After my post on seeing crows, “corvidomancy”, I’ve been exploring the fascinating world of birds.
From “Bird Gods” - Public domain
I found a book named “Bird Gods” (1898) by Charles de Kay, who explores various deities associated with birds across different cultures and mythologies. I thought it might be fun to talk about some deities that are associated with birds and their role as spiritual messengers.
Music to accompany this topic: Archangels Thunderbird (YouTube)
Gods and Birds ![:raven: :raven:](https://spells8s3.b-cdn.net/original/2X/0/04d1f878a3d42b9c4b67c510e198a12754f1c85c.png?v=12)
Here are some of the gods and goddesses connected to our feathered friends, how birds can serve as omens, and ways to connect with these divine signs.
Odin (Norse Mythology)
Odin, the All-Father in Norse mythology, is one of the deities most strongly associated with birds, particularly ravens. He is accompanied by two ravens, Huginn (thought) and Muninn (memory), who fly across the world to gather information and bring it back to him.
Odin by Johannes Gehrts - Wikimedia
These ravens symbolize Odin’s immense wisdom and his role as a god of knowledge and foresight. The connection with ravens is so strong that they are often considered extensions of Odin himself, reflecting his presence and watchfulness.
Odin’s association with birds extends beyond his ravens. In the “Hávamál,” he transforms into an eagle to escape with stolen mead of poetry, having entered as a snake. This showcases his shapeshifting and pursuit of wisdom. Ravens symbolize thought and memory, while the eagle represents his cunning in acquiring knowledge. These avian connections are symbols of Odin and his mastery over wisdom and inspiration.
The Morrígan (Celtic Mythology)
The Morrigan, a prominent figure in Celtic mythology, is closely linked with birds, particularly crows and ravens. Known as a goddess of war, fate, and sovereignty, the Morrigan often takes the form of a crow or raven to influence battles and foretell death.
Illustration from Pinterest
Her connection to these birds symbolizes her role as a harbinger of doom and a guide to the afterlife. The sight of a crow or raven in Celtic lore often signified the Morrigan’s presence and her influence over the outcome of conflicts.
The Morrigan is frequently depicted in myths as transforming into a crow or raven. One notable example is her appearance in the “Táin Bó Cúailnge” (The Cattle Raid of Cooley), where she transforms into a crow to intervene in the epic battle between Cú Chulainn and his enemies. By taking on the form of a bird, she exerts her power over the battlefield, manipulating the fates of warriors. This shapeshifting ability highlights her connection to the liminal space between life and death, reinforcing her formidable presence in Celtic mythology.
Thoth (Egyptian Mythology)
Thoth, the Egyptian god of writing, knowledge, and the moon, is often associated with the ibis, a bird revered for its wisdom and connection to the divine. Thoth is typically depicted with the head of an ibis, symbolizing his role as the patron of scribes and keeper of the sacred knowledge.
Thoth as an ibis - Illustration from Virtual-Egyptian-Museum
The ibis’s association with Thoth underscores the bird’s importance in ancient Egyptian culture as a symbol of intellect and spiritual guidance.
Thoth’s imagery as an ibis-headed deity emphasizes his connection to the celestial and intellectual realms, embodying the principles of order, truth, and cosmic balance. His association with the ibis not only highlights the bird’s revered status but also Thoth’s crucial role in maintaining the harmony of the universe through knowledge and writing.
Other Deities Associated with Birds
Other gods and goddesses symbolized by birds are:
Zeus (Greek): Swan - Power and authority
Leda and the Swan (Zeus) by Gianbettino Cignaroli (18th century)
Aphrodite/Venus (Greek/Roman): Dove or Swan - Love and beauty
Aphrodite rides her chariot by Antonio Bernieri - found on Pinterest
Horus (Egyptian): Falcon - Kingship and the sky
Horus as falcon - Wikimedia
Garuda (Hindu): Eagle - Speed and martial prowess
Garuda by Hyougushi - Wikimedia
Saraswati (Hindu): Swan - Purity and knowledge
Saraswati and the swan - Found on Pinterest
Thunderbird (Native American): Strength and storms
Thunderbird on Totem Pole - Wikimedia
Quetzalcoatl (Aztec): Feathered Serpent - Wind and learning
Image from HistoriaUniversal.org
Birds and Spiritual Messages ![:bird: :bird:](https://spells8.b-cdn.net/images/emoji/twitter/bird.png?v=12)
Birds have long been viewed as messengers in all of these spiritual traditions. They were believed to carry spiritual messages from spirit guides or ancestors. So it makes sense that today, encountering a bird can signify a divine communication, often indicating that a deity is reaching out to them.
When you have a notable bird encounter, consider using divination tools like tarot or pendulum readings to gain deeper insights into the message. These tools can help clarify which deity or spirit might be trying to communicate and the nature of their message.
Research and read about mythology, folklore, and spiritual texts to learn more about the birds and their symbolism. Understanding the historical and cultural context can enrich your interpretation.