Certain birds have been associated with omens or bad luck. Pun or not, the appearance of an owl or crow could be a sign of foul play, or worse, according to certain legends.
During the middle ages the screeching tone of the owl was thought to foretell plague and other disastrous events. Just before the death of the Roman emperor Antoninus an owl was spotted over his doorway. It is also considered unlucky to look into an owl’s nest.
Ravens were also seen by some as a sign of misfortune. The poem, “The Raven” by Poe focused on the ominous nature of the Raven.
The cuckoo has also been considered bad luck if it enters your home, but to hear them in the woods is as sign of good luck.
A crow or any white bird flying against a window at night indicates a death in the household within the year.
It is bad luck to kill a robin or swallow.
Vultures, by nature, are considered to be ominous because of their role in life. They are raptors, and hold great spiritual meaning in ancient Egyptian lore.
Encounters with any one of these birds is not always a sign of bad luck. Every animal holds special meaning in shamanic cultures, and can be symbols of traits or attributes we need to encourage and embrace within ourselves.
The owl is known for its keen power of observation. The raven is sacred in English legend, and it is believed that if the ravens leave that the castle will fall.
Vultures are associated with ancient gods, and hold powerful symbolism for transformation. Vultures purify the land. The vulture has great command over its power and ability to hover and float in the sky. To have the vulture as a totem animal is to explore the value of efficiency.
Estee Taschereau brings new light into the illusions and beliefs we create through her powerful intuitive reading and healing sessions. She is the author of books such as Now Is The Time To Believe and Being Here Now.
I’ve never read an organized article like this one before, sentences are very good and ordered so well, thanks author for this exertion.
Thanks for the meanings of birds.
My take on symbolism, is that the meaning of any symbol is a little more complex. For instance there are traditional qualities attributed with each type of bird, good and bad. These attributes can give some meaning to a bird you might see.
It is also important to consider what the bird means to the seer. If I personally associate ravens with good luck, then when I see a raven, it means good luck to me, regardless of what others think.
Interpreting these symbols is a constant interplay between traditional meanings and individual interpretation.
Thanks for this article.
Kara
http://www.conduitofjoy.com