Eagle

Eagles are large, powerfully built birds of prey, with a heavy head and beak.  Most of the more than sixty species of eagles occur in Eurasia and Africa.  Outside this area, just eleven species can be found – two species in the United States and Canada, nine species in Central America and South America, and three species in Australia.

Due to the size and power of many eagle species, they are ranked at the top of the food chain as apex predators amongst the avian world.  They have powerful hooked beaks, strong legs, mighty talons and eyesight that is exceptionally keen.  Eagles normally build their nests in tall trees or on high cliffs. Many species lay two eggs, but the older, larger chick frequently kills its younger sibling once it has hatched. The dominant chick tends to be the female, as they are bigger than the male.

Eagles feature prominently on the coat of arms of a large number of countries, such as Germany, Mexico, Egypt, Poland and Austria.  They are also symbols in religion, crime and more.  The Eagle is the universal emblem of the Gods of the sky. The cosmic eagle is a symbol of the highest aspirations of the spirit and its triumph over the physical nature. This is why the eagle is so often depicted in combat with serpents or bulls, creatures who symbolize earthly desire or evil. It is also most often a solar symbol, but sometimes it is thunder or lightning.

The Blood Eagle was a method of torture and execution that is sometimes mentioned in Nordic saga legends.  It was performed by cutting the ribs of the victim by the spine, breaking the ribs so they resembled blood-stained wings and pulling the lungs out through the wounds in the victim's back.  Salt was sprinkled in the wounds.  Victims of the method of execution was mentioned in skaldic poetry and the Norse sagas.  But the historicity of the practice is disputed.

Usually the eagle was the symbol of sovereignty and was particularly associated with the Germanic God of kings and heroes.  The divine eagle is often a hybrid or transformed man, often a king or hero of great virtue. They impart the ability to live in Spirit’s realm, yet remain connected to Earth.

In Norse mythology, at the very top of Yggdrasil there lived an eagle.  The eagle not only has a view of the whole world but also creates wind with its wings.  It lives in endless conflict with the Midgard Serpent, Nidhogg. The squirrel Ratatoskr spends his days delivering messages between the two. 

The Eagle represents spiritual protection, carries prayers, and brings strength, courage, wisdom, illumination of spirit, healing, creation, and a knowledge of magic. The eagle has an ability to see hidden spiritual truths, rising above the material to see the spiritual. The eagle has an ability to see the overall pattern, and the connection to spirit guides and teachers. The eagle represents great power and balance, dignity with grace, a connection with higher truths, intuition and a creative spirit grace achieved through knowledge and hard work.

 

May you have the strength
Of eagles' wings,
The faith and courage to
Fly to new heights,
And the wisdom
Of the universe
To carry you there.

So may it be.

 

 

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