The Totem Symbolism of Blackbird I discovered, (when this was first published in July 2011), is at the heart of our Inner Journey.
At the back of my secret garden is a very large, overgrown privet hedge which at this time of year is heavy with blossom and fills the air with its scent. It's perfume brings all manner of flying things from bees to butterflies, and the garden is buzzing. People tend not to know that the common privet flowers, simply because most people are intent on keeping it neat and tidy and not allowing it to be it’s true self .. it just shows what they’re missing! ;-)
Today, when I went down into my space, it was a beautiful, hot summer’s day. I sat there quietly listening to a soft bird call, coming from the rambly hedge. On investigating, not 3 feet from where I sat, hidden in the tangle of branches, was a male blackbird, sat with 2 very round and still quite fluffy, tail-less as yet, babies. He seemed to be almost comforting them, just cooing, while they hopped around the branches in the hedge.
I sat totally absorbed in the little scene before me, before realising that this was the second time in the past week that I’d been presented with blackbird energy. A friend had sent me a photo to draw, of a blackbird, I saw it as a bit of a challenge and agreed to do it, however, as my week progressed, I’d forgotten all about it. It reminded me and made me realise that I ought to check out what blackbird was showing me.
I’ve always loved the blackbirds in my garden, but being privy to sharing my space with their young is indeed a blessing.
The Inner Journey
Before I go into the symbolism/energies of blackbird, perhaps I should first explain that the past week has been bumpy. My journey has been very solitary this week, the only painting I’ve done has been of meditation visions and at times it’s been very emotional, leading up to the solar eclipse energy at the weekend. Only today do I feel like I’m coming out the other side of another transitional shift in my energy.
It’s been a week where I’ve meditated deeply and been shown things I’ve never seen before, I’ve been higher and deeper. But, most importantly, I now know, that from this point on, my foremost guide in life will be my higher heart.
It’s hard to put into words, for those that don’t experience in this way, but the only way I can describe the experience of my higher heart leading me forward is to liken it to being both pulled forward along a powerful searchlight … but being aware too, that the searchlight is coming from my heart and is only activated when something is for my highest good.
If I sit quietly, with no distractions, focus and ask my heart a question about my path and the way forward .. I know I can move forward if and where the searchlight is lighting up the way. If you’ve never tried to do this, I recommend you give it a try, nothing ventured, nothing gained…
The Blackbird
Very often, guidance will come to you in various ways, for me, it often comes through dreams and nature. But, if we miss it, we’re given it again and again, often in different ways.
According to “The Druid Animal Oracle by Philip and Stephanie Carr-Gomm”
The blackbird represents “Enchantment, The Gateway and The Inner Call” “'Blackbird' calls to us from the gateway between two worlds, urging us to follow a spiritual path or to become more self-aware. .. pointing out the ways in which we can discover more about our hidden motivations and potential.
There are times in life when it is important to concentrate on the outer world and your responsibilities in that world, but there are also times when you must attend to the haunting song of your soul which calls you to a study of spiritual truths and to an exploration of the inner world through dreams and myths. In heeding the ‘blackbird’s’ song, you will discover healing and new depths in your soul.”
The balance to this, or the contrary message is this .. you are being reminded that ..
“..the blackbird is the smith's bird, and his song may be calling you to work in the forge of your own heart - to create a life of passion and purpose.
All four elements are used in metal-working, and to create a healthy and balanced life we must work with the power of the four elements, integrating and developing our minds and hearts, our instinct and our intuition. Just standing at the gateway between two worlds, without truly working in either, is a denial of our own power and responsibility.”
Putting it all together
So you see, blackbird for me, is a reminder that I need now to move forward and follow my heart in a more focused, definite way, knowing that it will only lead me places that are in tune with my higher purpose and passion.
Are you listening to your heart? Do you give yourself time to enjoy quiet moments? Next time you see a blackbird, listen to its song and let him lead you to your own soul song.
I first wrote this in 2011, today .. 2021 .. Blackbird continues to make itself known .. a family of 5 came to bathe in my pond just yesterday .. and today my new website went live and once again, I'm walking through that gateway. <3 <3