The Celts considered the Hawk to be a messenger between the “Otherworlds” and this existence. In the Native American culture Hawks also represent a messenger. I was aware of this only slightly, but as more and more hawks started to appear in my life I started to really pay attention.
December 28, 2014 was the start of my personal eye-opening existence with these birds. Occasionally I would see them flying high up in the sky, but at this point I was concentrating more on our new backyard feathered friends. After all, it’s where I was convinced Mom was working her magic and her show was pretty spectacular, to say the least.
It had been a difficult week, as it was our first Christmas without her. I remember feeling melancholy that morning, wondering what was in store for the new year ahead. As I looked up from the table where I was sitting, I almost choked on my coffee.
There, sitting in the tree, was a Hawk just staring in through the door directly at me. I froze, not knowing what to do, or what to say, or how to move, as I was afraid to run for my camera and scare it away. Again, the need to document this was important for this crazy gal to prove her story.
What made this encounter so incredible to me is that when I actually got to the window with my camera it not only continued to sit and stare directly into my eyes, it never moved.
“Am I dead or alive?!” I thought to myself. I had never seen a Hawk in our yard (never mind having a staring contest with one).
Tears streamed down my face as I began to feel as though I was truly being visited by my mother, followed by the same sense of comfort I had felt with the Mourning Dove feather on the door – which happens to be the same door I was looking out here.
An overwhelming feeling that everything was going to be ok washed over me. It’s hard to explain, but it was like the heavy weight of missing someone, and the sadness that accompanies that feeling, was lifted and replaced with pure love. Thanks, Mom.
This was just the beginning of a beautiful new relationship with Hawks that has continued to soar. They started appearing everywhere in my life, in the most absurd places. The more I read about their symbolism, the more fascinated in photographing them I became. I now know of many others who, too, have had experiences with this after losing someone.
The hawk spirit animal as the messenger
“The hawk can soar high and reach the heavens effortlessly. As most bird totems, this power animal is often considered as a messenger who brings messages from the spirit world and the unseen. – read more here“
“The Hawk represents a messenger in the Native American culture. It often shows up in our life when we need to pay attention to the subtle messages found around us, and from those we come into contact with. As with all messages received, it is important to recognise the messages underlying truth. We will be taught to be observant and also pay attention to what we may overlook. This could mean a talent we aren’t using, a gift or unexpected help for which we haven’t shown our gratitude for, or a message from the Universe. As there are so many hawk varieties, the messages vary and can affect all levels of our psyche.” More here
Wild For Birds 