Totem Meanings
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Feathers
Powerful symbols for millennia, feathers have been used to celebrate auspicious events and healing rituals in all human cultures. Feathers deal with ascension and spiritual evolution to a higher plane. Feathers symbolize communication with celestial wisdom. Native Americans consider that feathers represent the power of the thunder gods, along with the power of air and wind. In dreams feathers mean travel or the ability to move more freely in life. White feathers in dreams indicate innocence or a fresh start in a spiritual sense.
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Wings
Wings are the expression of the aspiration of the soul towards a higher than human condition, in other words the aspiration to transcend the human condition. Wings are related to the cognitive faculty, imagination, thought, freedom and victory. In ancient Egypt, winged gods were protective gods. They protected creatures, covering them with their wings, as well as surrounding walls, enclosures and temples. In pre-Columbian cultures, wings are associated with the Sun, adopting the form of an eagle in Mexico, and the form of a condor in Peru. These solar birds are the symbol of the sky up to where they can rise thanks to their powerful wings. In Greece, Hermes had winged heels, symbol of the traveller and the messenger, of dreams, of impulse, of movement. The Greeks represented Love and Victory with wings. According to Plato, wings represent Intelligence and Understanding. That is the reason why they are associated with certain fabulous animals, such as Pegasus, representing the sublimation of the specific symbolism of the animal.
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Owls
Accompanies Minerva in Roman myths, & seen as a symbol of wisdom because the owl is capable of seeing even in the dark and of vigilance because the owl is awake at night. The owl is accepted as a universal symbol for wisdom and knowledge. The owl was the symbol of Athena, who was not only the goddess of wisdom, but was also the goddess of battle. The owl is not only wise but a fierce fighter. However, owls have also been associated with wisdom and prosperity, frequently being companion animals for other goddesses. In Hindu Mythology, the barn owl is considered to be the vehicle of Goddess Lakshmi (Goddess of Wealth) and thus it is considered lucky if an owl resides near a house. Owl meaning prompts you to open your eyes and honestly examine how things are. You will be surprised by what you can suddenly see. As an example, other people’s motives may now become clear to you. External appearances will give way to the truth and meaning hidden beneath. Great grey owl is softer energy although the focus of the raptor is there. So are the energies of the smaller owls. The barn owl and flammulated owl have completely dark eyes, which gives them the look of a creature with incredible depth. Great horned owl and barn owl are also representative of adaptability and flexibility, and is found in many habitats including urban environments.
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Raven
Raven represents intelligence, creativity, playfulness, and a far-seeing eye. Countless cultures point to the raven as a harbinger of powerful secrets. Moreover, the raven is a messenger too, so its business is in both keeping and communicating deep mysteries. Raven totem is the keeper of synchronicity. He is a master of bending and folding time and space. Therefore, you are precisely at the right moment at the right time. In the creator role, and in the Raven's role as the totem and ancestor of one of the four northwest clan houses, the Raven is often addressed as Grandfather Raven. Whenever Raven’s meaning appears in your life, fantastic magic is imminent. The Raven symbolism also brings messages of transition, change, and healing because of its ability to cast light into the darkness. When this happens, make sure that you are well-grounded and have faith in your journey.
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Red-Tail Hawk
Hawk medicine is in visionary power and guardianship, & teaches us to open our eyes and see that which is there to guide us. This could mean focusing on a talent we don't use, a blessing, or a message from the Spirit realm. The hawk is “a heavenly deity; its wings were the sky, the sun and moon were its eyes”. Is the messenger. It is also about visionary power and guardianship. It teaches us about providing for family and self. Hawk teaches us to be observant and to pay attention to what we may overlook. This could mean a talent we don't use, a blessing for which we haven't expressed gratitude, or a message from Spirit. The hawk has keen eyesight, it is about opening our eyes and seeing that which is there to guide us. This particular bird was “a heavenly deity; its wings were the sky, the sun and moon were its eyes”.
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Eagles
All eagles represent the spirit of the divine. Eagle feathers are used all over the world as ceremonial instruments and are considered to be the most sacred of healing tools. They are a symbol of power, healing and wisdom. Eagle represents a state of grace that is reached through inner work and understanding. Eagle energy can help one in reclaiming personal power. Eagle medicine is the gift of clear vision with which one can truly see. Eagles convey the powers and messages of the spirit and is man's connection to the divine because it flies higher than any other bird. If an eagle has appeared to you, it enhances the courage to look ahead. The eagle is symbolic of honesty and truthful principles. In ancient times, the eagle represented the supreme Greek god Zeus and was frequently stylized on coinage. tion goes here