A New Avian Friend

Not long ago, I wrote of a connection I seem to have developed with various birds, over just the past few years of my life. The list included an Umbrella Cockatoo, a couple of Bald Eagles, and more recently, a hawk which visits me almost daily. I did not mention the trio of Sand Hill Cranes which have become a constant in my life.

But this past week, I added a new one to the list. A blackbird.

I've always thought of blackbirds as rather ordinary, mundane birds, more annoying than anything. Not that I held anything against them, but also have never had much fondness for them.

On Monday, I was returning home from the supermarket, and after pulling in the garage, got out and went around to the passenger door. As I was leaning in to retrieve my purse and a few other items, I was startled by something behind me, and quickly turned to face it.

It was a blackbird, which had followed me into the garage and was standing, not two feet away from me, looking me in the eye and squawking. I spoke to him, and he went quiet and listened as I said, "Well, hello there. Are you trying to tell me something?" There was one short squawk, in response. "OK," I said. "I'm listening."

For what seemed like at least two or three minutes, he stood looking at me, and I at him. It was odd; I have never felt myself at a loss for words with an animal, but there I was, feeling I should speak, but not finding any words.

I felt, very strongly, that I was supposed to remember this, and figure out what it meant.

I've had little time since, except for Friday and Saturday, when I was quite sick. Today, I feel better and have some alone time, and so I went looking for symbolism... and this was what I found:

The Blackbird

The blackbirds iridescent black plumage holds the energies of mysticism and magic.  Druid legends say that the birds of Rhiannan are 3 blackbirds which sit and sing in the World tree of other worlds.  Their singing puts the listener into a sleep or a trance which enables him or her to travel to the otherworld.  It was said to impart mystic secrets. Those with this medicine often have a hypnotic influence on others as well as an uncanny ability to move between the seen and unseen worlds with clarity.  They make excellent shamans and trance channelers.

Blackbirds are timid and prefer their own company over the company of others.  In humans shyness and insecurity in group settings is common. Vulnerable to outside influences those with this totem need to remember to clear accumulated influences from their energy field on a regular basis.

The male's distinctive song during breeding season is loud and melodious with flute like qualities.  Males often sing from high perches and both sexes produce a variety of sounds which include mimicking other birds.  Blackbird medicine people love to sing and have the ability use their voice to heal and inform. They are also good ventriloquists.

Blackbirds spend much of their time on the ground.   Its locomotion includes walking, climbing and hopping forward and backwards.  They forage for food in open spaces although cover is always near by.  When  foraging in leaf litter under trees they sound like people walking . In humans this suggests an ability to remain grounded in the earth energies while walking a spiritual path.

When resting the blackbird is frequently seen stretching, legs extended back, side wings in full extension, tail spread, and the head tilted to one side as if listening.  Yoga and movement therapy are beneficial for those that hold this totem.

The blackbirds flights are low, short and undulating but fast and direct over open country. They move with determination and focus and can teach us how to do the same.  When blackbird flies into your life your connection with nature and the forces of creation increase.  The magic of the underworld surfaces in your life. Awareness is heightened and change on a cellular level begins.  The blackbird teaches you how to acknowledge your power and use it to its fullest.

http://www.sayahda.com/cycle.htm

No longer mundane or ordinary, I'll be listening, in the future and seeing blackbirds in a whole new light.