I have long been a lover of hummingbirds, but who isn’t, right? Of course, being in South America means there are lots of hummingbirds, year round as opposed to only the summer months in the U.S. I have recently found myself reading more and more about the fascinating, beautiful little creatures.
I have known for some years, facts such as their wings can beat up to 200 times per second, and that is what causes the humming noise. I’ve read about their long journeys and migratory paths. But lately I found even more interesting facts, such as they know which flower’s nectar will heal them when they are sick, and they remember every flower they ever feed from.
My son is a far descendent of Native Americans. When he was 7 or 8 years old, we learned about spirit animals, and a Cherokee friend proclaimed that he was the spirit brother to the wolf. So I have started reading about the hummingbird’s folklore and symbolism and have discovered that it is a spirit animal as well. I will tell you about the hummingbird and how I hope, though not of Native American descent, that the hummingbird is my spirit animal. And if it isn’t, I think I might just adopt.
The hummingbird’s wings move in the infinity pattern (or figure eight) which symbolize past & future, cause & effect, infinity, continuity, and eternity. This motion is also what allows the bird to move forward, backward, sideways, as well as hover. This range of motion is one of the attributes that makes the bird fierce with prey and also helps to protect it.
The hummingbird is said to symbolize great courage, fearlessness, enthusiasm, love, joy, energy, healing, renewal, loyalty and peacefulness. Who wouldn’t want to have those qualities?
By association with the hummingbird power animal, you may have already developed a strong adaptability and are typically quick to respond to any demand. You may also have a high sensibility and feel every nuance of emotions or movement in your environment.
The hummingbird totem wisdom could challenge you to figure out how to stand strong while being able to move quickly and fly high, whether it’s through your personal or spiritual aspirations.
From www.hummingbirdworld.com:
In the high Andes of South America, for example, the hummingbird is taken to be a symbol of resurrection. This is because each hummer becomes lifeless and seems to die on cold nights, but it comes back to life again when the miraculous sunrise brings warmth.
When it becomes our totem, the hummingbird teaches us to laugh and enjoy the creation, to appreciate the magic of being alive, and the truth of beauty.
Hummingbirds teach us fierce independence. They teach us to fight in a way where no one really gets hurt. They teach us simple courage. Andrews says the twittering, vibrating sounds of the hummingbirds bring us an internal massage that restores health and balance.
Yes, I am deciding that I am a hummingbird.
~*~
Dale in Cuenca
Living the good life!
I love this! I found a hummingbird outside our apartment yesterday. A tree had bloomed this week and there was the tiny little bird discovering the red blooms. I hope he comes back.
ReplyDeleteHummingbirds are amazing. We have them around our house in Los Angeles and when one is in our yard I will watch with fascination until it moves on.
ReplyDeleteArlee Bird
A to Z Challenge Co-host
Tossing It Out
They often get into our house and we have to chase them around until they tire and we can catch and release them back outside.
DeleteStephen, I think that is really cool! You must have a Hummingbird spirit brother or sister in your house, huh? Thank you for reading my blog!
DeleteArlee, and those sightings sure make for a happy day don't they? Thank you for reading my blog!
DeleteWe have a humming bird feeder in our back yard that draws a variety of colored feathered friends.
ReplyDeleteStephen Tremp
A to Z Co-host
Twitter: @StephenTremp