Birds as Omens: Hawk, Crow, Dove, Wren, Owl, Sparrow, Etc.

Unread post by **Auntie Sindy Todo** » Thu May 25, 2006 10:01 am

Lee Canipe wrote:

I've experienced some really strange things in my life, but yesterday I had an experience that just about takes the cake. I was burning some tree limbs, leaves, etc. in a pretty big fire. I left to retrieve some more limbs and upon returning found a crow standing in my path. The crow turned towards the fire and walked/hopped right into the flames! To my horror the crow just spread out his wings and burned up. It was the most bizarre thing I'd ever seen. It made no noise or attempt to escape.

I was telling my mom and aunts about this and their attitude was completely nonchalant. "Oh, you're going see all kinds of crazy things out here", they said. One of my aunts seemed to imply that what'd I'd seen was not an animal but a spirit. But when I questioned her further she would not elaborate, just saying "maybe it was a ghost crow". I don't know if this was a bad omen, a spiritual vision, a freak occurrence of nature... but it was pretty shocking.

Lee
Ama, et fac quod vis

---

Hey Lee,

Wow, that is pretty shocking. I have lots of crows around and I've had a couple come to my garden to die. We say a little prayer and bury them. I think this one was a spirit as your Auntie suggests, and you simply provided him a way to pass on. I would also say that he will be a guide for you as well. I'd take some of those ashes from the fire and put them on a altar, say a blessing and thank him.

**Ferne's husband, Corvus is very knowledgeable about Crows and Raven's maybe he can shed some light on this. Hope you read this Ferne, I'd love to hear Corvus opinion or maybe it should be a topic offlist.

X-Sindy

Unread post by **Lance M Foster** » Sat May 27, 2006 8:05 pm

The Earth as a living system of beings is being killed. We see it in
Hawaii. The Hopi and Kogi Indians have warned us about it. The
animals, plants and weather are warning us. The Earth is dying. The
rules are changing. Up is down and down is up.

This is very heavy, what you saw.

Lance

Unread post by **Ferne** » Sat May 27, 2006 8:27 pm

Ask and ye shall receive, Sindy! Here's Corvus's response:

Gee, thanks for the testimonial Sindy!

Hello, Lee.

As to the meaning of this Crow's behavior on a spiritual or mystical level, it seems to me that this might be open to subjective interpretation. What I mean by this is that, in my own experience, unusual events like this sometimes appear to hold a lesson or meaning that is specific to the witness... in this case, you. I know of three cases (including one of my own) where someone has witnessed behavior in a wild creature or creatures that seemed bizarre, even inexplicable, but which left them with a sense that a question had been answered for them, or a fear was allayed, or some such. One friend of mine had a very unusual experience with a combined group of black-tailed deer and tule elk, which stunned and amazed him so deeply that it snapped him out of a suicidal depression. This occurred at his campsite in a fairly remote wilderness area, to which he had backpacked alone with the specific intent of ending his own life. The experience changed his mind about that, as well as working a lasting change in his whole outlook on life.

Crows, as well as other birds and flying creatures, are considered in some traditions to be psychopomps (spirit guides which accompany souls traveling from this world to the next, or sometimes from that one to this).

On the mundane level, there doesn't seem to be much in the literature about animal suicides. The consensus among animal behaviorists is that animals don't commit suicide. If you're thinking of Lemmings now, please stop. That tenuous myth was reinforced and widely spread when Disney film photographer James R. Simon staged a lemming "migration" on film, to lend a dramatic flair to a nature movie called White Wilderness in 1958.

http://www.snopes.com/disney/films/lemmings.htm

In an admittedly brief search, I find no accounts of bird suicides excepting two. Both of those I found are blog entries which give accounts by observers who are not trained ornithologists, zoologists, biologists, or any such like. It's possible, if not likely, that their observations omit key information which could explain what they saw in another way.

It is true that many animal species exhibit weird or erratic behaviors when they are infected with parasites, or, in some cases, viruses. It turns out that Crows are especially vulnerable to the West Nile virus, compared to other species of birds. I imagine that it's possible they are also highly vulnerable to other viruses also. The symptoms exhibited in North American Corvids (Crows, Jays, & Magpies) infected with the West Nile Virus, immediately prior to death, are: tremors, lack of muscular coordination, abnormal head posture, circling, convulsion, and weakness. This virus primarily targets the central nervous system, resulting in lethal damage to the brain and the spinal cord. This happens quickly for Crows, and they usually exhibit such behavior within three to four days of infection, and die within six or so. Many die due to dehydration, because the damage from the virus prevents them from successfully obtaining food and water.

It is at least possible that your unfortunate Crow didn't really mean to burn itself to death, but rather just couldn't avoid doing so because his/her poor body was so ravaged by illness or infection. Your description of the incident seems like it could be consistent with this.

May that Crow find everlasting peace beyond this veil of tears!

Blessings on you,

Corvus Munnin

Unread post by **bennwah** » Sat May 27, 2006 8:28 pm

Hello,

I just read your posting about the crow and got a chill. Two days
ago, my family got back from a vacation, and we found 3 dead crows in
our fish pond. Now this pond is actually a 20 gallon 'bucket'. There
is no way (I can see) that these birds could have gotten trapped.
They were in a big mound floating on the top of the water. I started
to write the group about this, because I wondered if somebody was
laying a trick or something. Anyway, I buried the birds and said a
little prayer for them. Just passing along a strange experience.

P.S. I got my book today!! It is beautiful. I can't wait to dive in
and get to work. Thanks,

Max

Unread post by **Quimbisero** » Sat May 27, 2006 8:30 pm

> From: <Leecanipe@...>

> I've experienced some really strange things in my life, but
>yesterday >I had an experience that just about takes the cake...The
crow turned >towards the fire and walked/hopped right into the flames!
To my horror >the crow just spread out his wings and burned up. It
was the most >bizarre thing I'd ever seen. It made no noise or
attempt to escape.

Well, Lee, that sure was dramatic. I am not sure what to think of it,
but I think it well worth investigation. Have you checked to see if
there are any remains? I would not recommend touching them until you
have received advice from the spirits, but it would be interesting to
know if the crow left any remains or not. While I don't believe that
remains would rule out it being a spirit, the absence of any would
certain confirm that it was.

Eoghan

Unread post by **Honeybeelight** » Mon May 29, 2006 2:47 pm

--- In hrcourse@yahoogroups.com, "bennwah" <maxmoncrief@...> wrote:
> >
> Hello,
>
> I just read your posting about the crow and got a chill. Two days
> ago, my family got back from a vacation, and we found 3 dead crows in
> our fish pond. Now this pond is actually a 20 gallon 'bucket'. There
> is no way (I can see) that these birds could have gotten trapped.
> They were in a big mound floating on the top of the water. I started
> to write the group about this, because I wondered if somebody was
> laying a trick or something. Anyway, I buried the birds and said a
> little prayer for them.

Now this *does* sound like West Nile, especially since there was standing water and that is
where mosquitos breed. You may want to report this to Animal or Vector Control and protect
yourself and your family from bites.

Melissa

Unread post by **conjureworker** » Mon May 29, 2006 3:35 pm

(In some mythology stories, crow brought fire to earth.) "He" stepped into the fire and became "transformed" within the fire. Perhaps there is the message that you will be facing a personal trial that will untimately transform you too. (?) Perhaps this transformation will be shocking to you, or the change will happen in a shocking manner, however, ultimately the transformation will be it's own reward and welcomed by you. (?)

In other stories, crow is the representative or "keeper of magic." Is there the possibility that your magic is changing dramatically from one system/tradition to another? With this new study and/or change, you too are changing dramatically. (the old you is burning away to reveal a new changed you.) (?)

Only you can answer these quesitons. These immediately came to my mind. I hope crow will "open your eyes and mind" to the message crow is attempting to tell. Ask crow in meditiation.

Gentle Breezes,
Donna

Unread post by **Auntie Sindy Todo** » Mon May 29, 2006 3:41 pm

Oh Corvus, You are so wonderful! I really appreciate your knowledge of these
birds...(along with that beautiful hair of yours)! hahaha. Thanks for this
very enlightened reply, I'm sure you have greatly helped Lee. X-Sindy

Unread post by **Lee Canipe** » Mon May 29, 2006 4:07 pm

In a message dated 5/27/2006 11:31:05 PM Eastern Standard Time,
quimbisa@inquiceweb.com writes:

"Have you checked to see if there are any remains?"

I did, and there were none. This was most perplexing because I really did
see a crow... it wasn't the shadowy shape of a crow, or the hazy pattern of
things you sometimes see in the periphery, or a crow seen with the mind's
eye... I mean, this was a real crow. And I know I'm not crazy-- well, at least
not delusional I hope

Lee

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Unread post by **Quimbisero** » Tue May 30, 2006 4:50 pm

Lee,

Please remember that "real" and "material" are not synonyms.

Eoghan

Unread post by **Regina Navickas** » Tue May 30, 2006 6:02 pm

My two cents worth and it may not shed any light on what you saw:

Sometimes when birds are sick and are ready to pass on, they will commit suicide. I once knew someone claimed to have seen a pet pigeon take flight straight up and then turn and fly head first into the pavement. (Sorry for any weak tummies out there!) This is also why sometimes they fly into windows and stuff. I myself once had a quail fly into a window of a friend's store. When I ran out to get it before the local stray cats did, I noticed that one of it's legs was cold. It had gotten hurt and was suffering from gangrene. There was nothing that could be done - trust me I would've done it if there was - so we helped it along. If you get my drift.

Maybe your crow was really sick and was ready to pass on and thought that this was the best way??? Very weird I'll give you that! I think that meditating is a good idea - try it and see.

Peace,

Regina

Unread post by **Laura Coffee** » Tue May 30, 2006 6:05 pm

Well, how hot was the fire? Birds are mostly feather and light bone, there
isn't a ton of meat on a crow, and if the fire was hot enough even a flesh
and blood crow could have been completely consumed. I mean, did you put the
fire out right away, or let it continue until all the brush was gone?

Also, NC... Interesting, most of the traveling I have done within the US
has been in the northern states. I have driven through the south, but that
was on family trips to Florida, and I was too young to appreciate much
beyond the different accents. My husband is from Virginia though, and the
more I hear about the area the more interested I am in visiting. Thanks for
this story, it it a unique one.

Laura (Go)

Unread post by **RedWill0w** » Tue May 30, 2006 6:18 pm

Lee, I have seen a big owl - big, astonishingly close, and extremely
noticeable not only for it's size and closeness but also because it swooped down
next to me in the middle of the afternoon. Other folks whom I did not know came
walking up the pathway saw me, transfixed, and they looked at where I was
staring, since I was pretty much rooted to the spot - and they did not see it,
though it was not six feet from them and very visible. This owl was in all
ways a big, beautiful, 3-D owl, nothing shadowy about it.

I've heard a lot of stories about NC and the things folks have
encountered in the woods and hollers and up on the hilltops. It sounds like a
beautiful place to live.

Dara

Unread post by **Michelle bush** » Tue May 30, 2006 6:20 pm

I really, really like Crows. I've been following your Crow story and I must say it's pretty trippy. We used to have some kinda Crow gathering or somthing out here (Indiana), there were Millions of them...so many the trees would look almost completely black, and when they would all settle in at night it literally sounded like a big crazy party. They sounded like a bunch of PEOPLE!

There were so many that you couldn't leave trashbags out in the alley or they would get ripped apart. I thought it was Dogs but it was definitly the Crows.

It was only like that for a short while though they aren't anything like that now. Bums me out. I did get a few feathers while they were around though.

I do have one weird Crow story ...I did once have a lone Crow come down and Caw at me...it doesn't sound like a big deal but I was tending my garden, it was my first garden I was about 17 (I still lived with my folks))...it flew down and cawed right at me...and it was LOUD. Shook me up a bit and I was convinced it was some sort of bad omen.It kinda was for the time, I was Pregnant.

Just storytelling.

~Deera

Unread post by **Umbandista** » Tue May 30, 2006 8:46 pm

Believe it or not, a group of them is called a Murder of Crows (like a group
of cattle is called a Herd of Cattle, etc).

Kathy

Unread post by **RedWill0w** » Tue May 30, 2006 9:46 pm

I saw this once too - and heard it. It was remarkable. I was walking, deep
in the woods, and I came upon a low, boggy area, very fresh with new green
grass. It was very early spring and the trees were black with water, not yet
in leaf. There were thousands of crows at least, and they were all talking
at once. Very noisy! I had the idea some of them were talking about me as I
walked by, but I may not have been right about that, as I don't really know
how to speak crow.

The most remarkable encounter I ever had with a crow happened early one
winter morning. I went out to start up the car and let it run for a few minutes
before taking my son to school.

As I walked towards the car, someone called my name - "Dara!" I looked
around to see who it was, but didn't see anyone. "Dara!" came again, and that's
when I saw the crow, perched low on the spiky Euonymous by my old garage.
That was a really startling experience, and I felt extremely honored to have
been so directly addressed.

Dara

l7hair · Unread post by **l7hair** » Wed May 31, 2006 7:01 pm

They say that crows are the smartest of birds because they are able to
use tools to help them get food. Also, it is said that when one of
their kind dies, others gather around and crow as if wailing for the
departed. It is referred to as a "crow funeral." Go figure.

Laura

Unread post by **Ferne** » Thu Jun 01, 2006 6:02 pm

Actually, it's ravens who are considered the smartest of all birds. Crows are, of course, in the same family and do exhibit many similar behaviors. For an excellect documentary on ravens, see the PBS Nature program "Ravens", available on vhs (maybe dvd).

Blessings,
Ferne

Unread post by **Auntie Sindy Todo** » Thu Jun 01, 2006 6:03 pm

So Sweet Dara! I have a crow that comes and sits in my Cedar tree and says, "mama"!

Not like a crow-voice either. Its truly amazing.

X-Sindy

Unread post by **Suzanne** » Thu Jun 01, 2006 8:49 pm

I just want to share my latest "crow" experience with all of you. On the day of the LM open house, Ferne and Corvus were kind enough to share a very special space with us...Armstrong Woods. Even though our visit to this striking spot was pretty brief, we were visited by a crow who kept joining our conversation. What was so phenomenal, besides Corvus' knowledge about this beautiful bird, was Ferne's communication with it. I told her that her entire presence and spirit changed as she talked to this spectacular bird. It was a wonderful experience. I am so glad Corvus was able to share his input on the crow suicide here on the Board. Thanks Ferne and Corvus for you generous kindness that day! One more thing.....Sindy, what the heck was the name of that "knock-your-socks-off" tequilla that we sipped on the 6th? Oh...one MORE thing.....cat, there are really no words to describe what pleasure it has been to read and own your book. Your passion and focus in preserving and communicating the HooDoo craft is so important and classy. I am proud to be a part of the process. Thanks!

(PS cat....congratulations on adding Ferne to your staff family.
Ferne and I have become good friends through the class and she will
be such a powerful addition to your shop and the LM
environment...great choice!)

Unread post by **brushhud** » Thu Jun 01, 2006 8:52 pm

Hey,

I would think ones reaction to most crows would depend on how old you
were when you saw Hitchcocks "The Birds". Seems to me I was in my late
teens, saw the movie, went out to the field, was driving a tractor, and
these crows were circling above me. It didn't take long, and was on my
way back to the barn.

Ravens, were of a good deal more interesting to my family, and myself.
We have about 35 of them that were transplanted to my home town. They
adore my mother, and spend a good deal of time, at her house when she
outside. All one has to do to receive black feather is to ask for it and
it is delivered.

Lucinda

Unread post by **ocsana13** » Sun Jun 04, 2006 8:36 pm

This reminds of the Indian story about Raven who was sad because there was no light so he flew until he saw a light beyond the water. The light was coming from the house of the Sky Chief so Raven perched on a branch and watched until he saw a beautiful young woman come from the house to drink some water from a stream. Raven changed into a pine needle and fell from the tree into the water and when the woman drank again she swallowed the pine needle. After a while she became pregnant and had a child with shiny black eyes and hair. The Sky Chief loved this child very much because he was a curious and wonderful child. The child pretended to play by crawling all around the Sky Chief's lodge but he was really looking for the light. One day he found a box where the light was coming from and cried for it. His mother showed him the box but he cried more so she took the lid off the box and inside the box was another box and so on until she reached the box with a shining glowing ball i
nside it. The ball was the sun and the Sky Chief ordered his daughter to give the ball to the child. He rolled the ball all around and cried, "Ga, Ga", rolled it some more and began to change "Ha, Ha" then transformed back into Raven, "Caw, Caw", Raven caught the ball in his beak and flew through the smoke hole in the lodge. He flew high into the sky and threw the ball as high as he could where it stayed. This is how Raven stole the sun and gave it to all people.

The thought of your crow walking into the fire seemed to me maybe the beginning of a myth. Perhaps somewhere in the distant past, a raven or crow did the same thing amoung the Pacific Northwest peoples and so began the story of Raven, a trickster, but a friend of human kind. Who can say why animals do the things they do? Maybe he was sick and wanted to die, maybe he was a nature spirit out to give you message. I believe this was a message, people of the past saw strange things and interpreted them as messages from the deities or their ancesters. In any event, it doesn't need to be forgotten or pushed aside as just some freaky occurrance. In nature, fire is a cleanser and opens the way for new life. Maybe your message is just that, being cleansed as if by fire or maybe transforming like Raven into a flame yourself for others to follow. Only you can say how this has affected you.

Much luck to you in your searches,

Gail Mansel # 730

grisgrismama · Unread post by **grisgrismama** » Fri Feb 13, 2009 3:48 pm

Does anyone know of a way to counteract the curse of a bird flying in the house?

Unread post by **J Simulcik** » Tue Feb 24, 2009 11:12 am

I don't know about a curse associated with a bird in the house. I was taught it was a message, usually of an impending death, but always important. The death could certainly be the result of a curse, so cleansing and uncrossing work may be suggested. It may be, however, that the death is completely natural and there is nothing that can (or should) be done to stop it.

Unread post by **catherineyronwode** » Fri Feb 27, 2009 11:09 am

A bird flying into the house is a very bad omen -- usually of a death in the house -- found particularly among Anglo-British people and African Americans with some Anglo-British ancestry or familial and cultural absorption. It is not a "curse," per se -- that is, it is not a form of work performed by an enemy -- but it is considered to be among the worst omens it is possible to receive and people will go to great lengths to counteract it.

J. is right, though, in that if the bird in the house foretells a natural death, one should simply acknowledge it respectfully. However, all too often this omen foretells an accidental death that is coming for a person too young to die. In this case one would recommend a spiritual bath for everyone, a house cleansing with Chinese Wash and Uncrossing incense, and the setting in place or dressing of the corners of rooms with protective oils, powders, mineral curios, talismans, or amulets.

godofgreenwood · Unread post by **godofgreenwood** » Wed Jul 21, 2010 7:07 am

For over forty something years i have seen a sparrow with a lame right leg, the first time i saw it was when i was a little boy and in Sunday? school at church and during the past years i have seen it periodically. Now this morning as i was on my balcony i have seen the said sparrow with the same lame leg, i am not sure what the significance is ?. Does anyone know what the sparrow represents and why do i keep seeing it over the years. i do not get a sense of bad or ill feelings when i see it just a sense of feeling sorry for him or her.

Unread post by **Devi Spring** » Wed Jul 21, 2010 10:44 am

Signs are very personal and subjective. What do sparrows mean to you? What does the right leg or right side mean to you? What do you feel when you see it? Have you noticed any pattern of events that falls near a sighting? These things can help you determine what it means for you. If you're still having trouble deciphering the message, you may wish to get a reading with a worker that has sign-interpretation as a gift.

Unread post by **ConjureMan** » Thu Jul 22, 2010 12:05 pm

Definately get a reading. Besides being a sign, it may be a spirit that has been following through your life.

While familiar and personal animal spirits, or power animals aren't exactly that common in hoodoo, it is not beyond possibility and some conjurer's developed strong relationships with various animals like Frizzly Hens and Buzzards.

A reading can tell you if this is a sign, a normal occurrance, or a spirit.

godofgreenwood · Unread post by **godofgreenwood** » Thu Jul 22, 2010 4:26 pm

I must say thanks to both persons i suspect that it is a spirit that has been following me through my life and sort of an animal totem, i do not suspect any negativity just a sense of knowing that this particular spirit is there to let me now that it is around and that i am never alone, i was taken aback when i saw it i could not believe it. i know that i am surrounded with numerous spirits and having checked it out the sparrow is one of the birds that is close to the creator and is used to send messages. i will keep a check but when ever i have seen this bird i have never noticed any negativity. like i said just a sense of well being.

Ladyp · Unread post by **Ladyp** » Sat Oct 23, 2010 9:23 pm

Today I went to meet a real estate lady at a house on a particular street I really want to pruchase, and noticed there was a dead (crisp) small bird on the front porch.
I couldnt believe she didnt see it and to at least remove it, but Im just wondering if its some kind of a sign.
I used to live on that street and moved out as the woman who owned the house falsely claimed she wanted to house back to live in, and she didint, so I won a judgement against her.

It is in a great location for my kids to get to thyeir schools and daycare centre, and thats why I wanted to purchase it so our mornings could finally be a lot easier again.
What do you guys think? Any feelings as to what this could mean and any suggestions as to how to block other buyers, if tahts where we should be?
Thanks a bunch.

Unread post by **ConjureMan** » Sat Oct 23, 2010 9:59 pm

It could just be a dead bird. Real Estate agents are salesmen, they aren't going to point out things like a dead bird to you, they are going to point out the beautiful way the sun filters into the living room

.

If you are truly concerned by its appearance consider getting a reading from a member of AIRR (www.readersandrootworkers.org) who can confirm or deny whether it was a sign.

mumma · Unread post by **mumma** » Thu Oct 06, 2011 9:52 pm

Not sure where to post this but ....

I just returned to the place I'm staying at for a while and someone has killed a dove and put it over the fence near the front gate. I am told my 'rival' is into spells. Could this mean anything?

A bit worried as I'm coming to the end of my pregnancy and actually in early labor as I type this. Help me please if the dead bird means anything, and if I can fix this.

Unread post by **Miss Tammie Lee** » Thu Oct 06, 2011 10:49 pm

It could, but stay calm and relaxed.
See this post by Miss Bri:
mother-and-baby-blessing-mojo-hand-t11046.html

Blessing products from Lucky Mojo are very near and dear to my heart.
There are several Members of AIRR that offer a 10 minute reading:
http://readersandrootworkers.org

http://www.crystalsilenceleague.org

If you work with The Saints, Saint Michael, The Archangel would be very helpful:
http://www.luckymojo.com/archangelmichael.html

Archangel Raphael:
http://readersandrootworkers.org/index. ... el_Raphael
working-with-raphael-the-archangel-t5698.html#p32661

Contact one of the Members of AIRR, "If the dead bird means anything, and I can fix this".
Birds, a dove, don't just die and attach themslves to a gate.

Prayers for you and your baby. Sign up for The Crystal Silence League, and seek the advice of a Member of AIRR.
God Bless you and your baby.

Jinglepop · Unread post by **Jinglepop** » Thu Oct 06, 2011 11:30 pm

Here in our homeland some people hang pig's head as a message of a threat. In occult methods the crow is usually used, but sometimes a pigeon. The live bird is cursed at and sometimes tortured then killed. The suffering and frightened animal takes the intent of the caster, and the whole thing is amplified by the animal's fear and hate. The tortured and killed spirit of the animal is supposedly vengeful.

I do not know if they use that in hoodoo, but Mumma DO NOT touch the bird with your hands or you'll "get" the bad-luck/black magic the dead animal is supposed to contain. Use long sticks to get it away and preferably burn the sucker. Also before removing the animal, say a prayer and explain to it what has happened etc etc.

Just me giving my two cents, only follow if your "rival" is an Asian. Because this is offensive, better do Firey Wall of Protection.

God bless you and your kiddy!

mumma · Unread post by **mumma** » Fri Oct 07, 2011 12:35 am

Thanks for the replies. I dont have any money to hand out as im completely broke. My rival isnt asian and this peaceful bird was killed by a human (its neck was broken). Someone else picked it up and threw it in the bin. :/ i felt sick when i seen it but i am feeling somewhat better- think it was just the thought of seeing a dead animal (animal lover here).

Unread post by **catherineyronwode** » Fri Oct 07, 2011 12:39 am

1) A dead bird may be a threat in many other magical cultures besides Asian culture. It is not a good sign.

2) You were given great advice by Tammie Lee but you were so hung up on your money scarcity that you didn't even understand what she was telling you.

A) A ten minute reading from an AIRR member costs $10.00.

B) The Crystal Silence League is FREE. You can't get any less expensive than FEE.

C) AIRR has a Pro Bono fund for indigent people in need of help. Pro Bono means FREE.

3) Raphael is an Archangel (called a Saint by the Catholics) and praying to him is FREE.

Just follow the links she gave you.

Unread post by **starsinthesky7** » Sun Oct 16, 2011 3:59 am

You can always sign up with the radio show

radio-show-pre-call-id-october-16th,-2011-t15949.html

Unread post by **Priestess Divine** » Tue Jan 10, 2012 8:26 am

At times when the spirit world is trying to communicate with me birds will come to my house. Last time something bad happened a row 3 crows were perched on my deck in the back. Well a few moments ago, an Owl was perched on my fence in the back yard. Even more perplexing is that it is daytime and owls are night creatures. It was beige, brown and black. BEAUTIFUL!!! Its head was turned to the side with its back facing me. It made no sound. I stared in amazement for a few moments then it was gone.

I have read here on LM site and online that Owls are omens of sickness and death.

Is that the case?

I don't have my tarot cards so I am at a loss. I'll meditate and ask spirit to tell me. Has anyone else had experience with owls?

Thanks

Unread post by **Flora** » Tue Jan 10, 2012 11:30 am

Many Native American Tribes consider owls an omen of misfortune or death. They will turn their shoes upside down before going to be to prevent the owl from invading their dreams. However, there are also Western Tribes who believe the Owl is a bringer of a message from the otherside. They use owl images to protect their homes because ancestors know that owls will communicate important information onto their love ones still living.

To go even further, in the Hindu faith Lakshmi the Goddes of Fortune and Luck has an owl that she send to bestow blessings. You can find images of her with the owl on her right side along with two elephants.

I had 8 owls surround my property one night all calling out in a circle formation -like they were drawing a circle around my home. My neighbors pasture caught fire that night because some threw a shake and bake lab out next to the side of the road. Three more feet and it would have been my house and yard that burned. I truly believe the owls were sent by ancestors to protect me and mine. I would pay attention to any messages that seem out of the ordinary today. I would also look through my old pictures of relatives who may no longer be walking amoung the living. See if one paticular picture stands out and ask for a dream from the ancestor. Or light a candle to the ancestor telling them that you are ready to hear their message.

If you win the lottery today or get money out of the ordinary then give Lakshmi a shout out of thanks. Use some of those $$ to help someone in need.

Best of Blessings,
Flora

Unread post by **Priestess Divine** » Tue Jan 17, 2012 7:51 am

That is an amazing story. A circle of owls would have been a wonderful sight to behold!

The owl was sent to me from my Native American ancestors. Thanks so much for setting this spark off in my brain. I have a strong connection with animals communicating with me from the other side.

Thank you Flora!

Unread post by **Southernmom** » Tue Jan 17, 2012 8:31 am

yeah, I have to say that anytime I have had a lot of owl activity it was one of my ancestors trying to tell me something-not always bad, just a little bit of 'hey you need to pay attention'. I consider them pretty heavy duty warning either way. I don't necessarily consider them negative for me, personally. Just intense. (smile)

Unread post by **Priestess Divine** » Tue Feb 07, 2012 6:23 am

Hello LM Fam!

I have lots of strange bird phenomena and birds visit me on a regular basis (hawk, black birds, crows, owls, blue jays, etc). They come to my yard (sometime hundreds at a time) and my surrounding as omens, protectors and guides. They even stick to numerology to communicate with me from the spirit realm.

What LM products can I use (Psychic Vision, Master Key, Spirit Guide) to see beyond the physical realm of the bird and connect to them in spirit?

In conjunction to the products, what rituals and/or spells can I incorporate to strengthen my relationship, power, and connection with them? I may do an alter, crossroads work, talisman?

Has anyone read and used the book Animal Speak in this regard? Was thinking about buying it.

Thanks

Unread post by **Miss Tammie Lee** » Tue Feb 07, 2012 7:47 am

Hi BestofLife.

If you work with the Saints, see this page on Saint Francis:

http://www.luckymojo.com/saintfrancis.html

Also, birds can definitely be omens, and readers will interpret their meaning for you. For more information, see this page by the Association of Independent Readers and Rootworkers, a directory of hoodoo practitioners:

http://readersandrootworkers.org/wiki/C ... _and_Omens

Good luck!

Unread post by **Priestess Divine** » Tue Feb 07, 2012 6:23 pm

Hi Miss Tammie Lee! Well

I've worked with St Expedite once and St Joseph once. Normally I do not though. I feel out of sorts working with them since not Catholic.

I have some ritual ideas but have no idea where to begin. Noah??? Lol.

Thanks Miss Tammie Lee!!
Love & Light to you

YouTube · Unread post by **Miss Bri** » Wed Feb 08, 2012 9:40 am

Hi there,

I have birds and I am a professional magical worker so perhaps I can be of some assistance.

First off, the LMC products you mention-psychic vision & master key would both be very good to work with.

There are many different resources to look up avian symbolism-far too many to mention here, but I would start by gleaning information about the birds that show up the most.

For instance, chickens (especially black hens), buzzards, and mockingbirds all have special significance in conjure and rootwork, so learning about them within the context of this tradition might help you understand them a bit better.

You might also want to make yourself a mojo hand for connecting more deeply to your avian compadres! Put ingredients in it that can assist you in psychic vision and clarity (so you can clearly see what they are doing around you

Blessings,
Bri

Unread post by **Priestess Divine** » Wed Feb 08, 2012 4:37 pm

Lol! Miss Bri, of course I know who you are and am honored to receive advice from you and Miss Tammie Lee.

The hawk is my compadre for sure. He/she visits me often. I'm so thankful to have that connection with a hawk! How great is that?

The raven comes to let me know my compadre is here.

Great idea on the mojo! I'm hoping the next visit will leave a feather behind to add to it. I have some other spirit relationships to establish that may help as well.

I guess you don't choose the animal...they choose you. Animals from nature have always been part of my surroundings. My mom often calls me Snow White.

I m very excited about working with my feathered friends! I will start out with these products the mojo and mayb an alter.

Thank you!!!

Unread post by **perk590** » Wed Feb 08, 2012 5:24 pm

Good evening,

I just wanted to add my two sense here. This is to add to Miss Bri's suggests.

If you sense that the hawk is your compadre, then you really need to honor it by creating a small altar, close to a window, so that it knows and sees that you are willing to not only work with it, but acknowledge the connection between the both of you. And further, the mockingbird is an obvious messenger to you, a poke so to speak, that yes, the hawk is near and wants your recognition. It is important that you realize that it is the hawk, not the mockingbird, that is the willing spirit that calls to you.

I hope you nothing but the best.

A-D

Unread post by **Priestess Divine** » Wed Feb 22, 2012 8:12 pm

Thanks Angelicd, I think the alter would b great! I have some ideas! I'm excited about my feathered friends.

LadybugNW · Unread post by **LadybugNW** » Wed Jul 18, 2012 6:09 pm

My sweet granny always said that you would hear an owl when a loved one died. We all thought she was superstitious. : ) But years later, I distinctly heard an owl myself the night that she died.

Unread post by **Mama Micki** » Wed Jul 18, 2012 7:25 pm

Santa Muerte is often pictured with an owl and many traditions it is a symbol of wisdom.

Edwardyule · Unread post by **Edwardyule** » Thu Jul 19, 2012 12:28 pm

In Hawaiian mythology the Pueo (hawaiian owl) is a protector, especially for those in battle

lawnsong · Unread post by **lawnsong** » Fri Jul 20, 2012 11:50 am

One of the novels I had my class read was I Heard the Owl Call My Name. In Kwakiutl lore, a person hears the owl hoot when he/she is going to die. I, of course, considered this tale to be sheer mythology.

When my father became ill and had to be hospitalised, my family and I travelled home and stayed in his house so we could be closer to him. One night, just before we were going to leave, I woke up in the middle of the night and heard an owl hooting from a tree in the yard. It was so eerie! But it wasn't calling my name; it was foretelling my father's death a few days later. I will never forget that night as long as I live!

Psychic Mimi · Unread post by **Psychic Mimi** » Sun Aug 05, 2012 10:26 am

I never really paid too much attention to the concept of totem animals before, but I'm starting to realize that I sometimes see animals (mostly different species of birds) that are completely out of their logical place (in my estimation). For example, last week I saw a hawk on my way to see my boyfriend in prison. I couldn't think of why it would be there, as there are no houses, zoo, or even a park nearby, and it looked blissfully out of place and rather unconcerned of the cars whizzing past it.

During the visitation, officers kept coming around and interrupting visits, hovering in a manner that made you think they were doing it "like hawks." From what I heard, they checked body cavities particularly well that day, and they searched cells, too. As my boyfriend later put it, they searched them "like a hawk." That specific phrase kept being mentioned to me unprovoked during the week leading up to my boyfriend's court date, each time reminding me of that hawk.

Anyway, my boyfriend had court the following week and the outcome was exactly what we wanted. Granted, I had help from one of the rootworkers from AIRR and there was much work done between the day of arrest and last week, but could the hawk have been a sign relevant to the court outcome or perhaps something else??

Is there a particularly good book from the LM catalog that could help a beginner understand totem animals pr animal omens?

Unread post by **catherineyronwode** » Sun Aug 05, 2012 11:22 am

The concept of totem animals (and in fact the very word "totem") seems to have entered modern urban spirituality from casual appropriation of Native American concepts of animal ancestors and clan spirit-allies, and the naming of tribal clans after animals.

Perhaps your best guide to understanding "totem animals" would be to research Algonquin and other tribes in which the concept of the "totem" is fully developed.

Beware of New Age re-writings of traditional Native beliefs in which the individual is encouraged to "find" his or her own "totem" animal. In actual Algonquin society, the totem animal allies with the family-clan, not with a single person.

Here are some dictionary definitions of the word totem; the part in bold type is my emphasis:

to·tem (ttm) [from Ojibwa nintōtēm mark of my family]
n.
1.
a. An animal, plant, or natural object serving among certain tribal or traditional peoples as the emblem of a clan or family and sometimes revered as its founder, ancestor, or guardian.
b. A representation of such an object.
c. A social group having a common affiliation to such an object.

2. Emblem consisting of an object such as an animal or plant; serves as the symbol of a family or clan (especially among American Indians)

Animals as omens -- and the interpretation of such omen-animals -- is widespread in world cultures, and certainly forms a part of hoodoo as well. Understanding animals as omens will vary based on the culture to which one belongs, however. My favourite example is the bat, an ill-omen in Eastern Europe, but an omen of happiness and joy in China.

I think that your interpretation of the omen of the hawk was indeed accurate, by the way.

As far as books in our shop, the only one that comes to mind is the list of animals and their divinatory meanings that i present in my own book, "Throwing the Bones."

BOO-DIV-BONE
Throwing the Bones by catherine yronwode
$9.00

Psychic Mimi · Unread post by **Psychic Mimi** » Sun Aug 05, 2012 1:10 pm

Thank you, miss cat!

Starrione · Unread post by **Starrione** » Wed Aug 15, 2012 10:25 am

Native American lore in my area treats the Owl as such.

Yes, it is a portent of death.

Sometimes, they will call a name, sometimes not.

But, more than anything, the owl bears a message, sometimes, there is alot more to the message than just death, so watch what they do.

As a messenger of Spirit, the owl is not to be touched for delivering his message. You are not to punish him. He is the messenger, and the message, whether wanted or unwanted is a gift.

And in some Native American traditions, if you see an owl that has been hit and killed, say, on the side of the road, you need to stop and pick him up and bury him properly. (Which is illegal, oddly in most states, maybe even federally. I have a dear friend and this is her tradition. She has called the state department of conservation and told them of the find and her plan to bury the animal honorably, in her tradition, and she has never been prosecuted for this.)

Harvesting of feathers in the above case is not only reprehensible, but, illegal. And if you think prosecutions no longer happen, I have news for you, they still do.

Grandfather Owl has been a wise messenger to me, and I have learned to be grateful and understanding of his thankless job.
Starrione

Unread post by **catherineyronwode** » Wed Aug 15, 2012 10:26 am

To the Greeks, the Owl is the symbol of Athena, goddess of wisdom and intellectual attainment.

To Native Americans (and hence to many African Americans of partial Native descent) the Owl is a forewarner of death.

From this we learn that the Owl, like the Bat (another nocturnal animal) has widely different meanings in different cultures.

psychic kitty · Unread post by **psychic kitty** » Wed Aug 15, 2012 6:14 pm

I worked with Athena in the past and liked her symbol of the owl, I had a little statue on her sacred space. I once saw a bottle of Wisdom magical oil in England that had an owl on the label (from a VERY small little shop in Devon that had fine hand made supplies). We have lots of great horned owls nesting in the bluffs near me. They hoot to each other late at night.

In parts of Poland (where my adopted family is from), the number of hoots one hears from an owl has a specific meaning, but I usually fall asleep while listening

I do remember the film version (from Canada) of "I Heard the Owl Call My Name." The Kwakiutl legend was explained in the film very well, I remember it almost 40 years later!

Unread post by **Mama Micki** » Thu Aug 16, 2012 8:56 am

My mother gave me some silver earrings with owls on them for my birthday. I took it as a favorable sign from Santa Muerte, who is often pictured with an owl. I also bought a handmade necklace with an owl and skulls.

Sm2900 · Unread post by **Sm2900** » Sat Sep 15, 2012 9:08 pm

I never knew about this, but would like to say what happened to me in 2007. I was 26, pregnant with my twins and living in my grandfathers house. It is a big house and there were other family members living there such as my mother, aunt and uncle, my ex and two small children. My grandfather is a very evil man and I didn't know this until I started living with him. He was working with my ex's mother and my aunt that lived with me to break us up and to kill me. All while I was pregnant with my twins I had unnatural diarrhea and my Indian doctor knew something was not right. I would only have it while being in that house. If I left the house or out of the drive way I would not have it. I stayed sick day and night. I knew what was going on because the house had a lot of spirits in it, good and bad ones. Something told me what my grandfather was trying to do which was kill me. He would put things in my food nonstop and my bed every time I left my room. Some of the mess he laid down was glitter and I don't know what that was suppose to do and he would use crystals and other things. My ex's mom would use the exact same thing that he was using. I was told by a spiritual person that they were trying to kill me. I believed it and even saw and felt the devil's hand on my pregnant stomach in a dream. The devil was killing every pregnant woman and her unborn baby in a dream I had and when he got to me he tried, but couldn't kill me or my babies. One day my aunt was in the garage of my grandfathers house and a bird came in. It went straight to my room. It didn't make any stops and it was flying fast. When it went into my room it was on the side of the bed that I would sleep on the most. My mother and my ex knew something was not right about that bird going straight to my room. I prayed a lot and lit white candles and called for God's angles to be with us all of the time. My grandfather lost his fight against everything he was trying to do to me and I won.