Hummingbird Shaman - Symbols of Divine Presence » Totem Spirit Eagle http://hummingbirdshaman.com The Symbolic Nature of Hummingbirds as a Message of Self Presence and the Empowerment of the Creator - Learning how to Walk With Wings Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:51:41 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3 The Turkey and the Eagle – Status and Meaning http://hummingbirdshaman.com/2011/11/25/the-turkey-and-the-eagle-status-and-meaning/ http://hummingbirdshaman.com/2011/11/25/the-turkey-and-the-eagle-status-and-meaning/#comments Fri, 25 Nov 2011 17:19:00 +0000 Hummingbird Shaman http://hummingbirdshaman.com/?p=973 Birds have often been seen as a symbol of the powers above, serving not as ‘gods’ in any sense, but more as messengers and intermediaries for the Divine. Delving deeper in this symbolic view we find that each bird has its own interpretive meaning, and we have learned by our observations. The Eagle has been granted great . . . → Continue Reading: The Turkey and the Eagle – Status and Meaning]]> Birds have often been seen as a symbol of the powers above, serving not as ‘gods’ in any sense, but more as messengers and intermediaries for the Divine. Delving deeper in this symbolic view we find that each bird has its own interpretive meaning, and we have learned by our observations. The Eagle has been granted great status in the U.S., a status given in our early times as a symbol associated with purpose and guidance offered by our “founding fathers”. We can laugh at the idea that another choice considered as our national bird was the wild turkey. Today the status of the turkey lies mostly in a more self-directed thought of a full belly and in those olden days of our own survival.

Turkeys and Stigma

The turkey also gives the appearance of lacking in common sense, with stories that a turkey will look upward in the rain, drowning itself in the process. Perhaps this story is directed at the farmed turkey, sadly molded in ways to produce more meat while in the meantime the bird lives a miserable life. Wild turkeys are very different in appearance, and also in taste. There we go, right back to turkey’s as a food source.

Status of the Eagle

The eagle is offered protection from our own predatory ways, and holds great symbolic status as a sign of freedom, power, and commanding presence. The turkey is not offered such reverence, instead it is farmed and hunter, given honor as the centerpiece only long enough to carve and consume its meat. In many cultures the turkey has been seen as a symbol of fertility. Hako rituals told the story of why the turkey lost status to the eagle, for the turkey did not have the wisdom to guard its own nest. Still the turkey does hold a place of honor, both as a food source and in its ability for abundance and survival. The Hopiused the feather of the turkey to communicate an prayer for rain. This may seem insignificant, but in desert environments a rainfall can be the pivot between feast or famine. The eagle feather served with a completely different meaning, symbolically used for the purpose of war as an expression of strength and power.

Animal Symbols in the Mayan Calendar

We will find the honor offered to the Eagle in many cultures. In the Mayan Tzolkin, a spiritual calendar that has been used to explore spiritual empowerments, today is the day of 10 Men, the Eagle. The next appearance of the combination of the number 10 and the Eagle will be in 260 days. Of the thirteen different instances of the Eagle found in the Mayan Tzolkin this specific combination speaks out of our ability to create great things within the physical world, bringing our consciousness and physical abilities together that could only be described as “walking with wings”.

The Turkey and the Eagle – Status and Meaning © 2011. Author Estee Taschereau brings over 30 years as a spiritual counselor to help individuals gain a more fulfilling and purposeful focus in their personal and professional world, guiding them in their own awareness and appreciation of their life path and abilities. Sessions are available via phone or Skype, by appointment. Please use the contact form for scheduling.

]]> http://hummingbirdshaman.com/2011/11/25/the-turkey-and-the-eagle-status-and-meaning/feed/ 1 Celebrating an Inspiration and Symbol of Power – Bald Eagle Appreciation Day http://hummingbirdshaman.com/2011/01/14/celebrating-an-inspiration-and-symbol-of-power-bald-eagle-appreciation-day/ http://hummingbirdshaman.com/2011/01/14/celebrating-an-inspiration-and-symbol-of-power-bald-eagle-appreciation-day/#comments Fri, 14 Jan 2011 20:45:30 +0000 Hummingbird Shaman http://hummingbirdshaman.com/?p=764 We turn to the world around us and ask “what is the meaning?”. There is not always a concrete clear answer when we think we need one, and we find ourselves challenged during those times when we must be within. Sometimes those signs come in a most unusual way, so symbolic in nature. In . . . → Continue Reading: Celebrating an Inspiration and Symbol of Power – Bald Eagle Appreciation Day]]> We turn to the world around us and ask “what is the meaning?”. There is not always a concrete clear answer when we think we need one, and we find ourselves challenged during those times when we must be within. Sometimes those signs come in a most unusual way, so symbolic in nature. In fact, the most questioned and appreciated signs do come from nature.

January 15th and 16th is celebrated as Bald Eagle Appreciation Day, with the 27th annual event happening in Southwest Iowa. This symbolic creature was adopted as our national bird in the early days of our country, but why do we need a national bird? Perhaps we make a statement, a demonstration to imply our power and our freedom by implying a connection to those who naturally possess an ability that we must develop.

As humans we have available to us so many abilities, and we are able to refine and build our skills through conscious focus and application. In our early history we’ve turned to the world around us to discover and explore, seeing amazing qualities that we admired and emulated. Many a story has been passed down through generations, a tradition that some cultures still honor in our modern times.

The eagle offers us a look at the abilities of physical strength, keen vision, and commanding presence. We’ve associated the eagle with spiritual connections as well, with one such example in the ancient Mayan Tzolkin calendar honoring the eagle in the symbolic glyph of “Men”, the eagle.

Many have shared stories of the appearance of hummingbirds in their lives, and seen symbolic meaning. They have felt the personal connection with the hummingbird, as though this tiny winged wonder was sent through some divine source. The hummingbird can hide so easily in the brush, and move about easily outside our normal perception. Yet the hummingbird can command our attention if so desired.

We choose what we see, and even though we live surrounded by so many and so much, but we often live in our “own little world”. When the hummingbird appears we cannot help but shift our attention. It is the same with the eagle, and though our interaction with the eagle is “from afar” we still marvel at its appearance. I have found my day change dramatically on the days when I see an eagle. I have heard stories of eagles appearing at a time of loss, and then again during a wedding in a way that could only be a sign of spirit.

Today I offer the thought of honoring the eagle as a sign of honor and a symbol of freedom. Bald Eagle Appreciation Day is just around the corner, and I am grateful that I am in a place to see this amazing creature in flight.

]]> http://hummingbirdshaman.com/2011/01/14/celebrating-an-inspiration-and-symbol-of-power-bald-eagle-appreciation-day/feed/ 1 A Sign of an Eagle or a Symbol of Self? http://hummingbirdshaman.com/2009/11/25/a-sign-of-an-eagle-or-a-symbol-of-self/ http://hummingbirdshaman.com/2009/11/25/a-sign-of-an-eagle-or-a-symbol-of-self/#comments Wed, 25 Nov 2009 20:06:38 +0000 Hummingbird Shaman http://hummingbirdshaman.com/?p=346 Making decisions and taking action are two abilities we are capable of and expected to exercise in our daily lives. There are times though when we linger in our thoughts, and postpone choosing our path. Doesn’t our direction come from divine guidance? Shouldn’t the road be illuminated and clear?

I was visited . . . → Continue Reading: A Sign of an Eagle or a Symbol of Self?]]> Making decisions and taking action are two abilities we are capable of and expected to exercise in our daily lives. There are times though when we linger in our thoughts, and postpone choosing our path. Doesn’t our direction come from divine guidance? Shouldn’t the road be illuminated and clear?

I was visited by a client who stopped by for what should have been a few minutes but transitioned into an hour. We spoke of many things, some having to do with decision or actions on my part.

As we walked out the door to her car we summarized our talk and recapped comments made earlier. The conversation at the car seemed to go far beyond the the time needed for hugs and goodbyes. Times like those are worthy of accepting at face value, they need no hidden meaning or reasons. Let’s suppose though that the extra time spent was intended.

Hawks are seen on occasion circling the sky, and in the springtime they are often followed by diving crows trying to protect their nest and offspring. On this day there was a single bird circling, searching for prey. As it approached I could not help but see the white feathers on its head. This was an eagle, a bird I had seen only a few times in the many years I had lived in this area.

We smiled and raised our voices in excitement, watching this majestic bird circle and disappear. Could there be any significance to this appearance?

Any correlation between the eagle and the discussions that day was a sharing of strength and dedication. We do what we do best, and balance ourselves either in learning to build our abilities in areas that are not our strengths, or outsourcing those tasks to others.

Either way we are intended to move forward, to grow and experience and step past what is complete. The sign of an eagle is a powerful one, but it is also a sign or symbol of our own power and strength.

For more posts on animal totems and hummingbird wisdom visit http://healingdrumretreat.com. Learn more about your animal power totems, the wisdom they hold, and how you use this wisdom within the pathway of living. Private intuitive & healing sessions are available by phone or email to answer questions that arise you your own spiritual journey.

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