Primarily, magpie symbolic meanings deal with expression.  This is due to the wide range and variability of her vocalizations.  Her song, which is more like an other-worldly chatter is a unique and specialized communication in the animal world.  Her voice has often been said to communicate messages from the spirit realm.

To further this point, in the west, the magpie is associated with witchcraft and wizardry.  Lore often depicts the magpie among witches, and there are claims that this bird (along with the crow) commonly serves as a familiar (spirit embodied in the form of an animal) to the witch.

This legend was likely started due to the complex vocalizations of the bird, as there are also other stories that the magpie was said to speak spells to witches and wizards.

The magpie persists in the lore of witches and wizards due to her insatiable attraction to all things shiny.  Just like the crow (of which the magpie shares the same family in the animal kingdom) the magpie will go out of her way to get a closer look at a shiny, sparkly bauble, and will often steal the trinket.  Lore further states the magpie taking these baubles back to her master (typically a witch or wizard).

For more information on magpie symbolism, visit my Magpie Symbolic Meanings webpage.  

The Heron or Egret is symbolic in many cultures.

In Egypt the Heron is honored as the creator of light.  A double headed Heron in Egypt is symbolic of prosperity.

As a Chinese symbol the Heron represents strength, purity, patience and long life.

In Africa, the Heron was thought to communicate with the Gods.

Most Native American tribes took note of the heron’s inquisitiveness, curiosity and determination.  As such this set the heron as a symbol of wisdom in that this creature seemed to have good judgement skills.

Specifically, the Iroquois tribe held the blue heron as a very good omen, a very lucky sign.  They recongnized the heron as an expert fisher/hunter.  As such, they believed that sighting a heron before a hunt was a sign that the hunt would be a good one.

As a water creature the heron is also a symbol of going with the flow, and working with the elements of Mother nature rather than struggling against her.

The heron is a beautiful creature, exhibiting grace, and noble stature. It’s no wonder the Native Indians and ancients honored the heron throughout the centuries.

More thoughts on animal symbolism can be found here.

A reader of my websites and blog contacted me wanting to know the symbolism of the Falcon.  She proceeded to tell about her outing in the woods when she encountered not one, but three Falcons upon her path.  She felt as though they were trying to communicate with her, and so she turned to me for the meaning of Falcon sightings upon our path.  My response is below:

Dear Falcon Fan: 

The Peregrine Falcon lives up to its Latin name: Falco Peregrinus which means foreigner or stranger because it is a migratory bird rather than sedentary – it is found throughout the world and tends to travel great distances.

The peregrine is most often used in falconry due to its keen intellect and incredible ability to calculate or judge its prey.

The fact that the Falcon revealed itself to you at work makes me believe that the message may relate to your job, profession, craft, vocation, career, passion for work, etc.

Throughout history, culture and myth, Falcons symbolize superiority, spirit, light, freedom and aspiration.  The Falcon is a solar emblem for success, victory and rising above a situation.

Further evidence of its solar influence, the Falcon was symbolic of the rising sun in Egypt.  It is also the king of all birds where many gods were shown with the head or body of the Falcon (including Ra).

In Western tradition, the Falcon represents the huntsman and is associated with the Germanic sky-gods Wodan as well as Frigg and the trickster Loki. In European culture the Falcon is considered a warlike symbol.

At its core, the Falcon represents visionary power, wisdom, and guardianship.  This powerful bird awakens visionary power, and leads you to your life purpose.  The Falcon carries with it a message of transition and change – perhaps in your vocation, work, career, etc.

The fact that this Peregrine chose to show itself to you is a powerful message in itself.  This is a call for you to pay attention to the your performance, your function, your actions.

Falcons encourage us to calculate and strategize.  If we have a goal, Falcons beckon us to make plans and strategies to obtain these goals. Falcons are all about focus – strong, one-pointed focus.  When they show themselves to us, we are being called to focus on our desires and our goals, and do what is necessary to bring our desires into our reality.

The fact that the Falcon is a solar beast leads me to believe that there is something in your life that you are highly passionate about, and the Falcon is asking you to take action on this passion.  But be smart about it – don’t jump into something without doing research and planning.  Make your passion a reality by persuing it methodically.

Lastly, I would encourage you to invoke the spirit of the Falcon in your meditations, during quite/relaxing times, and just before sleeping.  When you calm yourself and call upon the spirit of the Falcon, the Falcon is then able to come through your consciousness and provide you more details about what you must know.  Animals are always willing to provide us more messages – it is up to us to allow their messages to come through an listen.

I trust this information proves helpful to you on your journey.

Regards & blessings to you,

A. Venefica
www.TarotTeachings.com
www.Whats-Your-Sign.com