I love this photo I captured of a Great Blue Heron flying – reminds me of a Pterodactyl and had such an ancient feel to the image

Faith is the bird that feels the light when the dawn is still dark. ~Rabindranath Tagore

Be like the bird who, pausing in her flight awhile on boughs too slight, feels them give way beneath her, and yet sings, knowing she hath wings. ~Victor Hugo

Birds have been very prominently showing up in my life in the last several months and it increasingly is happening by the day. They seem to show up when something poignant takes place, many times in direct answer or reflection of something I was just connecting with or integrating, when having an epiphany or breakthrough, or simply appear as a supportive presence.

From Hawks, Turkey Vultures, and Ravens, to Seagulls, Pelicans, Great Blue Herons, and more….these bird guides have been a welcome experience in my life. I have even had the rare opportunity to experience an owl flying over my car across the freeway and just a couple of days ago, a Great Horned Owl showed up – both of which I have never in the wild experienced, let alone in suburban California, where they both appeared clearly for me. The Great Horned Owl was indeed an auspicious blessing to see.

Each animal carries their own medicine as a totem in our lives and this is true for all birds, as well as reptiles, insects and even plants, flowers, rocks, crystals and minerals.

Being that birds seem to especially be showing up, I was pondering their symbolism in general and wanted to look into more of what they mean, besides the things I myself was familiar with.

To many people birds symbolize freedom, the future, eternal and renewed life, and can also represent transition between life. They have also been seen as a supernatural bridge or messenger between heaven and earth and symbolize lightness and connection with Source. In this way they carry us messages that can provide insight and wisdom to support our path.

They remind us that we can soar above any challenge and to trust we will be safe when we take those leaps of faith because we have the ability to take flight.

Birds choose flight over fight, which also reminds us to rise above reacting and becoming defensive or combative. They teach us awareness and adaptability and the ability to change with greater ease because of their superb reflexes. And being that they represent the “air element” they are good examples of the importance of clear and honest communication, powerful mental acuity as well as physical strength, the higher mind, and connection with our breath, teaching us proper breathing and the necessity of it. Song birds teach us about the healing properties of sound and the integrative resonance it creates on deep levels.

Air animal totems also assist us in accessing higher knowledge that comes through. Since “air” is an ethereal element, the beings that are of it have the ability to support us with greater understanding of its invisible ways, as well as provide a channel to the Cosmos for direct access of integrating our physical with the other-worlds and dimensions.

Birds symbolize sovereignty and support new shifts and transitions in our lives in all ways.

When birds show up and catch your attention they are strong reminders of the ultimate power available to you within this present moment, regardless of what you can see or may not know, helping to boost confidence and courage, as well as providing positive omens and signs equivalent to a wink from the Universe.

I am grateful for the powerful presence of these beautiful and wise beings in my life and their messages are well received.