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Bird Spirit Animals assist in matters of higher knowledge. They are symbols of strength, freedom and unity of fellow creatures.

Albatross,-- Stamina and endurance, ability to remain in emotional situations for extended periods of time, awkward yet effective beginnings and endings, seeing the benefits of extended parenting

Anhinga,-- The advantages of keeping wet, not wildly flapping to get somewhere, patiently waiting for the opportunity to spear your quarry

Bee Eater -- Ability to see auras, use of color in healing, capture of moving objects, ability to dig to find answers

Bird of Paradise -- Extravagant and elaborate thoughts. On the positive side, it can symbolize lightness, closeness to God, and removal from worldly concerns.

Blackbird,,-- A guide to understanding energies of Mother Earth. Blackbirds are known for their hypnotic song, calling from the gateway between two worlds, which is said to awaken the psychic mind. The Blackbird teaches how to use your voice for healing purposes. A familiar of the goddess Rhiannon

Red Wing Blackbird -- A slow learner who can adapt quickly to new situations. One who will do anything to be noticed. Red-Winged Blackbirds are directly connected to the Goddess and primal feminine energies

Yellow Headed Blackbird -- Blackbirds with a yellow head oversee nature and nature spirits. The egg of yellow blackbird egg represents new life, bringing hope for the revitalization of the mistreated land.

Bluebird,-- Modesty, confidence, happiness, plaintive song, movement to a new level of being

Blue Jay,-- Linking directly to the power of the Earth and access to universal energies. (The word "jay" comes from the Latin,"Gaea"/for Mother Earth) Aggressive and noisy, driving others from resources. Hiding away more than needed to keep others from having it. Deceiving others by mimicking their behavior./(Negative characteristics often seen in humans, which makes them unpopular visitors.) The blue jay is fearless when it comes to protecting its partner, young and territory. So too are those with this animal as their totem. They will defend their positions against adversaries who seem much more powerful than themselves. They keep the same mate for life, which is symbolic of endurance, patience and loyalty.

Bobolink (Reedbird) -- Awaken to the changesin perceptionsthat are unfolding before you. Pay attention to dualities and adjust perceptions accordingly. Trust your intuition and watch for synchronicities to show the way. This is a period of balancing the light and dark and grounding the physical with the spiritual. Be ready to reevaluate your position.

Bobwhite -- (see under "Quail")

Bowerbird/-- Creating elaborate surroundings (bowers) to impress others. Acquiring a dowry to attract a mate. A need to make sensible and practical preparations for the future. Positive materialism

Bunting -- Knowledge and intelligence with an emphasis on utilizing your voice to "sing" your thoughts to speak from the heart. Learn to camouflage yourself in order to rest along with showing oneself when it is time. Emotions may need to surface or remain hidden in order to heal. Pay attention to the color of the bunting for this may mean adding color and vitality to life

Blue Bunting -- Good, truth and love with spiritual origins.

White Bunting -- Bringer of light and emphasis on purity, cleansing and healing.

Bustard -- The biggest thing flying. A faith that Spirit and Mother Earth will provide what is needed. If you can get through the first year you will make it.

Butcher Bird (Shrike) -- A predatory songbird, fearless and bold. A ferocious killer that will impale its victims. Check out your surroundings, know the value of having a surplus

Buzzard -- (see: 'Vulture/Turkey Vulture')

Canary,-- Beauty of voice, use of song in healing and enlightening, finding your souls song, ability to find joy in song during times in darkness, the importance of fresh air

Caracara (Mexican Eagle) -- Use available resources

Cardinal (Redbird) --Cardinal is a reminder that this is an opportunity to recognize the importance of discovering life's purpose. The bright red color of the cardinal is symbolic. The color red represents the blood or life force of the Mystic Christ. (The Cardinal's name derives from the bright red robes of the cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church.) In yoga the color red represents the vital force of the kundalini and the root chakra. The Cardinal signifies that.once on a spiritual path there is no turning back. The balancing of spiritual ideals and physical desires is necessary in order to achieve harmony so that life's purpose may be revealed and you will be able,to find your soul song. Add color to life and remember that every song you sing is important.

Cassowary/-- Jumping feet first into confrontations and knocking down the opposition. Address your need of Sacred Space and how you treat the Sacred Space of others.

Catbird/-- Language and communication, be careful what you say and to whom you say it, make it a point to mind your own business

Chickadee/-- The bird of truth, pinpoints truth and knowledge,,will show warriors where their enemy is vulnerable to attack

Chicken/-- Fertility and sacrifice, pecking out the answers that escape others, protection of family and community. Known for their hardiness chickens will run quickly and frantically away from danger. When danger is close they take off with a loud explosion which startles their predator. They are mindful creatures that have extreme sensitivity. Chickens feel the vibrations of mother earth and all life forms that inhabit her. This indicates its empathic abilities. Because empaths literally absorb the energy of everything around them a high strung nervous system can develop. If nervous energy isn't expressed in a balanced way sporadic unpredictable behavior can occur. Yoga or any other form of meditative movement can help those with this medicine acquire balance.

Cockatoo -- {see: Parrot}

Condor,-- Soaring above limitations, imminent changes, knowledge concerning the dead, a new vision through death and rebirth

Andean Condor-- Condors motivate us to collectively reach out and share the knowledge we have stored within ourselves. Mapuche Indian Proverb: Dont try to be a Condor, because the mountains are high.

California Condor -- Condor people are inspired to restore balance

Cormorant -- Dive deeper for answers and solutions

Corncake -- So called because of its fondness for feeding in grain fields. An elusive nature, but its loud call ensures that it gets noticed. A warning of misfortune to come.

Cowbird -- Child abandonment, avoiding responsibilities, parasitic relationships, the need to resolve old issues

Crane,-- Royalty, pride, balanced movement, inner meditation, the value of secretiveness, ancient symbol of justice, longevity and good fortune

Brolga -- An inspired dancer. A sacred dance that will carry you into other realms. A love of the theater.

White Crane-- Karmic justice, master of defensive maneuvers

Whooping Crane -- Your actions may influence more than you think

Crow/-- The Keeper of the Universal Sacred Law. Nothing escapes the keen sight of the Crow and it instills the wisdom to see things beyond the limitations of one-dimensional thinking. Crow calls to see beyond cultural limitations and the accepted rules of right and wrong. Crow is an omen of change and when experiencing something new watches closely to see what happens and then learns from it. Learn to recognize potential danger and be watchful in vulnerable times. Watch what you believe and question your ideas about reality against a more universal standard. The crow is the spirit which represents the transcendence that will reveal the true path to life's mission. Crow merges both light and dark, both inner and outer and when in the darkness of emotional pain and turmoil the crow is the Carrier of Lost Souls into Light. The Crow/has a message for you! Native American Totem Animal for "Libra" (The Celtic Goddess 'Morrigan' will often appear in the guise of the crow.)

Cuckoo -- It is the time is for new beginnings and Cuckoo will show how to move at this time, heralding a new fate. Cuckoo shows how to maneuver through the physical world and to be more sensitive to other worlds. Trust your intuitions and look deeper for solutions. A diet balanced with protein and fruits so be aware of your diet.,It is,time to migrate or remain, time to be active or a time to rest. Pay attention to the eyes and care for them and how to walk carefully by feeling vibrations. You may notice feet sensitivity as you attune the senses.

Curlew -- Long believed by the Celts to be associated with sorrow. One of the names that the Highlanders have for the curlew is 'Guilbhron' (Wail of Sorrow) or 'Guilbinn' (Wailing Music). The curlew is the bird of Dalua, the faerie fool, who is often called "The Shadow Lord". It is said to be a Storm Bringer.

Dove/-- Associated with many goddesses, (most notably the Greek goddess Aphrodite), it is considered the embodiment of the maternal instinct. When the dove appears it is signaling a time to go within and to release emotional discord. It assists in releasing the memories of past trauma. The dove bestows healing on all levels so that when inner turmoil is released the possibility of peace and prosperity awaits. A spirit messenger bringing communication between the realms of the conscious and the unconscious.

Brown Dove -- Represents a subconscious thought that is less than clear. Somewhere between awareness and ignorance, leaning to the side of being unaware. Give attention to being clearer about what is needed.

Mourning Dove/-- Represents Spirit and communication with Spirit through all other creatures. When the mourning dove appears there will be messages and opportunities for growth. (Commonly thought of as a potential symbol of a coming death, but only if it is seen/under extremely unusual circumstances.)

White Dove -- Universal symbol of peace and hope for the future.

Duck,-- Connection to the feminine and the astral plane, maneuvering through the emotional waters with grace and comfort, assisting others through emotional entanglements, spirit helper of mystics and seers, comfortable with other ethnicities, (bold colored ducks hold the qualities of strength and perseverance, iridescent colored ducks call you to examine your emotions)

Sea Duck -- Tailor made for a life at sea. A delayed maturity that many never reach.A snappy appearance.The marine corps of the bird world

Eagle,-- A Sacred Messenger from Heaven and,the,Eye of the Sun. The eagle lives in the spirit realm and it carries prayers to the Creator and returns with a vision. The eagle possesses healing spiritual power and their magical feathers assist medicine men and women in connecting with Spirit for healing. Eagles will mate on the wind and they symbolize the power of creation when released from the confines of the Earthly realm,with a lesson of staying grounded when soaring high.,The eagle teaches that with limited vision we may not see the things that lie before us and how to look at life from a higher perspective.

Bald Eagle,-- Swiftness, strength, courage, wisdom, ability to see hidden spiritual truths, rising above the material to see the spiritual, connection to spirit guides and teachers

Golden Eagle,-- Understands the cycles of the Sun, clear vision, sees from the highest places, spiritual power of the Sun

Wedge-tailed Eagle,-- The Persecuted King. Upperworld Messenger. Pride. Transcending the Ego. Flight of the Spirit.

White-tailed Eagle -- A particularly sociable eagle, and this is reflected in the emotional support that he offers as a power animal. A powerful and agile hunter of fish, he can delve into the unconscious of his shaman companion to retrieve hidden images and influences with his sure and strong talons.

Emu,-- Fulfill your responsibilities while you explore your possibilities

Falcon,-- Comes when you require higher vision and knowledge, being in a position to see everything, knowing when to fully commit and act, teaching how to ride the wind. Accompanies the soul back to the soul world, soul healing. The Falcon represents visionary power and leads you to your life purpose. The Falcon carries a message of transition and change. Native American Totem Animal for "Aries"

Peregrine Falcon -- Nobody's faster, know when to act and how to act, act upon opportunity, observing from on high, meditation and deep spiritual studies

Finch,-- Entertaining singer, variety of activities and experiences, new activity coming, often stuck raising other's children [see: Cowbird]

Galpagos Finches (Darwin's Finches) -- Can change "in the blink of an eye", inspiration for revolutionary ideas.

Goldfinch -- Awakening to nature spirits (fairies and elves), resolving family conflicts, at home in the rural or urban life, first marriage difficulties, wardrobe changes

Flamingo -- Ability to cleanse and filter what emotionally nourishes and heals, understanding how to maintain balance

Flicker -- New rhythm of growth and healing power, love, balance

Frigatebird -- A seafarer that cannot swim, puffing up the chest to appear important, will defend its own turf but no other, a pirate and a thief

Frogmouth -- Seek out the secrets being held by the Elders. Learn the ancient stories. Often mistaken for a wise old owl.

Goose/-- The symbol of the sacred circle and its migration announces the passage of the Great Circle of the Year. Sacred bird in the temples of the Roman Goddess Juno,,and it is the totem of the Winter Solstice for the Native Americans. The goose reminds us of the stories we are drawn to that often reflect our life mission. The goose is a call to the vision quest, travel and new adventure and the celebration of victory with dance. The goose never leaves one of its own kind behind. Geese annually migrate to warmer climates during the winter. Should a goose become injured during this trek, another goose will leave the migrating flock to stay with its fallen comrade. An individual whose outer personality is one of determination and resourcefulness, goose souls may become so single-minded in their drive to provide a safe nest for their mate and offspring that they may ultimately attain their beautiful and sturdy nest, only to turn around when it has been achieved to find there is no mate with whom to share it. Native American Totem Animal for "Capricorn"

Canada Goose -- Cooperative and communal behavior, never leave the weak behind

Grackle,-- Grackles are very happy birds that look past the emotional turmoil and find joy in the smallest of things. Black is the color of the inner and the feminine and the purple and bronze coloring about the head especially usually indicates that emotions are coloring the thinking process. Situations are not always what they appear to be; particularly when dealing with emotions. Emotions that are not dealt with can even go on to produce physical congestion in the body. Grackles love to live in pine trees and the essence of pine can be used to help alleviate strong emotional states, particularly feelings of guilt. The grackle showing up is a sign that it is time to clear away emotional congestion and to deal with your emotions.

Grosbeak,-- Healing the family heart, when it comes to relationships the male and female sing a different song

Rose Breasted Grosbeak -- Undergoing a time of pain and a reminder that the pain will pass. Healing through music and sound therapy

Grouse,-- Sacred dancing & drumming drawing one into the higher consciousness of the Dance of the Sacred Spiral. Focusing on what is needed to be manifest and through movement creating the energy to accomplish it. Understanding the circular nature of time. Guide to perceiving the order within the Sacred Geometry. (see also: 'Water Animal Spirits/Nautilus')

Prairie-Chicken,-- Spirit dancer, shaman singer, attachment to the hereditary land. (Pheasants will lay their eggs in prairie chicken nests. The pheasant eggs hatch first; causing the prairie chickens to leave the nest thinking that the young have hatched. In reality their eggs did not hatch and their young usually die.) "Avoid taking on others responsibilities to the detriment of your own."

Ruffed Grouse -- Quite trusting of others and friendly. But if that trust is broken, it will be very difficult to regain it. This leaves two states for people interacting with a grouse totem. They will either be a good friend or they will never be seen.

Willow Grouse (Ptarmigan) -- Balance masculine and feminine energies whether and be neutral in actions and dominant only when needed. Changes will come in three stages where letting go of the past, grounding and timing will best serve. Learn the art of camouflage

Gull,-- Spiritual messengers, communication with deities, soar above your problems, watch how you behave and don't be a pest

Herring Gull -- Always a complicated story, body language reveals the truth, prefers water to wine, gets what it wants,by bullying

Seagull,-- The emotional side of the psyche and deep seated emotions that need to be healed, temper a carefree attitude with a responsible nature, first come first served

Hawk,-- Hawk is the Messenger of the Great Spirit, the protector and the visionary; delivering omens, spirit messages and blessings from the Creator in order that you may see the larger picture. It holds the key to higher levels of consciousness. This totem awakens vision, recalls past lives and inspires a creative life purpose. Be careful not to become caught up in the details; fly higher so you can see the big picture, the overall view. Observe and study your surroundings and work on accepting things the way they are, rather than forcing change. Soar high above the mundane and everyday problems and be reminded of the great responsibility of diligently working to fulfill your soul's purpose.

Harrier,-- Sky dancer, constantly changing sides, getting in on the ground floor, a "Ramblin' Man"

Nighthawk -- Patient, nocturnal vision, resting when others cannot

Red-Shouldered Hawk -- Living in the old neighborhood, being mobbed, losing your home, joining with one enemy to challenge another

Red-Tailed Hawk -- A Red-Tailed Hawk is a special totem. It has direct ties to the Kundalini, the seat of the primal life force. It teaches of higher expressions of psychic ability and vision, lessons of awareness and insight. The Red-Tailed Hawk represents the Sun and the Great Horned Owl the Moon. 

Heron,-- Aggressive self determination and self reliance, balance and wisdom, non-traditional roles ,enjoying your own company and not requiring or needing others, shamanic journeying, the Holy Spear

Bittern,-- Heed promises made

Egret -- Provides safe passage to the soul world, peace bringer, self-confidence, wading rather than swimming, symbol of the Audubon Society

Great Blue Heron,-- Assert your authority and strike while you can

Hoopoe -- Humility in the wearing of laurels and fame, cleansing oneself, using odor for defense, tunneling as a means of escape. Hoopoe teaches the ability to tap into ancient wisdom to reach your own profound sense of regality. This bird signals ways to tap into your energy body and to connect to higher realms. She demonstrates touching Mother Earth for balance. (The hoopoe gives warning when it detected changes in the atmosphere that heralded an electrical storm. It detected earthquake light and piezoelectric charges on split rocks, in the ten or twelve hours before an earthquake.) (Hoopoe: from the Middle French word duppe.,One that is easily deceived or cheated; "to deceive by underhanded means. It suggests the unwariness of a person deluded.)

Hornbill -- Ability to rear young alone, Protection of young, Pecking your way through obstacles, Breaking out of difficult situations.

Hummingbird -- The Aztecs of Mexico regarded the hummingbird as a warrior. Despite the hummingbird's delicate appearance, it is a bold, quarrelsome bird who will readily attack any intruder that strays in,to its territory. The hummingbird is a symbol for accomplishing that which seems impossible. The hummingbird is all about making the effort and going the distance. The hummingbird is tireless in its efforts to sustain itself over vast migratory paths. Its tiny body is designed for ultimate efficiency and,it taps into massive energy stores to maintainits high pace. This totem reminds us to explore the past and extract the sweetness from it. It can help you find joy and sweetness in any situation. Grab joy as swiftly as you can.

Ibis,-- Connected to the Egyptian gods/goddesses and the moon. The ibis symbolizes wisdom and the ability to work magick. The ibis lives on cobras, the poisonous serpent means creative force misused and as eaten by the ibis it shows man protected and saved by Wisdom. In ancient Egypt the ibis was the totem of the god of knowledge Thoth, representing great wisdom. Modern bird watchers have noted that the Ibis is a gregarious bird, mixing easily with those from other species.

Jaeger (Skua Bird) -- A character who sticks up for their own kind and looks after their own. Upsetting others by bullying to get them to cough up what they have, often working in a pair.

Jay,-- Understanding how to use power wisely, comfort within shadow self, link between the world of dark and world of light, Moon magic. (The word jay comes from the Latin word Gaea,for Mother Earth)

Gray Jay -- Thievery, trickery, quietplanning. (The Gray Jay only exists in North America, so its mythology is completely North American. It has been equated with the Algonquin crane spirit 'Wisakedjak', which gave rise to its name 'Whiskey Jack'. Wisakedjak was a trickster figure responsible for a great destroying flood and for creating the world with magic. He was a master thief and loves to play tricks on people. The Algonquin natives so hated his thieving that if they caught a Gray Jay, they would pluck it alive if they could catch it. To the Cree, while still a thief and trickster he is seen as a psychopomp type of divine figure. They love to pull pranks but it's done with such good humor that they are always forgiven for their transgressions.)

Western Scrub Jay,(California Jay and Long-Tailed Jay) -- Unusual yet functional family units, scrub wisdom and connection to scrub spirits, theft and appropriation, urban wisdom, growth in urban areas, material wealth, saving something for later, delayed gratification, adapting and learning, great intelligence.

Junco -- Expression of Spirit, increased activity and opportunity, pay attention to how you express yourself

Kestrel -- Kestrel shows how to discover ones personal rhythm and act accordingly. As ones personal energy field is increased and broader vision is developed, one learns when to act and when not to. Kestrel teaches speed and action of thoughts must be done with a balance mind and heart along with patience to act at the opportune time. Kestrel aids in seeking out truths with clarity by illuminating the path.