I have never had a close relationship with a bird. However, my mother, Jennifer Juniper, has just informed me that two weeks ago she was in a situationship with a Great Blue Heron. It was more of a pining or a longing for his energy, but nonetheless, closer than most people get to being in a situationship with a four-foot-tall wild bird. I died laughing, but unfortunately the only bird I could picture in my own head was the one my cousin’s kittens found outside last weekend… (circle of life I guess). Going back to our heron, this piece is solely for the topic of living creatures, and the messages that the universe asks us to listen to.

A bird in passing is a momentary glimpse into the world of flight. Do you think they can control where they are going 100% of the time? That can’t be true. Somehow, though, birds are generally respected. They are beings of the sky, rather than the earth or the underworld, as rats, squirrels, and moles are. Birds are close friends of Apollo, the sun god, and they radiate an energy that is fleeting and exciting. Have you ever met a bird who was hurt? They become incredibly antsy, sad, and generally unpleasant when they have to stay on the ground, especially indoors. Birds of flight, that is. When I see a bird who cannot fly I wish it good luck, and remind it to rest. No one can get anything done or healed without enough rest. For all of these reasons, and analogies and memories that just blossomed into this intro, I do truly believe that looking into wild animals will give us numerous reminders to our own lives and personal flights. Here is a breakdown of some of the more notable birds and their symbolism in your own life, when they appear to you. 

Great Blue Heron –The Zen Master on Stilts

A Great Heron is one of the more majestic birds we have in the Northeast United States. We see them along the coast of Long Island, where the waters are calm. The Great Blue Heron carries powerful spiritual symbolism, often representing patience, self-reliance, and a deep connection to intuition. Known for radiating stillness and grace, the heron teaches us the value of waiting for the right moment and moving through life with intention. As a solitary creature, it symbolizes independence and the strength found in walking your own path. Spiritually, the heron stands at the threshold between land and water, representing the balance between logic and emotion, the physical and the spiritual. It reminds us to stay grounded while remaining open to inner wisdom. In many traditions, the Great Blue Heron is seen as a messenger between realms, bringing guidance from spirit or ancestors. When this bird appears, it may be a sign to slow down, listen to your intuition, and trust the unique journey you’re on. I will say this makes sense for my mother, who is usually three espressos deep by 9AM. 

Owl – The Nocturnal Professor of Truth
The owl is like that weirdly wise aunt who sees through everyone’s nonsense at the family gathering. Spiritually, the owl represents intuition, deep truth, and the ability to see what’s hidden in the dark—both literally and metaphorically. It’s the universe whispering, “You know what’s really going on,” while you sip tea and pretend not to. Owls don’t play games—they hoot, they watch, they know. If you see one, your soul might be about to enroll in cosmic night school. The Owl reminds me of the tarot card The Hierophant, an upstanding and appreciated figure in the realm of spiritual enlightenment. However, like the card calls us to remember: it is more than just one idea or figure we are learning from. It is also just important to focus on the group of people you find yourself among when ascending into new intellectual or spiritual heights. Perhaps you will soon learn about the power of group energetics and knowledge, which may in return spark even more revelations. In essence: look everywhere for more to learn and question everything you once thought to be true. 

Raven & Crow – The Trickster Siblings with a PhD in Shadow Work
Crows and ravens are like the goth cousins of the bird world—dark, mysterious, and a little too into Edgar Allan Poe. Spiritually, they symbolize transformation, magic, and messages from the beyond. Crows say, “Face your shadow.” Ravens go, “Let’s write poetry about it.” They’re omens, sure, but not always spooky—more like spiritual postmen carrying scrolls of sarcasm and ancient wisdom. If you spot them cackling overhead, the universe might be sending you a memo titled Death of Ego: Volume 3. In other words, confront your fears, because this may be the first time in a long time that you may be inclined to conquer them.

Hummingbird – The Glitter Fairy on a Caffeine High
This tiny, glittering chaos gremlin flits around like a cosmic reminder that joy is a serious spiritual practice. The hummingbird teaches us to sip sweetness from life and stop taking everything so seriously. It’s like your spirit guide turned into a pixie and decided to throw a rave in your garden. If a hummingbird shows up, the message is clear: lighten up, sparkle more, and maybe stop doomscrolling for five minutes. 

Eagle & Hawk – The Sky Kings of Higher Vision and Dramatic Entrances
Eagle and hawk fly so high they probably have a timeshare on the astral plane. They bring messages of clarity, spiritual vision, and power—but the kind that makes you sit up straighter, not the “I control everything” kind. Eagles scream freedom and divine purpose; hawks say, “Focus, darling, focus!” They’re like your life coach with wings and talons, pushing you toward your higher calling while judging your procrastination from above. They also swoop down to grab smaller animals, reminding us that there are sometimes daring steps necessary to climb a totem pole to the position you are aiming for. 

Dove – The Peace Ambassador Who’s Always Meditating
Doves are like the chill yoga teacher who always smells like incense and somehow never gets mad, ever. They bring messages of peace, hope, and divine love. If a dove crosses your path, it’s the spiritual equivalent of the universe handing you a cup of chamomile tea and saying, “Breathe. You’re doing great.” Doves show up when healing is near—or when someone really wants to drive home a metaphor about purity.

Cardinal – The Red Messenger of Bold Ancestral Gossip

Cardinals are like that fabulous friend who always shows up dressed to impress and somehow knows all your grandma’s secrets. They symbolize connection with loved ones who’ve passed, passion, and the sacred now. Seeing a cardinal often means someone on the Other Side is waving at you through a flash of red feathers and going, “I still see you, and yes, I saw what you did with your hair.” Spirit with a side of sass. 

Swan – The Graceful Soul on a Slow-Mo Spiritual Glow-Up
Swans glide through spiritual realms like ballerinas in moonlight. They embody beauty, transformation, and soul-level love. If a swan appears, your higher self is probably cueing up an emotional montage about personal growth. They’re all about evolving with elegance—even if, beneath the surface, you’re paddling like crazy. Think of the swan as the ultimate reminder: awkward beginnings can lead to divine glow-ups. So embrace the ugly duckling phase—you’re oing full spiritual swan soon.

So, the next time a bird crosses your path—whether it’s a majestic eagle soaring above or a caffeine-addled hummingbird dive-bombing your petunias—don’t just shrug it off. These feathered messengers carry more than beaks and fluff; they bring reminders from the universe, notes from your soul, and maybe even a little cosmic sass. Whether you’re in a season of deep transformation or just trying to remember where you left your peace of mind, the birds are out here doing divine drive-bys to keep you aligned, inspired, and laughing through the journey. Keep your eyes on the skies—Spirit’s got wings and a wild sense of humor.