Am currently in the process of relocating, and so I haven’t been able to post anything for you guys or set up a schedule for ya. However, I will throw a little something together whenever I get the chance. )O( Blessed Be and hope you find what you’re searching for ^_^
~Willow
When we observe the magpie’s behaviors in nature, we can pick out many strong symbolic messages.
Among her many common attributes, here are a few magpie symbolic meanings:
Quick List of symbolic traits of the magpie:
The magpie’s speech is symbolic of communication and creative expression. When we hear the magpie speak it is a message to us that we might need to listen to what is being spoken to us – listen with more attention. The chatter of the magpie is also a symbolic message that we may need to speak our minds more clearly….speak up, express our opinions, be creative with our spoken words.
The magpie’s obsession with shiny things is symbolic of our tendency to chase after false ideas or perceptions. When the magpie comes into our lives it is often a reminder that we may have to re-evaluate our priorities. Are we chasing after unsuitable desires? Are we serving a false ideal? Are we putting materialism ahead of matters of the soul?
The magpie builds its home in the thickest “V” of trees. Forks or V’s in nature are symbolic of gateways or paths into the spirit realm. In this fashion, the magpie asks us about our level of spiritual perception. Specifically, the magpie asks to keep an open mind in matters of the spirit. She also asks us where our spiritual foundation is and encourages us to open the gateways of higher (spiritual) vision.
Her plumage is also symbolic. With striking colouration, the magpie is symbolic of flamboyance, expression, and glamour. When we see her, we do a double-take because her appearance commands our attention. This is a message for us to not hide ourselves away from the world. The magpie beckons us to reveal our brilliance (physical and otherwise) to the world. We are each composed of incredible beauty and grace – the magpie is a reminder that we must express these attributes outwardly in a glamorous display just as she does.
And just when we get to know the symbolic meaning of the magpie, she eludes us and leaves us guessing what she’s all about. In nature she has been known to be shy and reclusive – yet in cities she is noted to be extremely sociable with humans. Typically, she is a scavenger…but she has also been witnessed taking down small birds and rodents – acting as a bird of prey (which is not her classification).
These and other oddities in her behavior are symbolic of illusion and perception. The magpie’s message her is that not all things are what they appear to be, and we should not set our judgements in stone. Further, this aspect of the magpie is a message that we do not have to be bound to perceptions. In other words, we may want to consider departing from our habitual behaviors and avoid being type-caste into a specific role.
In ancient European cultures the magpie is said to predict omens, and there is a type of divination based on the magpie according to an old riddle. I’ve forgotten how the rhyme goes, but gist of it is according to how many magpies are seen the following will be one’s fate:
Magpie symbolic meanings take on a brighter note in the East, where the Chinese regard the magpie as a good luck symbol, joy, marital bliss, sexual happiness, and long lasting fortune.
When the Chinese hear the cry of a magpie it is said to be an announcement of the arrival of friends and family (click here for other symbolic meanings of Chinese animals).
The ancient Roman’s viewed the magpie as a creature of high intellect and reasoning powers. She is also an attribute of Bacchus, the God of wine.
In Native American animal lore, the magpie was also viewed as having intellect. However, more often than not she was faulted for trickery and her intelligence was typically used in deceptive schemes. She cannot be judged too harshly thought because her tricks are always played out with a light-hearted, good-natured intention.
As you can see, the magpie symbolic meanings are as diverse and colorful as the magpie herself. Her messages are many, and she gives them to us with a free and happy heart.
(magpie on elk back)
Dystychiphobia- Fear of accidents.
Dysmorphophobia- Fear of deformity.
Hummingbird Symbolism
It is not commonly known that the fluttering wings of the hummingbird move in the pattern of an infinity symbol – further solidifying their symbolism of eternity, continuity, and infinity.
By observing the Hummingbird, we see they are seemingly tireless. Always actively seeking the sweetest nectar, they remind us to forever seek out the good in life and the beauty in each day.
Amazing migrators, some Hummingbirds are known to wing their way as far as 2000 miles to reach their destination. This quality reminds us to be persistent in the persuit of our dreams, and adopt the tenacity of the Hummingbird in our lives.
The Hummingbird animal totem is a messenger of hope and jubilation.
Hummingbird Animal Totems offer attributes like:
The Hummingbird animal totem most important message to you is:
“The sweetest nectar is within!”
Dutchphobia- Fear of the Dutch.
The animal symbolism of the goose hasn’t got its full honor. Too often in myth and lore we see the goose representing silly attitudes or lazy dispositions.
On the contrary, the symbolism of the goose is quite inspiring.
When we consider the goose never leaves one of its own kind behind, we begin to see the goose in a different light. Just like the US Marines, “Semper Fidelis” (always faithful) is the motto of the goose too.
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. The goose will stay with the injured until he has recovered or until its final breath. Nothing silly about that.
Indeed, this kind of valorputs the symbolism of the goose in a far different light. Here are some attributes of the goose:
Geese are incredibly gifted navigators and instinctively know the way across the long haul to warmer climates. They forge ahead with confidence and bravery.
Further, geese have intricate methods of communication – not only do they sense when their brethren are in trouble, they also work as a team to communicate warnings, as well as messages of prime landing sites.
Geese are also fiercely protective of their young – often presenting an impressive thrashing display to would-be predators. These scare tactics often work to protect goslings from attack.
Those who have the goose as their animal totem need not worry if they are silly or lazy. This is far from the truth. In actuality, those who are kind, loyal, and brave-hearted attract geese as their totem. Those with the goose totem are the clear communicators, true-blue defenders and compassionate keepers of the community.
Lessons we all can learn from our totem geese include:
Dromophobia- Fear of crossing streets.
(why the chickens crossed the road.. cause the farmers had dromophobia)
Bird Meaning of the Finch
I talk about bird meaning a lot on this website because I think their wisdom is unique, and often profound when we pay attention to the messages they wing our way.
I fell off my roof this morning (while cleaning 2nd story windows). This was another opportunity for birds to make their meanings profound.
Why? Because I’d been asked to write about the symbolic meaning of finch, but until now, the inspirational well was dry. From meditation pillow to keyboard, to communing with nature – no finch song would come to lift my awareness in symbolic revelation of the finch.
However, in that slow fall from the roof (quit laughing), my vision was inundated by a slew of bright yellow finches. The first (and early to boot) of this spring season.
As I lay in my shrubbery (thick and soft as hay bales, thank Zeus – or else I’d not be writing this article on bird meaning) after the fall – I closed my eyes to really emulsify the image of those bright, bounding yellow beauties.
Here are some lessons they shared with me, but first, a quick-list of symbolic bird meaning related to the finch:
When finches come into our awareness it is a sure sign of ebullient times ahead. Finches are a sparkly omen of high energy and bright days on the horizon.
Consider their flight pattern. In the same way you can pick up on a person’s character by his/her gait, we can do the same with a bird’s flight. And, in the realm of symbolic interpretation, flight can give us a lot to work with in bird meaning.
Finches are never satisfied to just go from point A to point B. They seem to boogie from place to place. Bouncing and bobbing through air currents is big fun for these birds. Observing them just gives you a feeling of freedom and happiness.
Indeed, Native People of North America held the finch as a bird of happiness. They observed their variety and colors and considered this bird to be favored because they were painted in shades of bright joy. Furthermore, joyful dispositions and their obviously freedom-loving behaviors are admirable qualities much revered by our wise ancestors.
If that weren’t enough, Native wisdom holds the finch as an oracle of celebration and upcoming festivities. These are song birds, and their music heralds the bounty of spring.
Indeed, the song of the finch is holds a great deal of symbolism. When the finch sings to our awareness it is a beckoning to unleash our own song. If we’ve been concealing our brilliance from the world – the finch is a sign to start making our value more audible and available to others.
The finch will sing lightly to your heart, and guide you on a bouncy path of creativity.
Its bird meaning deals with sociability too, and if the finch comes into your life it may be a signal to get more involved with social activities.
To summarize our bird meaning of the finch, and offer a few quick-points:
Flight:
Full of zeal and zest. The message here is “Enjoy the journey!“
Color:
Derived from food source (finches don’t produce their own pigment. The quality of their food determines their brightness. Better food, better color). Message: “You are what you eat!” Feed your body good stuff, and let it flourish brightly. Check out my color meanings pages to help identify deeper symbolic meaning of your finch sightings.
Diet:
Finches feed their young plant matter (not meaty worms and such like most birds). Another message “Nourish your body!” with good greens from the earth.
Feathers:
Did you know finches have, on the average, 12 tail feathers? Twelve is symbolic of structure, particularly in matters of time (our 24 day is halved by 12, twelve signs of the western zodiac, twelve months in most calendars). Tail feathers are the rudders, so the finch may be telling us to “Navigate time wisely!“
Habitat:
Finches are happy to nest anywhere. They are extremely opportunistic (even using discarded nests from other birds) and seemingly easy to please. The message “Appreciate what you have, and make the most of it!“
I hope you have enjoyed these bird meanings that came due to a short fall from my roof. I’m grateful the finches chose to finally speak…although, I’m hoping for less traumatic methods of learning in the future!
Namasté and be bright in your day – just as the finch encourages us to be.
The herbs she mentioned I’ve listed here so you can look them up and find them yourselves if you wish. ^_^
Stay happy and healthy my friends ^_^
☠ lovegodbob ☠
