmology, considered the most powerful animal spirit with the ability to cure afflictions and carry prayers to the Creator. Among the Ute people, eagle feathers are used in ceremonies such as the Bear Dance, Sun Dance, and Worship Dance to fan participants and brush away spiritual problems. The eagle is believed to have more power than any other creature, capable of seeing and hearing things that other beings cannot, making it the ultimate messenger between the human world and the divine