Planet: Venus
Colour: Rose
Eagle
Family Accipitridae
Throughout history and and across many cultures, Eagle has been seen as a symbol of strength, ferocity, vision and endurance. Mythology abounds with tales of Eagle, from the Native American's Thunderbird to Eagle which tore at the liver of Greek Prometheus, to Llew Law Gyfes, who transformed into an Eagle to escape his enemies. This great bird has also come to be the symbol of several nations, such as the Double- Headed Eagle of Poland and the American Eagle. (Over the objections of Ben Franklin, who supported the Turkey as the national bird.)
Eagles are renowned for their superior vision. The wedge tailed eagle can see twice as well as a human. The rods and cones of their eyes are concentrated in the top portion of their eyes, so that their best vision is from above, looking down. They must actually turn their heads upside down to view the sky above. As with other raptors, a protective shelf above their eyes helps to shadow their vision from the sun.
Attacking in a swift dive, which can reach speeds of up to 100 m.p.h., eagles grasp their prey in long talons. Bald eagles subsist mainly on fish and waterfowl, while the golden eagle's diet tends toward rabbits and other rodents. Generally their prey is smaller than they, however a South American harpy eagle was seen carrying a 13 lb sloth, and a bald eagle was once recorded as carrying a mule 15 lb mule deer fawn. Bald eagles will also steal food from ospreys and other birds.
Eagles are not social animals, and the main family group is generally the breeding pair. They build nests high in trees or on the edges of cliffs. Bald eagles return to the same nest every year, adding sticks each time. The largest recorded nest was 9.5 ft wide, 20 ft deep and weighed over 2.9 tons. Although eagles usually lay a clutch of 2 or 3 eggs, often only one is raised. Hatching over a couple days time, the smaller, younger chicks often starve, or are killed by their larger nest mates. Because of this, eagle populations are slow to grow, and slow to bounce back from ecological threats.
Many species of eagles are presently considered threatened or endangered. The bald eagle population was nearly wiped out (down to 700 known breeding pairs in 1974 in the contiguous 48 states). Since the ban of various pesticides including DDT, and severe laws concerning poaching and nest disturbance, they have climbed to a present number of 4,500 breeding pairs. Presently the Harpy Eagle of South America and the Philippines eagle are considered extremely endangered as well.
Eagle Energy
Because of his high flight, Eagle has been seen as a symbol of divinity among many cultures. To the Greeks he symbolized Zeus, father of wind and lightning; while the Native Americans see him as connection to Great Spirit. Eagle teaches us that we have the ability to soar to great heights if only we will find the courage to do so. Once we dare to reach, we find that the upcurrents and thermals of the Universe will support us. Through Eagle we learn that the joy and freedom we gain through reaching for the Sun is worth the fear of singed feathers.
From his great height, Eagle's view of what is possible becomes broader, his horizons more limitless. Eagle people are may often seem apart from the crowd, where their perspective can give them a better view of the big picture. Their broader perception gives them an inherent understanding of what must be done, and that in nature, the greatest mercy is often a swift kill.
However, Eagle's beak is swift and tearing, and Eagle people should remember that others view of the situation may be limited and to temper their words so that they do not cut others apart. It is important to learn that there is a time for force and a time for gentleness. There may also be a need to work at releasing past and repressed angers, so that the heart is lighter and can soar to greater heights.
Eagle's talons are strong and fierce. Those with Eagle medicine should be willing to grasp opportunity as it comes. To dive towards what they deem necessary or helpful.
The feathers of the Eagle are said to hold great cleansing and healing power. Legend also tells that the Eagle would undergo a Phoenix-like rejuvenation by flying close to the Sun and burning away its feathers, then bathing in clear water and be reborn. Eagle medicine teaches us to work towards releasing past hurts by embracing our inner core self -- the Sun at our heart, and by being willing to accept our emotions and heal. For those working Eagle there is a need for purification; willingness to embrace the creative Child Self at our core; and courage to let the processes of growth move through our lives.
Eagle thrives best in an environment of quiet isolation. Eagle people should be certain to make space in their lives for alone-time.
Though a creature of the air, Eagle has strong associations in all elemental realms. He soars toward the sun (Fire) and yet purifies in a lake, according to legend (Water) -- also, the Bald Eagle lives near water & dines on fish -- and eats of the creatures of Earth. The strength of his legs, far stronger than most birds, also speak of a need for grounding and Earth association. Through this, we understand that the journey to our Higher Self is an alchemical process wherein the greatest growth will occur when there is balance in all dimensions.
Because of his high flight, Eagle has been seen as a symbol of divinity among many cultures. To the Greeks he symbolized Zeus, father of wind and lightning; while the Native Americans see him as connection to Great Spirit. Eagle teaches us that we have the ability to soar to great heights if only we will find the courage to do so. Once we dare to reach, we find that the upcurrents and thermals of the Universe will support us. Through Eagle we learn that the joy and freedom we gain through reaching for the Sun is worth the fear of singed feathers.
From his great height, Eagle's view of what is possible becomes broader, his horizons more limitless. Eagle people are may often seem apart from the crowd, where their perspective can give them a better view of the big picture. Their broader perception gives them an inherent understanding of what must be done, and that in nature, the greatest mercy is often a swift kill.
However, Eagle's beak is swift and tearing, and Eagle people should remember that others view of the situation may be limited and to temper their words so that they do not cut others apart. It is important to learn that there is a time for force and a time for gentleness. There may also be a need to work at releasing past and repressed angers, so that the heart is lighter and can soar to greater heights.
Eagle's talons are strong and fierce. Those with Eagle medicine should be willing to grasp opportunity as it comes. To dive towards what they deem necessary or helpful.
The feathers of the Eagle are said to hold great cleansing and healing power. Legend also tells that the Eagle would undergo a Phoenix-like rejuvenation by flying close to the Sun and burning away its feathers, then bathing in clear water and be reborn. Eagle medicine teaches us to work towards releasing past hurts by embracing our inner core self -- the Sun at our heart, and by being willing to accept our emotions and heal. For those working Eagle there is a need for purification; willingness to embrace the creative Child Self at our core; and courage to let the processes of growth move through our lives.
Eagle thrives best in an environment of quiet isolation. Eagle people should be certain to make space in their lives for alone-time.
Though a creature of the air, Eagle has strong associations in all elemental realms. He soars toward the sun (Fire) and yet purifies in a lake, according to legend (Water) -- also, the Bald Eagle lives near water & dines on fish -- and eats of the creatures of Earth. The strength of his legs, far stronger than most birds, also speak of a need for grounding and Earth association. Through this, we understand that the journey to our Higher Self is an alchemical process wherein the greatest growth will occur when there is balance in all dimensions.
Connecting with Eagle
To bring Eagle energy into your life, try some of these exercises:
Water (Emotional):
Write poetry or draw pictures of eagles
Hang pictures of eagles around your house or work area.
Wear eagle jewelry.
Go flying, especially in a small plane, or hangglider -- or go skydiving.
Wear, or decorate your favorite items with "eagle" feathers -- turkey feathers that have been dyed brown at the tips. Spread your arms out and run and dance and spiral, pretending to be a bird. If you're worried about acting silly, keep going till it feels fun! (Preferably do this out of doors, where you won't bump into furniture.)
Air (Mental):
Read books about eagles.
) Meditate, opening yourself to your higher wisdom.
Spend a day being conscious of your words before you speak.
Practice stepping back from a situation and trying to see the greater picture.
Fire (Dynamic):
Practice courage -- do something you're afraid to do.
Grasp an opportunity that comes your way.
Preen your feathers a bit -- take note of where you have been courageous and be willing to praise yourself.
Earth (Physical):
Eat fish or rabbit, Eagle's favorite foods.
Wear blue and indigo colored stones (sky) for communication (such as sapphire) or golden stones (fire) like topaz and citrine, for courage and strength of will.
Have your eyesight checked to make sure your physical vision is up to par.
Reduce pesticide use which can cause harm to Eagles and other birds. See below for a link on pesticides.
Spirit
Partake in a purification ceremony. Smudge (Fire + Air) with sage, cedar and copal or join in a sweat lodge (Fire + Water).
Spend time alone, getting in touch with who you are. Go on a vision quest to learn what your highest ideal is for yourself.
Source- http://www.serioussilver.com/totemenergy/w
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