The Birds Around Us

The Deep Significance for My Future

I sat outside with Urmila drinking hot lemon. As we sat gazing at the mountains circling around behind us we saw an eagle floating around, high overhead. Although eagles are fairly common in the mountains in this part of Spain, this was the first time I had seen one fly so obviously over our house.

Soon afterwards, sitting in the pergola, sheltering from the sun and eating our breakfast, a sparrow flew in and sat on a leg of the pergola and chirped away at us. For a few minutes I had a conversation with the bird who was not concerned that we were so near. We see many sparrows around our house, but they tend to be more wary of us and never had one so directly communicated with me.

The Birds Around Us

I was struck by the closeness of these encounters, realising that there was deep significance here. It is easy to see this but less easy to interpret what is going on. Thinking through what happened and understanding the significance of the two birds I realised that this revelation was, for me multi-layered.

It also started me thinking about the other main species that fly around our house. It is on a small ridge with open land on either side. We are privileged to see magnificent displays from starlings twice a year as they stop for a few stays on their migrations. Their murmurations are a magnificent display of togetherness as they swoop and show off. The sound of their beating wings is often quite considerable.

The Significance of the Birds

To see the layers of meaning it is necessary to first look into the energetic significance of the birds.

Eagles

Eagles inspire people to be courageous and to stretch their limits so they can reach higher and become more than they believe they are capable of. People find it is time to look at things from a new perspective and see that the future holds possibilities that they may not yet be able to see. They are seen as visionaries, people who are seekers and are willing to push the limits of self-discovery and personal freedom. Eagles bring them a sense of courage and a desire to explore and grow.

The lesson of the eagle is to take a look from where it sees, to have the courage to relinquish stale and comfortable beliefs, to soar into unknown and new realities, and to continue expanding the view. It is the time to take full responsibility for life. As spiritual awareness increases, the effects will become more immediate and have greater force.

Sparrows

Sparrows are one of the most common birds, but are often overlooked, their power taken for granted. Sparrow energy is both powerful and productive. In the wild, sparrows are constantly working, collecting food and gathering nesting materials. Sparrows move, eat, rest, and take part in activities as a group, which can be quite intimidating for a predator, no matter how large and fierce it is.

The persistence and integrity of the sparrow shows people that they do not have to be big to make a difference, for their voices to be heard. They teach people to work for what they want. By accomplishing things that they can be proud of, people will continue to boost their self-esteem and sense of worth. The sparrow inspires people to stand up for themselves, but also stresses the importance of compassion and togetherness.

Starlings

Starlings are symbolic of communication, of relationships with others, and of standing in a group. They symbolise unity. Often seen flocking together, starlings have learned that they are always stronger together than alone. Starlings are never completely silent. They are either chattering among themselves, whistling their songs or making warbling noises. Starlings have a vicious side to their personality. While they are protective of their own, they don't show the same level of consideration to other species.

The lessons of starlings centre around the power of togetherness and being in communication with your group or circle of friends. They emphasise the ideas behind Trade Unions—you are always stronger together. They symbolise that talking can solve most problems in the world, but they also warn that unity can be mis-used against those outside the group.

The Meaning for Me

It is absolutely clear from the influence of the eagles that it is time for me to soar into my spiritual future. I am already seeing things which I had up to now ignored. I can tap into large-scale shifts in spiritual energy that are out there right now. I can fly high and focus on the individual items I need to catch onto.

The sparrow, however teaches me to work in community, a balance to the loneliness of the eagle. This is something that I am not used to, relying more on my own resources. I need to seek more companionship with others.

The starlings emphasise this need for togetherness even more, showing a greater sense of together in a group, a sense that can be powerful and instinctive. They warn, though, of the danger that this can pose; the danger of excluding others.

Balance is what achieves growth and success and the balance of these birds is perfect for my future.

The Future

Last week was the first full moon of the year, known as the Wolf Moon. It is asking us to face our deepest feelings and fears. The spiritual meaning of the Wolf Moon is about stepping up as a fierce protector and nurturer in our own lives.

Full moons are associated with an increase in energy and tension, which can sometimes result in emotional build-ups. However, they’re also helpful moments for letting go of old feelings, seeing situations more clearly, or bringing projects to a climax or conclusion.

The endings signified by the full moon also clear things out for new beginnings. That is what is happening in my life and why the birds are so significant to me.