Heron Symbolism?

[StormVixen]

i really wasnt sure where to put this, sorry.

the other day i saw 2 herons fly directly above me... they were fighting/displaying/playing in some way... i havent seen 2 herons flying together before let alone doing other stuff when theyre flying... its gotta mean something! i cant find much about herons though it all seems to be about stalks(sp?) can anyone tell me the symbolism or point me in the direction of a site that might be able to help please?

cheers muchly

:fpeace: :crazyman: :apirate:

[Zephyrstorm]

I've been hunting for info on them too - I've now seen four in the past week, when I haven't seen any in this area before.

The only thing I can find is a bit about balance and the Earth.
http://www.linsdomain.com/totems/pages/heron.htm

*goes hunting for more*

http://www.animaltotem.com/heron.html
http://wolfs_moon.tripod.com/BlueHeronTotem.html (warning that one has music *grumble*)

The Salish and Tlingit Native American Tribes from around Seattle and British Columbia have the Heron as a sacred animal. hmmm.
There's not much out there that I could find.

[jcldragon]

I've made friends with the birds in my neighborhood, and converse with them in their own languages, and through vibes. I don't look for any special symbolism in this, but assume that this is just the way it is supposed to be. In the past few days, the big subject of our conversations, has been the Plum tree, whose fruit is getting ripe. We are all very excited about this, & there is plenty for everybody :)

[omar]

Dualality, wade right in with water birds. Don't be afraid to get your feet wet.

[Meadhbh]

Herons represent vigilance, quiet, power of water, the underworld, tact, delicacy, renewal, life, transformation. You can check out these sites as well:

http://www.sayahda.com/cyc.html
http://st.aemilian.tripod.com/projects/totems/heron.htm
http://www.geocities.com/willow1d/birds.html
http://www.wicca.com/celtic/forums/view_topic.php?id=11194&forum_id=4

[Agaliha]

I don't know if these were given yet, but here are some links:

Animal Totem: Heron (http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A0geuqvpG7REy0kAqNBXNyoA;_ylu=X3oDMTE4bmFtZ2Q4BGNvbG8DZQRsA1dTMQRwb3MDMgRzZWMDc3IEdnRpZANZUzEwN V8xMTg-/SIG=124e2abie/EXP=1152740713/**http%3a//www.linsdomain.com/totems/pages/heron.htm)
Animal Totem Heron (http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A0geuqvpG7REy0kAtNBXNyoA;_ylu=X3oDMTE4cXFpZnBxBGNvbG8DZQRsA1dTMQRwb3MDNQRzZWMDc3IEdnRpZANZUzEwN V8xMTg-/SIG=11pag9vcu/EXP=1152740713/**http%3a//www.animaltotem.com/heron.html)
totemoftheweek: Heron - Ardeidae (http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A0geuqvpG7REy0kAyNBXNyoA;_ylu=X3oDMTE5Zmg1M2JyBGNvbG8DZQRsA1dTMQRwb3MDMTAEc2VjA3NyBHZ0aWQDWVMxM DVfMTE4/SIG=123egqkm3/EXP=1152740713/**http%3a//totemoftheweek.livejournal.com/5593.html)

Other things associated with Herons in myth:

Ancient Egypt: the Mythology - Phoenix (Bennu) (http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A0geupnKHLREjb8A5HBXNyoA;_ylu=X3oDMTE4c2l2MnFrBGNvbG8DZQRsA1dTMQRwb3MDMQRzZWMDc3IEdnRpZANZUzEwN V8xMTg-/SIG=11son7v7j/EXP=1152740938/**http%3a//www.egyptianmyths.net/phoenix.htm)
Medieval Bestiary : Heron (http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A0geupnKHLREjb8ACXFXNyoA;_ylu=X3oDMTE5Zmg1M2JyBGNvbG8DZQRsA1dTMQRwb3MDMTAEc2VjA3NyBHZ0aWQDWVMxM DVfMTE4/SIG=11q1tida2/EXP=1152740938/**http%3a//bestiary.ca/beasts/beast540.htm)
Phoenix (http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A0geupgWHbREml8BSixXNyoA;_ylu=X3oDMTE5azFwa2VhBGNvbG8DZQRsA1dTMQRwb3MDMTMEc2VjA3NyBHZ0aWQDWVMxM DVfMTE4/SIG=126o49v5q/EXP=1152741014/**http%3a//www.livius.org/phi-php/phoenix/phoenix.html) (Kemetic Bennu bird is a Heron)
Tlaloc (http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A0geupgWHbREml8BUixXNyoA;_ylu=X3oDMTE5Yzh1aGswBGNvbG8DZQRsA1dTMQRwb3MDMTUEc2VjA3NyBHZ0aWQDWVMxM DVfMTE4/SIG=129ee1aou/EXP=1152741014/**http%3a//www.windows.ucar.edu/template/tlaloc_rain.html)

[StormVixen]

hmmm... i think herons trying to tell me something! hehe... thanx for the info and links everyone!!!

[Theres]

i think it is the Japanese who see the heron as the connection between heaven and earth, as they are the only water bird which can take to the air without disturbing the water.

[Zephyrstorm]

I don't know if these were given yet, but here are some links:

Animal Totem: Heron (http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A0geuqvpG7REy0kAqNBXNyoA;_ylu=X3oDMTE4bmFtZ2Q4BGNvbG8DZQRsA1dTMQRwb3MDMgRzZWMDc3IEdnRpZANZUzEwN V8xMTg-/SIG=124e2abie/EXP=1152740713/**http%3a//www.linsdomain.com/totems/pages/heron.htm)
Animal Totem Heron (http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A0geuqvpG7REy0kAtNBXNyoA;_ylu=X3oDMTE4cXFpZnBxBGNvbG8DZQRsA1dTMQRwb3MDNQRzZWMDc3IEdnRpZANZUzEwN V8xMTg-/SIG=11pag9vcu/EXP=1152740713/**http%3a//www.animaltotem.com/heron.html)
totemoftheweek: Heron - Ardeidae (http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A0geuqvpG7REy0kAyNBXNyoA;_ylu=X3oDMTE5Zmg1M2JyBGNvbG8DZQRsA1dTMQRwb3MDMTAEc2VjA3NyBHZ0aWQDWVMxM DVfMTE4/SIG=123egqkm3/EXP=1152740713/**http%3a//totemoftheweek.livejournal.com/5593.html)

Other things associated with Herons in myth:

Ancient Egypt: the Mythology - Phoenix (Bennu) (http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A0geupnKHLREjb8A5HBXNyoA;_ylu=X3oDMTE4c2l2MnFrBGNvbG8DZQRsA1dTMQRwb3MDMQRzZWMDc3IEdnRpZANZUzEwN V8xMTg-/SIG=11son7v7j/EXP=1152740938/**http%3a//www.egyptianmyths.net/phoenix.htm)
Medieval Bestiary : Heron (http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A0geupnKHLREjb8ACXFXNyoA;_ylu=X3oDMTE5Zmg1M2JyBGNvbG8DZQRsA1dTMQRwb3MDMTAEc2VjA3NyBHZ0aWQDWVMxM DVfMTE4/SIG=11q1tida2/EXP=1152740938/**http%3a//bestiary.ca/beasts/beast540.htm)
Phoenix (http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A0geupgWHbREml8BSixXNyoA;_ylu=X3oDMTE5azFwa2VhBGNvbG8DZQRsA1dTMQRwb3MDMTMEc2VjA3NyBHZ0aWQDWVMxM DVfMTE4/SIG=126o49v5q/EXP=1152741014/**http%3a//www.livius.org/phi-php/phoenix/phoenix.html) (Kemetic Bennu bird is a Heron)
Tlaloc (http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A0geupgWHbREml8BUixXNyoA;_ylu=X3oDMTE5Yzh1aGswBGNvbG8DZQRsA1dTMQRwb3MDMTUEc2VjA3NyBHZ0aWQDWVMxM DVfMTE4/SIG=129ee1aou/EXP=1152741014/**http%3a//www.windows.ucar.edu/template/tlaloc_rain.html)

*kicks self repeatedly for forgetting to mention the Bennu* heh.
:)

[Agaliha]

Chinese symbol:
Heron
Heron in Chinese sounds a lot like the word for "path or way." A painting of a heron and a lotus has the meaning of "May your path be always upward."
http://www.chinesepaintings.com/chinese-symbols-2.html

The Benu bird of Heliopolis, the Prototype Phoenix (http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A0geuueOJLREW6YAwCZXNyoA;_ylu=X3oDMTE5bGg1Mmw5BGNvbG8DZQRsA1dTMQRwb3MDMTIEc2VjA3NyBHZ0aWQDWVMxM DVfMTE4/SIG=11q4cfj7m/EXP=1152742926/**http%3a//www.philae.nu/PerAnkh/Benu.html)

HERON - self-determination, self-reliance
Heron- Patience, Grace

ETA: Another site!
Heron Family: Dignity (http://funkman.org/animal/bird/heronfamily.html) Includes Pages for: Great Blue Heron, Great White Egret

Try medatating and contacting the Heron Spirit Stormvixen...perhaps it'll show you what you need to know :)

[StormVixen]

Try medatating and contacting the Heron Spirit Stormvixen...perhaps it'll show you what you need to know :)
hehe dont worry i will!

[Agaliha]

hehe dont worry i will!

:) Good luck and have fun!

[La Fortuna]

Hey there,

:wave:
Thought you might like to read what the book Animal Speak says about Heron:

"Agressive self determination and self reliance."

Heron represent a person who is a "jack/jill of all trades", one who follows their own path and does not need a lot of people around them. They do not feel the need to "keep up with the joneses" or follow traditional roles in their lives.

Heron people know what is best for them and they should follow it without the instruction of others trying to tell them which path to take.

Heron represents agressive action toward opportunities that present themselves.

You Go !!!!

What a great totem !!!

Lot of light, La Fortuna :fpraise:

[StormVixen]

thanx again...

[Zephyrstorm]

thanks everyone. :)

[Crysiira]

Are there similar meanings for cranes as there are for herons? I know they are similar birds, and I'm honestly not sure which it was that I saw. I was walking through the groomed-garden part of the nature preserve near me, and suddenly, there were two large birds there. They were almost as big as me, I think, so they quite startled me. They were either cranes or herons, I really don't know which. I watched them for a long time with my fiance; we watched them groom themselves for 10 minutes, then they walked off into another part of the garden to eat. I picked up one of the fallen feathers and thanked them for the gift, and took a few pictures. Can anyone tell me what the symbolism for that is??? It was craziness! Here are the pictures, maybe someone else can tell me what I don't know.....

[StormVixen]

they look like cranes to me i think their symbolism is different... im not sure tho...

[skilly-nilly]

Here are some images of Sandhill Cranes in a place (I think) not so far from you:

http://www.richard-seaman.com/Birds/USA/WaterBirds/WadingBirds/SandhillCranes/GurneeAdults/

Do they look right?

[Crysiira]

Yes, that looks like them. Yay I can feel smart now, knowing what they are! :lol:

[Agaliha]

I forgot if I posted the link to here or not:


The Heron
The heron is a long legged wading bird. There are about 60 species of heron including several species called egrets. Most egrets have white plumage that is highly prized as ornaments in oriental ceremonies.
Herons are often seen standing motionless, as if in a meditative state, on its long thin legs. This stance symbolizes its ability to maintain balance through proper focus. Its inner foundation is secure although not fixed.
When the heron feeds it stands in water. Its neck is bent in an S shape. The flowing pattern of the letter S reflects the rhythm of this bird. Understanding your personal rhythm and responding to it accordingly is imperative for those with this medicine.
Water is associated with the mysteries of life. It is connected to the emotional body of man. When you see a heron standing in water notice how deep the water is. This depth can symbolize the depth that needs to be explored within self. The deeper you go the more you discover. Whatever is discovered take the time necessary to stand in silent reflection. In this way clarity of understanding is known.
Those with this medicine have strong emotional natures. They feel things deeply and with passion. The challenge here is to keep passionate thoughts and feelings under control in order to maintain a balanced emotional nature. The advantage of this energy indicates the passion and ambition needed to complete tasks and accomplish goals.
Herons are seldom seen flocking together. They are solitary birds that enjoy their own company. Heron medicine people are independent and willing to make changes when the need arises. They do not need a lot of people in their lives. This can sometimes lead to challenges in personal relationships especially if the other person has needs that require constant attention. Maintaining some type of social interaction and not withdrawing from others completely is helpful.
Herons stand out in their uniqueness and know how to take advantage of things and events for their own benefit. By observing the heron, its actions and its lack of action we learn how to perfect out personal flight through life. Herons hold a silent power, their grace, agility and majestic presence reflect balance. This balance is
the gift they offer to all who choose to receive it.
http://www.sayahda.com/cyc.html


And Crysiira, about cranes:

The Crane
The crane is an ancient bird with great symbolic meaning. In Oriental cultures it is revered in paintings and poems and symbolizes good fortune and longevity. When it appears in our life it indicates that good fortune is at hand. This can be physical health, emotional stability, mental clarity or spiritual awakening depending on the situation and the individual.
Graceful, terrestrial birds the cranes call can be long, harsh and penetrating. It helps us connect with our primal origins and teaches us how to utilize the power of sound appropriately. it holds the medicine of self expression and shows us how to vocalize our truth. Those with this totem benefit from all types of voice therapy including singing, speaking and chanting. When this medicine is fully developed those with this totem make lasting favorable impressions on others. If it is underdeveloped they are often misunderstood.
There are about 15 species of cranes. The whooping cranes call is audible for up to 2 miles. If this is your totem your personal sound can impact a larger radius then other crane medicine people.
Cranes pursue small prey and sometimes each other by running. A running crane takes one to three steps per second and may use its wings for balance and to gain speed. They typically run into the wind to achieve the life necessary for flight but if alarmed they can spring directly into flight. This is symbolic for those with this totem. Bucking a headwind can throw us off course. The challenge is to stay centered and focused on our destination.
Aggressive when fighting the crane uses a complex system of threat behaviors including physical postures and vocalizations. They ruffle their wings, drop down and crouch with the head bend back towards the body and when the time is right spring into action. Proper timing and physical flexibility are part of its teachings.
The crane is a soaring bird and like that of the human spirit it knows no limit. They fly with their neck and head outstretched as if they were seeing into the future. Their legs extend out behind them holding them to the past. When the past and the future meet wisdom awakens.
This beautiful bird helps us release our fear as we move into uncharted territory. It helps us discover our personal grace and agility. It teaches us to express ourselves with integrity and conviction and most importantly it restores our faith in ourselves and in spirit.
(same sites as the other)

[Crysiira]

That's very helpful, thank you! :hahugh:

[StormVixen]

:cheers:

[Lovehound]

In the Northern way, herons are especially sacred to the Allmother Frigga. In fact, most wading birds probably would be. You may want to do some reading up on Frigga and Her handmaids, and some of the things She has done.