The Healing Wisdom of Birds: An Everyday Guide to Their Spiritual Songs & Symbolism

by Lesley Morrison

Connect with the healing wisdom of birds.

As spiritual guides, otherworldly allies, and magical companions, birds have been revered for milennia. This comprehensive encyclopedia of bird spirituality explores the rich beliefs and practices surrounding the winged ones—and how these venerated creatures can guide us today.

Drawing on mythology and traditions of worldwide shamanic cultures—from modern times to the Bronze Age—this book examines avian spirituality from all angles: what birds have symbolized through the ages and why; bird dieties from Aphrodite to the Hindu goddess Saraswati; their presence in ancient cave art, shapeshifting rituals, magic practices, and religion; and the unique relationship birds share with shamans and other magical people.

From the five stages of soul alchemy to finding your bird totem, The Healing Wisdom of Birds offers practical ways to connect with these sacred creatures.

Genres: Birds, Nonfiction, Nature, Spirituality, Science, Metaphysics, Animals

240 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2010

About the author

Lesley Morrison (Vancouver, Canada) has studied animals within religious, spiritual, and multicultural frameworks for over fifteen years. She is also an avid bird watcher and wildlife rescuer.

Reviews

[Caitlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I impulse bought this at a library book sale years ago, and I finally read it because in the days before and after my elderly dog passed away my boyfriend and I saw unusual birds and bird behaviors that felt meaningful. This book was a comfort to me despite not being particularly specific to my situation; I just enjoyed reading that my experiences were commonly held to be spiritual by people the world over.

For that reason I'm giving it maybe one more star that it deserved, because I think there are some books that should just be available for when people need a bit of guidance or comforting. It's kind of a 101 guide through bird lore, and I liked the exercises for working with the different energies of various birds. The historical and mythical information was helpful for defining why different birds have those different associated energies. Though many birds have things in common, like their associations with dance, Morrison finds ways to make them each distinct from each other so that it feels valuable work with one over another.

I also think the way that this book was organized was great. Separating the "city birds" from the others was a great idea, showing their distinct personality as a group. I put several of the books from her bibliography on my to-read list so that I could do a deeper dive into bird wisdom!

[Luminea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this well researched and insightful book by a fellow Canadian and passionate bird lover. From prehistory to the present day, Lesley Morrison shows us the spiritual and scientific importance of birds in cultures around the world. I especially appreciated all of her suggestions for connecting with the gifts and energies of specific birds, as well as ways to help birds and create relationships of reciprocity.

[Fran · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF 45%. The author is obviously passionate about birds and protecting them, which I appreciate, but this was a little too scattered and surface level for me. Keeping my copy just until I can write down symbolism things for a few species.

[Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super informative!!! LOVED IT.

[Michele · Rating 1 out of 5]

No!

[Audrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I appreciate this condensed explanation of birds in relation to mythology and general healing in the form of symbolic meanings. My criticism mainly revolves around having recently learned about the bird cult on Easter Island and other anthropological facts, where I’m disappointed that the author did not mention the values and beliefs of birds sacred to these lesser known Pacific natives. I was disappointed that there was no mention of sacred birds such as the sooty tern (manu tara) or the frigate bird, which in my opinion have a mysterious and mystical quality. I was also surprised that ducks were not included or at least grouped with other birds already mentioned. While most of the birds the author talked about did align with what I already know of beliefs surrounding these birds, there were some explanations that I was skeptical of. Overall, it was an easy to read book that I enjoyed and I will go back to reference whenever I have bird questions.

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is labeled on its cover as "An Everyday Guide to Their Spiritual Songs & Symbolism," but there is nothing ordinary (or everyday) about this book. It contains thoughtful and inspired descriptions of the way birds have influenced our lives especially in the area of mythology and religion. Morrison obviously loves birds and has spent many hours enjoying them. But she has also spent many hours learning about them and then summarizing some of these learnings in this fascinating book. I especially enjoyed her opening chapters "The Bird Goddess", "The Cosmic Egg", and "The Bird Shamans", and "Birds in Magic and Religion". But then her descriptions of individual birds and what we can learn from them which takes the rest of the book is also deeply helpful. My only wish is that she would have included a table of contents listing all the birds she describes. This would make the book easier to use "everyday" as you see a bird and wish to remind yourself what Morrison has told you about it. In fact I am planning to put together such an index for my own use. You will not regret the time you spend with this book.

[Claudia Blanton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been looking for a thorough book on the wisdom of birds, and after a long search I finally came across a volume that fit my needs, and that I truly enjoyed. Mrs. Morrison created a friendly, thoughtful book, which dove deeper into the subject matter than most of the other books on the subject by including information on Goddesses with Bird symbolism, to detailed guides on how to connect to a specific bird. Written in a wonderfully warm tone, that did not read like a lecture, but more like a caring conversation, the Author created a book, to which I will return to often for reference.

[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

An interesting look at the history of birds in relations to people and how they have been viewed through the ages.

[Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

it was an excellent book. learned a lot about certain birds and will be referring to the book a lot during my pagan practice. it will be kept on the shelf right next animal speaks and nature speaks

[Victoria Angelone · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read, gives me a deeper appreciation for birds.