Tag Archives: birds

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Animal Messages: Finch and Snake

Two weekends ago I went to my cabin and parked in my garage.  When I was getting out my boys started yelling and pointing to something. It was dead house finch laying in the middle of the driveway. They asked, “Did you kill it?” I don’t think I did. I didn’t see it when I pulled in, either. I picked it up and it was still warm. The boys buried it soon after.

Less than a week later I went to the family home, my ex’s home, to pick up some packages and take our dog on a walk (ex is in India on a business trip). I went inside and then came back out to put my packages in my car. On my way back in I saw another dead house finch. It was laying right on the stoop. I don’t know how I didn’t see it previously. This finch had been dead longer and there were a few fire ants on its beak. I picked it up and tossed it in the creek area.

So, two dead finches, less than a week apart. Both unseen initially. 

A dead or injured finch could symbolize:

  • Endings of specific life cycles
  • Need for personal transformation
  • Warning about potential obstacles
  • Invitation to release past limitations; Source: Finch Symbolism

When I consider the meaning of the dead finches, I take into account the environment at the time and what I was feeling. The first finch, found just outside the garage, could be indicating that I am no longer “parked” in life – that period in my life is over. At the time I felt really sad about the finch because I thought I had killed it, but I honestly don’t recall seeing it when I pulled into the garage. Also, I remember seeing a little bird alive above the garage the last time I was there. It was feasting on the bugs around the light. I had been thinking of how I wouldn’t be enjoying my country home as much anymore with the new apartment and all. I was still considering renting or selling.

The second finch I also missed initially (perhaps I am missing something still?). This one was near the front door. I wasn’t thinking of anything in particular this time, just taking the dog on a walk and feeling tired because I was getting over a cold. However, considering it was right on the front doorstep, perhaps it was a reminder of the end of my time in that particular space – maybe even in both spaces?

Snakes

All month I have been encountering snakes. I have lost count of how many I’ve run into, but just yesterday two snakes crossed my path and the second snake decided to bless me with its presence twice at two different times of the day!

Snakes symbolize transformation, intuition, rebirth and healing. They can also represent the Kundalini and its transformative energy.

I am hoping this means the Kundalini is still smoldering, lingering, just waiting to burst into flame once again. I don’t necessarily want a crazy K-Rising event but I don’t have control over such things. The K does what it does and there is no containing it once it decides to run its course. I am hoping, though, that I have cleared enough from previous risings that the intensity is much more tolerable. Regardless, I’ve enjoyed all my snake encounters of late. I find them fascinating and, at times, I even want to pick them up. I just don’t feel confident enough in my identification to risk it. Hahaha Even the non-venomous ones will bite.

Enjoy the pictures of my snake friends. All but the one pictured in water was seen near my pond. All of the snakes live in and around water. Perhaps water (emotion) is part of the message they bring?

plain bellied water snake
plan bellied water snake
common water snake
cotton mouth
cotton mouth

For those who would like to see the snakes in motion, check out my YouTube page and go to the Shorts section. I have lots of videos of the animals and creatures I encounter out at my cabin. Here is the video of the plain bellied water snake pictured above. Isn’t it beautiful!? This one I initially saw around noon and then again at around 4pm.

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Hummingbird

I spent several days out a my new abode – alone. The solitude was much needed. I’ve been experiencing sleep difficulties again and high blood pressure (yikes!). My BP is averaging 140/90+, the bottom number being the most volatile, sometimes going up to 107! My Dr. isn’t concerned because it comes down when I am calm, but I am not calm very often these days. Stress is the culprit, thus my retreat away from everyone and everything for a few days.

Ample sleep was gotten as was plenty of slow, stress-free time alone. I have a sleep number bed that tells me how well I sleep with a range from 1-100, 100 being the best sleep ever. My numbers are usually in the low 70s and high 60s. For three nights my numbers were in the 80s! Yay!

I took a ton of walks and did some breathing meditations. I’ve been exploring Buddhist practices, starting with short, mindfulness meditations. I haven’t gone past 5 minutes yet, but am working on it. I think my guidance approves because I got a message yesterday morning upon waking, “Purpose is in the moment.” It is indeed.

Hummingbird

Two days into my retreat I was in the kitchen cleaning up some dishes when I noticed a hummingbird flying around with something in her mouth. I had never seen a hummingbird do that so I paid closer attention. It wasn’t long before I saw her going back to the same place on a tree. A tiny crook at the end of a twig. I went outside to look closer and saw what looked like a bunch of moss stuck on the twig. The hummingbird buzzed my head as I thought, “She’s making a nest!”

As the day progressed, I checked on her progress periodically. By the end of the day she had a thimble sized nest and I took the opportunity during a passing thunderstorm to sit outside with my camera to take pictures and video (you can hear the thunder on the video). She was not very afraid of me so I was able to get pretty close, about 10ft away, which allowed me to zoom in really close.

Honestly, I was fascinated and appreciative that she would choose to share with me such a private part of her tiny life. Just writing about it makes me emotional for some reason. The pictures and video don’t come close to how beautiful she and her tiny nest are.

I plan to keep a watch over the nest in the coming weeks. I can’t wait to see tiny eggs and, hopefully, babies. I may even take a feeder out just so she has some nourishment close by during the hellishly hot summer days.

Below are some pictures of mama hummingbird. Here is a link to a video from my YouTube channel. Please forgive the shiftiness of the video. My camera is designed to prioritize photos, not video. I need to get a tripod and set it up on my back porch with my camera aimed at the nest. 🙂

While in the midst of taking videos of mama hummingbird I noticed a magnificent rainbow arching across the sky. It remained for nearly the entire time I was outside observing her. Such a blessing!

Hummingbird Totem

“Hummingbird as a spirit animal represents flexibility (our ability to accept and implement change), lightheartedness, and joy. Other associations shared by these Lightworkers include remaining present, freedom, awakening happiness and hope, a lightness of spirit, quick responses, reversing melancholy, tirelessness, and fortitude”. Source

It seems to me hummingbird is a further reminder to me that it is of utmost importance for me to continue taking time to myself, enjoying the solitude of my new home and all the blessings of nature and life. Mindfulness meditation and staying present in the moment go hand-in-hand with her message as well.

Thank you hummingbird, I hear you!

Some photos of my weekend. Hopefully they lift your spirit like they did mine. The colors of the sunset after the rain – breathtaking!

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Blue Jay

Today as I was going about my day, I noticed a huge blue jay sitting on my back fence. He just happened to be in the same spot where I saw the leaves of a tree formed into the perfect seven not long ago. I stopped what I was doing and watched him. He was beautiful and so magnificently marked. Blue jays are not around much here where I live so to see one is rare. I immediately took note that he may be bringing me a message.

Blue Jay Symbolism

From Animal Speak by Ted Andrews.

The blue jay has long been thought of as a bully and a robber, and although it can have those tendencies, it has other qualities that make it stand out positively. For those to whom the jay comes as a totem, it can reflect lessons in using your own power properly. It can also reflect lessons in not allowing yourself to be placed in a position in which power is misused against you.

The word ‘jay’ comes from the Latin ‘gaia’ or ‘gaea’ which has associations to Mother Earth. In Greek mythology, the union of Mother Earth (Gaea) and Father Heaven (Uranus) resulted in the first creatures who had the appearance of life. This reflects much about the intrinsic power associated with the jay. It has the ability to link the heavens and earth, to access each for greater power.

The black and white markings found on its blue wings also reflect this same ability. The sky (blue) separates the Heavens (white) and the earth (black). This is a totem that can move between both and tap the primal energies at either level. The jay is aware of this innate ability, and this is reflected in its blue crest–higher knowledge that can be used.

The main problem will be in dabbling in both worlds, rather than becoming a true master of both. Those with a jay as a totem usually have a tremendous amount of ability, but it can be scattered or it is often not developed any more than is necessary to get by. it is not unusual to find individuals with blue jays as totems to be dabblers–especially in the psychic and metaphysical field. They know a little bit about a a lot of things, and they use that knowledge sometimes to give the impression they know more, or that they are true masters.

The bright blue crest of the jay should always be a reminder that to wear the crown of true mastership requires dedication, responsibility, and committed development in all things in the physical and spiritual. The blue jay is a reminder to follow through on all things–to not start something and then leave it dangling.

The blue jay reflects that a time of greater resourcefulness and adaptability is about to unfold. You are going to have ample opportunities to develop and use your abilities. The jay does not usually migrate, staying around all winter, so look for there to be ample time to develop and use your energies to access new levels. It will stay around and work with you as long as you need it.

The blue jay is actually a member of the crow family, and most crows have no fear. Crows and jays alike will gang up to harass and drive off owls and hawks. The jay is fearless, and it is because of this that it can help you to connect with the deepest mysteries of the earth and the greatest of the heavens.

The blue jay is an excellent mimic, with a sharp eye and voice. It especially has a wonderful knack for imitating red-shouldered hawks. Old-time naturalists were convinced the blue jay derived pleasure from this activity. As with all members of its family, this sense of seeking pleasure–often at the expense of others–can reflect an imbalance. Sometimes jays show up when this is occurring in your own life.

Blue jays have a tremendous ability for survival with the least amount of effort. They reflect great talent, but that talent must be developed and utilized properly. If the jay has flown into your life, it indicates that you are moving into a time where you can begin to develop the innate royalty that is within you, or imply be pretender to the throne. It all depends on you. The jay has no qualms. It will teach you either direction.