ANIMAL TOTEM (of the day) -Blackbird

Well so many magical moments on the field in the last few days that I do need to sit and do a few write ups. A very striking moment yesterday was having 3 swifts fly into the office and circle above my head before landing on a lamp above where I was sitting.

Today though, although there were numerous moments I could and will write about, the one that struck me most was the blackbird who landed in a puddle next to where I was working and proceeded to have a hearty bath, showering water everywhere.. probably trying to tell me something as we have no shower out here and its been rather warm the last few days!

BLACKBIRD.
Understanding the energies of Mother Nature (Ted Andrews)

The blackbird has long been associated with omens and mysticsm. Its colour, alone has evoked both fear and promise. Although called a blackbird, only the males are black, females usually have a streaky brown plumage.

One variety has a yellow head and throat which stands out strongly agains the black plumage. Yellow and black has long been associates with the Archangel Auriel. Auriel is considered the tallest of the angels with eyes that can see across eternity. This being oversees all of nature and all of the nature spirits. Auriel has traditonally been associated with the summer.

They nest in swamps, marshes and low brush - usually just a few feet from water. Again this reflects a tie to water, an ancient symbol for the feminine force and for Nature. They often use cattails as perces. A study of the herbal qualities and characteristics of cattail with provide further insight.

Blackbirds are known for fiercely staking out their own territory and they will often drive off any other of their kind in their vicinity. Because of this, the sight of two blackbirds sitting together is often considered a good omen. In europe, blackbirds came to be associated with St.Kevin, and one story tells of how they nested in his hand. Again because of this association to have blackbirds nesting in your environment is usually a beneficial sign. St.Kevin was knows as a person of tremendous gentleness and love.

If the blackbird has come into your life as a totem, you will open to new surprises and to a new understanding of the forces of Nature as they begin to migrate into your life.