Native Americans use shields not only for physical protection but for spiritual protection and guidance. Sometimes spiritual guides or teachers, recieved in visions or given by elder teachers were transferred to a persons shield, to protect them and guide them.

Wolf Medicine often represents "Teacher". Wolf is loyal, steadfast and full of new ideas, that are shared with the immediate family or clan. The wolf is close to the human family. Wolf Medicine teaches humans how to walk on Mother Earth in a graceful and gentle way.