Working with bird spirits

RE: Working with bird spirits

Killchar

A wren visited me today, in my kitchen. Came, looked around, watched me a bit, and left.
Robins were talking to us quite animatedly a couple days ago, and there's a cardinal that sings his best when I come out back the last few days. Last week a hawk perched on our deck, but methinks that had more to do with our dogs leftovers than any message he had to give
The wren in the kitchen was nice though. They seem special to me.

Next time the little wren comes, write down his story and share what he has to teach.
Hawk came to tell you little wren has a message for you and hawkgreatly recived your gift of food even if it was from the dogs leftovers;)
Little wren do not show them selves too offen, maybe a little like spirit.

love and blessings
lightwinds
Wendy xx

RE: Working with bird spirits

Hi Wendy, I lived in the woods for some years in a "bender", even built my own brick fireplace inside. It was a time when animals and nature meant a great deal to me, it was at that time I became spiritually aware of " Mother Nature " in all her glory........I wasn't a new age traveller......just spiritual.....I lived alone .....It was a time of exploration of solitude. .........Now, my wife and I, both Love every aspect of Natures year. One moment that is special is the" Dawn Chorus " that is sung every morning outside our bedroom window , so the symphony is being sung already. we love watching the seasons change. Long walks in the country. Weekends on dartmoor....or a ramble around the Lake District.......maybe perhaps just watching the sun rise over Stonehenge......truly magical.....open our hearts and we will all see Natures magic.....you are so right.

Blessings

Oakapple

RE: Working with bird spirits

Hi everybody - I am begining my journey onto a pathway of celtic shamanism so found this thread about bird spirits very interesting.

Joanna - wanted to say about the triple celtic circle - that I got a symbol, a triskelle during my first reiki attunement - kept doodling something really similar and then one day I found a picture of it on the net and it is now 'my' symbol - if you see what I mean - I feel like the reiki was an awakening of spirit for me and drawing me onto where I am now - although still only the beginning of my journey.

As for the saluting the single magpie - I was always told that the one for sorrow two for joy came about as magpies mate for life and that a solitary one may be grieving and so you acknowledge its presence.

RE: Working with bird spirits

Hi Wispy , Started your jouney......good for you........

Here is the rest of the couting crows rhyme (in latin Mag means crow)

One for sorrow
Two for Joy
Three for a girl
Four for a boy
Five for silver
Six for gold
Seven for a secret, never to be told
Eight for heaven
Nine for hell
Ten for the Devils own Self

They are a very lucky bird, but settled on the house can mean the arrival of guests or bad luck (maybe its bad luck having guests!!), but generally a good bird.

Blessings

Oakapple

RE: Working with bird spirits

I was in my back garden yesterday, just cutting a little of my hedge, mother blackbird came and sat on a branch close to me, she was worried I was going to distroy her nest and let me know I was getting to close, I resured her I was not going to disturb her nest, she thank me and flew off.

Thought I share this poem I found.
The nightingale has a lyre of gold,
The lark's is a clarion call,
And the blackbird plays but a boxwood flute,
But I love him best of all.

For his song is all of the joy of life,
And we in the mad, spring weather,
We two have listened till he sang
Our hearts and lips together.

love and blessings

lightwinds

Wendy xxx

RE: Working with bird spirits

Hi again - just wondering if anybody has any thoughs on blue tits?

For the last 3 or 4 weeks I have had a blue tit come and tap on my dining room window when I've been on the computer and this last few days I have had one lad on the edge of my bedroom window also.

I know they are nesting and looking for homes, but they tap and then fly up and down the window several times before flying away, then returning a little later and repeating the exercise.

Its really nice and I always acknoweldge them but wondered if I should know why they are there?

RE: Working with bird spirits

Hi , wispy~misty, the bluetits are generally happy little creatures, and gardeners love them as they feed on caterpillars and bugs....in folklore they were called, tomtit, titmouse bluecap, billy biter and ackymal......I was taught that if you are given a sign, follow your intuition. Maybe they want you outside?. Our ancestors revere'd them so much they even gave them names " Tom " " Billy ".

I think, personally, it's great to have garden visitors......and at the moment wildlife is buzzing with activity, I'm dreadful for feeding the wild birds.....but there you are.

How beautiful Mother Nature is .

Oakapple xx

RE: Working with bird spirits

Bluetits used to peck my milk bottles open when you used to be able to get decent milk.I wonder if theygo hungry.I am now being mobbed by owls where ever I go. brass ones real ones ,paintino gs of them,wow must need there wisdom, and there night sight! coming back to UK on Wednesday,get onto broadband and do a lot of posting.

RE: Working with bird spirits

Owls..delicious.
In the medicine wheel I use, owl is associated with the West, the looks within place
What are associations others have with owl medicine?

tigress

RE: Working with bird spirits

Cailleach-oidhche

The owl relates to the hag, ....We can see the Barn Owl, if we're lucky, at dusk hunting over Farlington Marshes, just down the road from us.....We also hear the owl from our bedroom but don't know which species that one is......I was surprised just how big the barn owl is, but what a magnificent bird to watch.......

I am coeval with the ancient oak
Whose roots spread wide in yonder moss,
Many a race has passed before me,
And still I am the lonely owl of Srona

Domhnull Mac Fhionnlaidh

I relate to this card........I'm a night owl, and early mornings.!!

Oakapple xx

RE: Working with bird spirits

i've noticed over the last few months that birds are entering my life everywhere i go.. i've had some lovely things happen just recently..

i wonder, does anyone think birds have a special link to older people as three 'bird' things have happened at the home i work in.. one lady had a robin fly into her room.. i've since been told that this is someone from spirit paying her a visit.. then a few weeks ago we were in the kitchen watching out of the window as a blackbird was making a nest in the wheel arch of the cooks car.. of course she went out and gently removed all the twigs and leaves that the poor little thing had spent time putting there.. and she moved her car elsewhere so he didn't waste time rebuilding it.. but it was really strange,as it stood infront of the car while she reversedout with this confused expression on it's face.. i felt ever so sorry for it as it continued to make a new nest in a small bush near by.. but all was well in the end.. the other thing that happened was by far the strangest of all and i'd love it if anyone can help clarify what this means.. another lady who lives in the home was lying asleep in bed and when one of the carers had gone in to check on her she discovered a blue tit.. sitting right on the old ladies forehead.. now that HAS to mean something, surely?

like i said, there seems to be a strong connection with old people and birds.. or maybe it's just me and the fact that i work there.. i've definately been noticing birds alot more.. they are everywhere i look.. infact even as i type this i can hear my neighbours bird chirping in agreement.. maybe my awareness of them is telling me that i need to spread my wings..? 😀

for me, there is one bird i have always noticed, and that's the magpie.. but for some reason i am seeing more and more of him.. i usually see them in pairs but if i do encounter one i tend to 'hunt' for the other.. call it superstition, i don't know.. anyway, i did some searching on the internet and found this interesting piece.. hope it's of help to other people who are connected to the magpie.. i know for me it makes perfect sense why i'm seeing him as i feel i am moving into a new phase of my life where i am achieving things.. magpie is here to remind me that although it will be hard work, i have the ability to do it.. he is also reminding me wake up and seize the opportunities!!

Magpie: "one of those clever birds that has shamanic qualities"
shamanism believes that the magpie's wisdom includes prophecy, intelligence and good luck.

Symbolism

Related to the crow the magpie is an intelligent and adaptable bird. Ancient folklore associated with the magpie suggests that when two or more fly into ones life good fortune is coming soon. Since magpies are opportunists and seldom miss a chance to get something for nothing those with this medicine should pay attention to subtle omens that appear in their life then act accordingly so opportunities are not missed. The magpie asks us to wake up and be conscious in every area of our life.

Magpies are curious and have a reputation for stealing anything that they can carry away. They use whatever they find and teach us how to be resourceful. Magpie medicine people have the ability to succeed in life.

Those with this totem are usually eclectic and able to draw on a variety of resources to assist them in their pursuits. Being able to adapt to different situations in a spontaneous way is one of the magpies strongest attributes. Those with this totem often find that their interests are varied which make master ship of any one thing difficult although not impossible.

Magpies are extremely vocal especially in groups. They help those with this medicine learn how to use their voice to attract attention, attain desired goals as well as acquire respect from others. This applies only if

RE: Working with bird spirits

Can anyone point me in the right direction of finding out whatRobin signifies?

I saw one on the heap of soil next to my grandfathers grave the day he was buried and often see them whenI'm in need of knowing I'm not alone.

Sophia Rose

RE: Working with bird spirits

Hi Infinite Bliss

(Firstly, thanks so much for your reply to my post yesterday regarding the job - I've mailed you about this)

I absolutely LOVE birds! And their presence in your life can be really magical. It really does sound like you've been having some wonderful experiences. I know a little bit about shamanics, having been guided to a shamanic group in Portland Oregon a few years ago, via the pelican. To cut a long story short, I was travelling independently in Costa Rica, and long into my trip, I made friends with some people from Oregon who wanted me to come and live with them in their home town. It seemed absurd at the time and I politely said that I wasn't finished my travelling. Shortly after this, I met a woman who told me about power animals - she asked me which animal I was drawn to and I prompty replied "the pelican of course" as I had been completely in awe of them, ever since having seen them a couple of years before. I hurried to the internet cafe to look up the pelican, and was directed to a page about pelican magic, linking to a workshop in Oregon where my friends had asked me to stay. At this point I was very excited. All the magic I had felt about plants and animals from a young age, suddenly made sense, and I consequently booked a flight to Oregon, where my journey began. I thank the pelican every day for this special experience.

What I would say to you, is to ask yourself how these birds make you "feel". Sometimes animals can give us a strength or personality trait that is lacking, just by offering a feeling that we haven't felt in a while. As far as I'm aware, all birds have different healing qualities, unfortunately my materials don't have anything on magpies or blue tits, but I do believe a robin comes to offer healing, as Robin has come to me in my healing sessions once before, to clear away debris and scar tissue. The older people that you mention must be incredibly open to other energies, and really in touch with the interconnectedness of nature on earth. Perhaps as you get older, you ask yourself questions such as these, and relax into a feeling of limitless possiblities for life beyond this one. These were my initial thoughts, I'm sure others will have wide and varying opinions too! I would suggestmeditating on the birds that you have seen, to find out if they can give you any more answers. What an amazing experience you've been having! You could also look up Nicky Scully and Shamanic Journeys on the internet. If you call her, she will be able to shed enormous light on the situation, as this is her area of expertise.

Hope this is helpful. I think I've been rambling a bit! Let me know how this develops! It's very exciting.

xxx

RE: Working with bird spirits

rambling? good heavens no!! i thoroughly enjoyed your post!!:D

actually, while i was reading that a thought came into my head.. about old people.. i wonder if the connection is indeed shamanic.. you know how shamans believe that the only way to be fearless is to see your own death? well i wonder if the birds come tothe elderlyin order to bring them peace.. help them come to terms with the fact that their death is drawing near? just a thought i had.. i suppose there is never a wrong answer when we're trying to decipher the messages from spirit..

but thank you bluemagpie, for all your advice.. it's funny that you should be connected to shamanics as i truly feel i am beginning some sort of journey of my own.. i've felt more and more drawn to shamanism so i dare say the birds are all connected with this.. and healing, well yes.. i am currently in the process of dealing with my 'shadow' so healing and cleansing, theyall play a part.. you see, the more i think about this the more it's starting to make sense.. and the feeling i get when i see these birds is 'curiosity' and 'happiness'.. there is definately something magical going on with me right now.. i feel the path has widened a little and the road ahead is clear.. everything makes sense..

and as for your journey.. WOW.. talk about synchronisity.. and even though you let yourself doubt the opportunity when it first came to you.. the pelican still ensured that you booked that flight.. what a lovely story.. i'm glad that you are happy..

thank you again for all your help.. this morning i never knew you at all and now look.. you have really opened my eyes.. i told you i had to take notice of you!! much love to you.. (now who's rambling :D)

oh, and Sophia_Rose (love the name btw)
about the robin.. there's an interestingpost about it here.. [link= http://www.healthypages.net/forum/tm.asp?m=406044&mpage=1&key=robin ]http://www.healthypages.net/forum/tm.asp?m=406044&mpage=1&key=robin[/link]
go half way down the first page and you should find the answers your looking for.. 😉

love ali xx

RE: Working with bird spirits

Wow. This is such a fascinating post! Thanks Infinite Bliss - I did read the info about the healing qualities of the robin, and was completely amazed by the following, as when the Robin has appeared in healing sessions, it has always cleared the debris and scar tissue I mentioned, away from the bottom of the spine! How funny, it pays to trust the process and your own instincts, even when the pictures in my mind (this is how I receive guidance in shamanic healing) seem completely bizarre!

The red coloring of the robins chest is linked to the kundalini in man. This life force lives coiled up with-in the base of the spine. When sufficient spiritual growth has been attained it uncoils, rising up the spine to create heightened awareness. This process enhances psychic vision which leads us into enlightenment. Those with this medicine are dedicated spiritual seekers. Growth can be slow and arduous. With patience, compassion and proper focus spiritual ideals are achieved.

I'm glad that I have been helpful, but the post has been incredibly helpful to me too, as it's reminded me of all the wonderful experiences I've had with animals. I'm currently studying and working full time, which has been totally life absorbing, bad for my posture and my social life, and I've been toiling with the idea of giving up next year, the alternative to continue studying, in wildlife conservation. This post is perhaps reminding me of the bigger picture, as it's so easy to get caught up in the present moment, which lately mostly consists of sitting inside,at a desk studying, studying, studying! However, I know I have this connection with animals, I'm just never quite sure how I am meant to manifest it!

Anyway, if you want to explore it more, email me, as I've got one or two other storiesof other animals and how they've worked their magic in my life. You could always go to Oregon to one of Nicki Scully's workshops - she's one of the best - and I know she would love to do a group over here, but I have never been sure if I would be able to get the numbers together. Thus,if anyone else is reading this and is interested, please email me!

I'd love to hear how all this develops for you! Thanks for the inspiring post!

xxx

RE: Working with bird spirits

I'm really enjoying reading this wonderful thread.......there are a number of birds I'm drawn to: definitely magpies (amazing); also blackbirds, ravens, eagles and owls. 🙂

RE: Working with bird spirits

Also magical swans 🙂

RE: Working with bird spirits

Hi Guinevere!

Me too! I'm really enjoying this post. You said you are drawn to owls. They are magnificent creatures- I recently visited the Chestnut Centre in the Peak District, which I would highly reccommend - they have an amazing selection of owls there. [link= http://www.chestnutcentre.co.uk/welcome.htm ]http://www.chestnutcentre.co.uk/welcome.htm[/link]

In my power animal meditations book, which is written by my course leader, the owl is said to be all about night vision and alchemy- the owl can teach you to allow space and light into areas that are perhaps shaded or dark in your life. There is a great meditation in the book if you would like me to forward it to you?

I should be doing work today(!), but I would like to share another story about the power animals in my life. A few years ago, when I was suffering from deep heartbreak and feeling very empty and alone, I had a very vivid dream about two jaguars. In my dream, my mother (of all people!) had in her possession two jaguars.She decided she didn't want them anymore and casually gave them to me. Once I had these two magnificent creatures with meI felt an overwhelming feeling that everything in lifewas ok, that absolutely nothing else mattered. I felt empowered, strong andcomforted and I saw beyond the day to day trappings that I was facing. These animals came to me in my dreams to lend me this feeling of well-being- a feeling that I had not felt in a long time, and one that I was not in touch with. In fact, I don't think I had felt such a blissful feeling EVER. I held onto andused this feeling that the jaguars in my dream had given me, in my waking hours, which gave me strength. To be given an emotion in a dream is powerful and amazing and I won't forget the experience. I feel a strong connection to these elusive animals, even though I have never seen one, and I do believe they were with me at the time.

Hope this story has lifted your spirits! xxx

RE: Working with bird spirits

Yes bluemagpie..............very uplifting and wonderful reading. Thanks for sharing that.Thanks also for the link-it looks a place well worth a visit. Thanks again. 🙂

I had a beautiful eagle "visitation" during a yoga class last year. Not even during relaxation at the end, but at the very beginning!I was neara river, with trees and mountains on each side; from the distance, a magnificent eagle flew towards me, almost in slow motion. As it came nearer, I gradually realised thatI wasn't actually at ground level, I was somehow highup in the air; the eagle flew straight towards me and stoppedjust in front of my face........it was literally almost touching my nose. And the eagle and I just looked into each others' eyes for what seemed like an eternity. During that time, it imparted me "something"..........wisdom, strength, peace..........perhaps all three. All I know is, it was one of the most incredible experiences I ever had. I wasn't even trying to meditate etc....it was something that just "happened" somehow. It was beautiful and I'll never forget it. 🙂

RE: Working with bird spirits

magpies seizeing opportunities...aint that the truth...ive been watching a pair closely in our garden...they no dought have young right now as they have been pouncing on anything that moves and have even taken to fishing in our pond..think they are after the newts.....little blighters[&:]...still its all part of the balance of nature, maggies are good at teaching that.....black and white etc.....tailequal lengthas their body;)

RE: Working with bird spirits

This thread got very interesting and love the magpie picture.
My favorit bird is the crow.
blessings
lightwinds
Wendy x

RE: Working with bird spirits

glad you liked the picture wendy.. you know it's funny because i've drawn the 'moon phases' card from my angel oracle deck on so many occasions now.. so when i stumbled acrossthe picture i was thrilled..;)

anyway..
i've been meaning to post an update in here for ages now but never seem to have the time to go into it properly.. for those of who who've been following this thread you'll remember the incidents i had with all the birds at work.. well, isn't hindsight a wonderful, wonderful thing? the connections may be small but nevertheless they make sense to me..

first of all, let me explain (i'll try to be brief) about what happened at work.. recently there's been an awful atmosphere where i work.. alot of back stabbing and dare i say it 'bitching' going on.. and all of this has been occurring right at a time where i've been considering a promotion to assistant manager.. really, what i want to do is train to be a nurse but when i was offered the assistant managers job i thought well, you know, that's a good opportunity.. maybe i should consider it.. and lo and behold that's where the birds stepped in.. looking back, i can see that the birds were warning me of what was about to happen.. it seems so silly that there wasn't some HUGE connection, something wonderful occurring but still.. the messages are clear and they are all about caution and change.. i wasn't joking when i said it was time to spread my wings and sieze opportunities.. thing is, it wasn't the opportunitesat workthatthey were talking about..

anyway, back to the point.. something happened at work that made me change my mind about taking the promotion.. i overheard another member of staff talking about me so of course i confronted her.. she then made an almighty scene, shrieking and wailing, accusing me of lord knows what.. the other member of staff then backed her friend rather than me.. and the management (who are also part of the clique) took their word against mine.. of course this was bound to happen as i'm not part of their little gang and don't frequent the pub with them every weekend but anyway, that's for by the by.. it's the birds we're interested in..

i'd also like to point out that there was another bird event that's very important but i didn't post it here.. (i posted in general discussions somewhere i think) anyway, i was out walking the dog by the river one evening when a heron swooped down out of nowhere and proceeded to fish in the river.. and bearing in mind that all of these events happened in the weeks leading up to the fall out at work..

remember the robin that flew in the ladies room? well, i just so happened to be standing outside that room when i overheard the conversation.. the blackbird that made the nests in the cooks car? it was the cook who lied about what was said in order to protect her 'friend'.. then there's the heron swooping down and fishing in the river.. that of course was a blatant warning of what was about to occur.. it happened literally days before the row.. i was obviously the unsuspecting fish!! also, the blue tit that was sitting on the old ladies head while she was sleeping.. i truly believe that the bird was trying to tell me that the oldlady and i were alike.. it's almost as if it was 'marking' her because now this poorwoman is being moved to another home.. they're trying to say that she's violent (she's not - she occasionally gets frustrated) and i can't help but think that she's been treated unfairly.. so in my eyes, her and i are both victims of their wrong doings.. does that make sense at all or do i sound crazy here?

and then of course, not forgetting my old friend the magpie.. that bird is literally EVERYWHERE!! i still see him at work and it's always at the time when i'm wondering about the future.. when i'm thinking about leaving and going to uni he always appears.. it's almost as if he's trying to tell me something.. i know it sounds awful but if i live bythe magpies principles then i should fly in, take the shiny things

RE: Working with bird spirits

when did i make that post? three, four hours ago? my magpie must've known thati was talking about him because something amazing just happened!!

i've just been down the river walking the dog.. we went to a different spot this time.. lovely walk it is.. anyway, the kids were running infront and i asked spirit to give me a sign that they were near.. a few minutes later i heard birds cawing in a tree near by and so i walked over.. at that moment two magpies flew straight over my head and landed in a tree on the other side of the river.. and then, as if that wasn't enough.. as i approached the tree on my side of the river.. three more magpies flew out and landed in a tree to my left.. i just stood there in amazement and enjoyed the moment.. it was wonderful..

holding that thought in my mind i carried on walking and caught up with the girls.. we walked a bit further and then turned round to head back for the car.. as i walked past the tree where the magpies had been the two from the other side of the river flew back across again and disappeared.. once again, i was amazed but then i heard them cawing in the distance, so i turned off the path and walked down to where they were.. as i approached they flew away again but when i looked at the ground beneath the tree.. there on the grass was a perfect magpie feather..

i am so blessed tofeel the presence of these birdsand what happened tonight was truly amazing.. i shall never forget it.. it was such a special moment.. that feather has been given to me by spirit.. i asked for a sign and i was given something so much more than that.. i just had to come to this thread and share it with you all.. isn'tthat such an amazing thing to happen?? 😀

thank you dearbird spirits.. and love to all of you..

ali xx

RE: Working with bird spirits

Thanks for sharing with us the special connection you had with the magpies. Hope all your dreams and aspirations come true.

much love

Oakapple xx

RE: Working with bird spirits

thanks oakapple.. although trying to put the experience into words is difficult.. nothing seems to describe how magic it felt..

thanks for the kind words.. 😀

love ali xx

RE: Working with bird spirits

When I go walking, I seem to attract all manner of wildlife, especially birds......It doesn't seem to matter who's company I'm in. So I tend to look out for them.....Once you've opened up your heart to them, they seem to know!......I think it's a very special gift.

Oakapple xx

RE: Working with bird spirits

I have to go along with lightwinds, my favourite bird is the crow also!

Acouple of crows walked into my life several years ago when things were pretty bad. They used to sit on my bedroom window cill every morning and wake me up. Every morning I used to get up, throw the curtains back and they would be staring at me! They never used to move.

Each time I came home of an evening thepair would be stood on my door step as I reversed the car up the driveway, they just seemed to be all around me. Once I was in thecar just getting ready to go out when one of them hopped onto the door mirror! Another time I had the back door open and they both hopped in and stood there watching me!

After a while I looked up the teachings of a crow and was very surprised by what I read. The pair stayed with me for several weeks and then disappeared.

I believe they were there to help me get through a particularly difficult time and I am grateful for that. I used to think that crows were a nuisance but I look upon them with great respect these days.

Interesting thread - it's been good to read other people's experiences xx

Found my Robin dead on the greenhouse floor. I have a magpie,a young one looks in the window,too take his place. This is my first post on new forum so if my atavar works , they are looking for the party.I went swimming with them and they are very fast.

I have worked with the Spirit of The Magpie for longer than I can remember - I am TheMagpie for many, many reasons, not just because they are my totem, but this thread has been a pleasure to read.

the Birds eye view sees all - from the biggest mountain to the smallest insect, the bird spirit is a wonderful embodiment of the very essence of the shamanic seer and traveller.

and what is the shortest way to get anywhere?

"as the crow flies"...

🙂

Darren

not sure what to put here ...

my elder dog has just (19 July 08) led me to a juvenile blue tit that must have died the moment before I picked it up (in Cornwall).

But I can't find anything on the web about the shamanic/totem significance of this bird - anyone know anything about it? (I was so heartened by the story of the lady asleep with the blue tit sitting on her, and that was what led me to this site, so I'm hoping that someone here will know!)