The symbol is considered sacred in the Zia Pueblo, as it represents the father of their people. The symbol is a circle that has four groups of four lines, extending from the top, bottom, left, and right sides of the circle.

The four cardinal directions (north, south, east, west). The four seasons of the year (spring, summer, fall, winter). The four periods of the day (morning, noon, evening, night). And the four steps of life (childhood, youth, adulthood, old age).

The circle in the middle of the rays ties the rays together to represent love and life.