birds
The Mythical Mysteries Of Crows And Ravens
Crows and ravens are common in the superstitions of both the ancient Greeks and Romans. Both cultures considered these mysterious birds highly significant in the practice of augury, an ancient divination practice of interpreting omens or prophecies from the observed flight patterns of birds.
In the Greco-Roman world, the soothsayers, known as augers would predict future events by examining the behavior of birds, which was known as ‘taking the auspices.’ Crows and ravens were considered especially significant, both for their ominous black feathers, as well as their flight patterns and eerie behavior. It was believed that if a crow or raven flew in from the east or south, for example. It was considered an omen of good, positive fortune.
Ravens and crows mythology is also found in the native cultures of North America. In addition to being portrayed as tricksters, the intelligence of these birds is often a prominent feature in their characterization. In one Native American story, the raven is described as a shapeshifter who stole a box of light owned by the chief of Heaven, and flew away with it. The raven dropped the box, and light broke into many pieces, creating the stars, the Moon, and the Sun.
A Feather From Spirit
Our spirit guides, angels and ancestors communicate with us in many different ways, and send us various signs to remind us they are with us. They give us these signs in the way they know we will recognize them.
One of my favorite signs is finding a feather on the ground. If we think in our mind that we would love to see a feather show up, to let us know that we are on the right path, we will naturally be looking out for that sign and will find it. Knock and the door will be opened, ask and you shall receive, is something I strongly believe in.
When I ask for a visitation from a departed loved one, they will show up in some way, shape or form. For example, when I need my Grandpa or Grandma to guide me, by having a conversation with them in the astral realm, they often show up in my dreams at night.
If I need confirmation that a new endeavor I have embarked on is a good decision, and want to get a sign in the form of a feather, I usually receive it. Just this morning, while walking out to my car, there was a feather on the ground. It was lovely.
The Spiritual Symbolism Of The Pelican
When a bird flies directly onto your path, or you see images or photos of the same bird repeatedly, within a relatively short space of time, this is often a spiritual sign that the energy of this bird is calling or guiding you.
I live on the coast and I am lucky to be able to watch various seabirds, and encounter other birds drawn to the local water ways. The pelican is one bird that has specifically caught my attention. The day I was inspired to paint this amazing bird, he literally strutted down the hallway of my home!
Even to this day, pelican continues to literally soar into my experience whenever I need to draw on his wisdom. Even though they seem large and clumsy, there is something gentle and caring about their nature. If pelican has waddled or soared onto your path, let his wisdom and symbolism guide your way.
I started building my connection with the pelican’s energy by observing and sketching the local birds. Through the process I found a sense of awe for the pelican’s beauty, which was a shift in my perception, as I had never before considered them to be very attractive birds.
I also noticed they followed a set routine, and similar flight paths, depending on the weather. It inspired me to become more aware of my own patterns and habits. At this time my work schedule had become somewhat unbalanced and dysfunctional, without me being aware of the impact. Pelican taught me that it is vital for my self-care to ensure that I work within a routine and structure that better supports my creative outlets and energy levels.
Signs, Sigils And A Solstice Frith
As we arrive at the mid-year this weekend, with the solstice on June 20th, we have an opportunity to consider what needs to unfold next, for the remainder of this unusual year. The solstice is the ideal time for signs, sigils and spiritual messages.
This has been a curious time for everyone on the planet. It is as if we’ve been trapped in an alternate reality, where we can no longer accurately sense what lies ahead. With this much upheaval and uncertainty, it’s natural to experience a range of extreme emotions. We’ve had to adapt, and reflect, and confront our inner demons.
During these interesting times it’s important to nourish what we know feels good and true in our lives. The situation also opens up the space to be curious and be willing to try new things.
We have been living with one foot in the past, and one foot in the future. The good news is, however, that there is a change in the wind. We can’t successfully continue living between two worlds forever. There is a shift coming. When the winds starts to blow in a new direction, one can feel it ‘in your bones.’ There is anxiety, excitement, anticipation, a sense of renewal. For me, when this happens with the changing winds, I look for signs and spiritual guidance.
Recently, on the day a new wind blew for me, my first question was, “What’s next?” I was drawn to step on the threshold of my door, touching the door frame. The first thing I saw and heard was a murder of crows sitting on the fence around one of the rose bushes, cawing loudly. Then I noticed a significant change in the rose buds.
The day before I was pruning the bushes, and it looked as if many of the buds were not going to open this season, as several branches seemed to be dying. Fortunately, I had some other chores and didn’t finish the pruning, and left them as they were. Now, I saw a few of those buds were actually beginning to open, and new leaves were sprouting.
The Mystical Symbolism Of Feathers
I attended an angel reading workshop some years ago, during which our mentor said, “When you find a white feather in an unusual place, it’s a calling card from the Angels. Just know that your prayers have been heard and when spirit feels that the timing is right, your prayers will be answered”.
A client of Native American heritage recently explained to me how her ancestors used to make their headdresses with feathers. The reason for this is when you look at a feather there is a hollow shaft running up its center.
She says when the wearer of such a feather headdress prays, it is believed there is a direct connection to spirit, because the prayers travel up that shaft to the Divine. And similarly, blessings are sent down from the Divine via the feather’s shaft.
Feather symbolism can be found in many spiritual traditions. For example, it is an ancient Celtic belief that a feathered cloak enables one to visit other worlds with speed.
Many of my clients have the experience of finding feathers. These feathers are signs from spirit and sometimes appear in a place where one wouldn’t expect a bird could have possibly been! The color of the feathers we find is also believed to have a certain spiritual or metaphysical meaning.
In The Grace Of Divine Time
Several bald eagles flew in above me this morning, as I drove along a peaceful country road, which I travel several times a week. For the past month or so, I’ve been seeing these eagles roost in one particular area along my route.
I usually see them poised in stillness upon the bare branches of the winter trees. But today, most of my sightings were of them circling in flight overhead, crossing back and forth over the road.
Sometimes they appeared to be pursuing their prey, other times leading their young, or simply enjoying the freedom of gliding through the sky beneath the beautiful morning sun. This occurred in several places along my journey, spanning a range of miles beyond the one roost and eagle family I’ve been witnessing.
Before, during, and after my way was bedazzled with this abundance of bald eagle beauty, my thoughts had been steeped in the topic of time. I sensed the eagles crossed my path to affirm and guide me in my contemplation of eternal time.
I also sensed they came as signs of a shift in my life. They were reminding me that what has been waiting in my life – energy that has been paused, stuck or still, resting, gathering, or incubating – is beginning to move on the horizon of visibility, and gradually gaining momentum.
When I arrived home, waiting in my mailbox was a pamphlet with the printed words: The Times Are Racing. Well, message received loud and clear! It’s time to express my appreciation of time.
The Blue Jay – A Sign From Spirit
I grew up Christian. My mother was devout and my father followed, yet was not as much of a believer. I remain very spiritual in my adult years, but although I still hold my belief in God and spirit, I no longer follow any particular religion. I also have no doubt there is an afterlife and that our spirit lives on. One of the most significant moments of faith and joy on my spiritual journey happened when my father was sick and dying.
He was a magnificent man and I loved him dearly. He was my rock, the anchor in my family. He truly was that one person in this world who was always there for all of us. When he was losing his health battle, I tried to speak to him about faith, as I could tell he was afraid of dying. It was so sad for me to see him with so much fear, as he used to always be such a fearless man. Until now.
He told me he did not know for sure where he would go or what would happen to him, once he passed. He had tears in his eyes. He said, “I believe there is something after this life, but I am not sure about Heaven, or what it will be.” I could tell he was actually very afraid, and it broke my heart. I tried to reassure him. “Dad, I have every faith that you will live on in spirit,” I said.
He was a patient in palliative care, with about a month left to live according to the doctors. He was struggling emotionally. It wrecked my heart every day to witness his fear and uncertainty. He had also been very worried about those he was leaving behind.
Eventually, we reached the time where he was losing consciousness. He was drifting in and out, but while he could not do more than utter a sound or squeeze my hand, I knew he could hear me, as he would continue to respond.