Birds - A Spiritual Journal: Record the Symbology and Significance of These Divine Winged Messengers

by Arin Murphy-Hiscock

Every bird that visits you is a messenger holding spiritual guidance or a prophecy. For the first time, birdwatchers can record the type of bird they see and the sacred message it holds especially for them. This lovely journal helps you identify a specific bird, determine its corresponding symbolism, and record your impressions by asking questions such as:
What kind of bird visited you today?
Did the sighting evoke any immediate emotions?
Were your feelings or mood transformed once you had the encounter?
In what way does the bird's message resonate with you?
Complete with a key to more than sixty of the most popular species in North America, this journal turns a hobby into divine providence!

Genres: Spirituality, Nature, Birds, Witchcraft, Paganism, Animals, Nonfiction

256 pages, Hardcover

First published December 18, 2011

About the author

Currently a resident of Montreal, Canada, Arin works as a freelance writer and editor. She is the author of Power Spellcraft for Life: The Art of Crafting and Casting for Positive Change (2005), Solitary Wicca for Life: A Complete Guide to Mastering the Craft on Your Own (2005), The Way of the Green Witch (2006), The Way of the Hedge Witch (2009), and Pagan Pregnancy: The Journey From Maiden to Mother (TBA). She is also the editor of the anthology Out of the Broom Closet (2009).

Arin is a third-degree Wiccan High Priestess in the Black Forest Clan, a tradition linked both by lineage and practice to several other branches of Wiccan thought and philosophy including the Caledonii Tradition, Druidism, Gardnerian practice, Seax-Wicca, general Celtic Wicca, and German witchcraft. She works as a priestess in her community performing rites of passage and giving occasional workshops, and leads a private coven.

Her hobbies include playing the cello, handspinning, and weaving.

Reviews

[Natasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! The illustrations in this book are stunning. I reference this book often. The lore included for each bird is very interesting. I use this book in combination with Animal Speak and I don’t believe I’ll ever need any other references of this type.

[Tibia · Rating 3 out of 5]

A pretty little book that can be carried around and studied. It includes many of the more common birds in North America, their habits, their appearance, their calls, but also adds a little twist by giving information on myths, folklore and cultural associations for each bird - as well as "omens, divinatory meaning, and associated energies." This symbology and significance area is what makes the book a little different than most bird books. (I originally purchased this book for a grandson, then decided the mystical part may not be appropriate for his age and religion.) I found it interesting, but not to the point where I feel that birds are trying to tell me something, or want me to make a change in my life. One example - the Blue Jay may be "urging one to be fearless when defending one's family and the communities in which one participates. Associated energies of the Blue Jay are: family bonds, social networks, communication, loyalty, and fearlessness." But you know what? I'm glad I kept this book for myself as I thoroughly enjoyed reading Ms. Murphy-Hiscock's perspective on each individual bird sighting. So, I'll give this pretty little spiritual field guide book a 3 star rating!

[Julia Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was gifted this book in Summer 2020 as I was beginning an 11 month chemotherapy journey battling Triple Negative Breast Cancer. It was accompanied with the journal the author wrote to track ones sightings and what comes forth for them.

It has been a delight. I've learned about birds from various perspectives and it wasn't overly complicated or in depth in a way that my chemo fog brain (at the time) would struggle processing.

It was a favorite gift I received to walk with me during the pandemic where I saw a lot of birds in my yard and traveling back and forth to the infusion center.

I continue to use both as I am also a practicing Druid and solitary pagan.

I list as currently reading as it is a reference book, not a read cover to cover vibe.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as interesting as i thought it might be

[Maggie Halpin]

A wonderful reference for all concise information for bird watchers.

[Katie J Schwartz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Birds: Explore the Symbology and Significance of These Divine Winged Messengers is a field guide that offers information on the mythical, folkloric, and cultural associations of dozens of birds, from the albatross to the yellow warbler. Additional information includes their physical descriptions, geographic location and environment, and interesting facts about the birds themselves.

I was a little disappointed that certain birds were not included (Penguins? Peacocks? Why would you leave those out?!), but overall I enjoyed this compact, handy little guide.

[Elizabeth Olson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This unusual guide has the requisite identification and habitat bits, plus entries for each bird on "interesting or unusual facts", "folklore and mythology" and "omens and divinatory meaning". Entertaining reading.

[cat · Rating 3 out of 5]

birds. folklore about birds. bird symbolism. what's not to like?

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This a guide to wild North American birds. No penguins, ostriches, or parrots here.

[Robyn V. · Rating 2 out of 5]

the folk lore sections were enjoyable. the art work was pretty but mostly not accurate.