Animal Totems / Spirit Guides Overview
Animals in the Pagan World
"...They are our cousins, our
brothers, our sisters. We have grown away from the path they
tread, yet there is no path we should be willing to tread
more.
Theirs is a way of oneness with our Mother.
==Galeain ip Altiem MacDunelmor
It brings great sadness to me that
many people view animals as inferior to us"humans".
In the Pagan/Druidic mindset, animals are our equals ... they
merely differ in the paths they choose to take. Whereas mankind
uses guile & cleverness to adapt to (and sometimes alter)
the environment, animals are one with their environment. As
a Pagan, there is nothing we should desire more than attaining
oneness with Nature. There are few things more at oneness
with Nature than Animals. It is through studying and communicating
with the animals around us that one learns many of their skills
and talents.
All animals deserve our respect -- for all have lessons to
teach and for us to learn.
Birds Symbolism
and Lore in the Celtic Tradition
Birds have a plethora of teachings and
roles in the Celtic/Druidic Tradition, especially as messengers
from the OtherWorld.
Please see Below for some Specific Bird Information.
Raven
An important animal of the Celts. In Ireland
the raven was associated with battles and such Goddesses as
Morrigu or the later Welsh Morrigan. The bird was connected
with Bran the Blessed. Raven embodies paradox and contradiction,
and it is also quite self-important. The raven often represents
the upsets and crisis of life that are necessary for new creation.
Eagle
A bird noted for wisdom and long life
in Celtic stories. The eagle represents swiftness, strength,
keen sight, and the knowledge of magick. It helps one to see
hidden spiritual truths.
Hawk (Aracos)
Celtic oral tradition lists the oldest
animal as the Hawk of Achill. As with other birds, the hawk
is a messenger between the Otherworld and this world. Hawk
symbolizes clear sightedness and longevity of the memory.
If you hear a hawk cry during a journey, be alert to upcoming
situations that need boldness and decisiveness to keep from
being thrown off balance.
Seagull (Faoilean)
Connected to sea deities, such as the
God Manannan mac Lir and the Goddess Don in Celtic Shamanism.
Swan (Eala)
A mystical bird who finds its way into
several Celtic stories. Its feathers were often used in the
ritual cloak of the Bards. Swans are connected with music
and song. Swans also help with the interpretation of dream
symbols, transitions, and spiritual evolution.
Blackbird (Druid-dhubh,
Lon Duhb)
Legends say that the birds of Rhiannan
are three blackbirds, which sit and sing in the World Tree
of the Otherworlds. Their singing puts the listener into a
sleep or a trance which enables him/her to travel to the otherworld.
Crow
Not to be mistaken with Raven or Blackbird,
Crow is the most cunning and devious of these three birds.
Crow is sometimes seen as a traitor or malicious trickster
associated with Air, and sometimes Fire.
Last Updated: 11/13/04
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