Native American symbols are geometric portrayals of celestial bodies, natural phenomena and animal designs. The Morning Star symbolizes hope and guidance. The morning star is the brightest star in the sky at dawn. The morning star is actually the planet Venus as seen in the eastern sky around dawn. It is used by many Native American Indian tribes and usually has meanings related to past spirits and ancestors. In many of the Native American cultures the ancestors were represented as stars. For additional information on this subject refer to Star Chart & Astrology. The Great Plains Indians honor the morning star as a sign of courage and purity of spirit. The Ghost Dance Religion used it as a symbol of the coming renewal of tradition and resurrection of the heroes of the past.