|
Family Accipitridae
Throughout
history and and across many cultures, Eagle has been seen as a symbol
of strength, feocity, 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 thier 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 poplulations 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 popluation was nearly whiped 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 thier 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. See our Eagle
Rings
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. (see our Bookstore)
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 your'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. (For more info on stone lore, see our page on the Magickal
Properties of Gemstones).
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.
©
Lionrhod and Martrildonno Designs, Inc 1997-2001
Not to be used without express permission.
|
