A Hummingbird as a Guardian Spirit?.


Whether you believe in Spirits or not, the subject is almost as intriguing as the hummingbird is fascinating. In todays world, spirits take on a very personal and diverse meaning.

Hummingbirds are native to the mountains of South America, early Spanish explorers gave the hummingbirds the name Joyas voladoras,which means "flying jewel". With their bright iridescent colors no name could have been more fitting! In the eighteenth Century they were assigned their own family: Trochilidae, from the Greek trochilos, meaning small bird.

Totem is an Algonquin word used by anthropologists and others to define the hereditary symbol of a tribe, clan, people, or a family. This symbol, usually an animal (but sometimes a plant), is considered to be an ancestor of the tribe. It is a beast which possesses special wisdom of descendants.

A Totem can also be associated with an individual. It can be a persons guardian spirit. Those who believe in Totems, believe that a Hummingbird as an Animal Totem:

  • Has the Ability to heal by using light as a laser from it's mouth
  • Has Endurance for long journeys
  • Has the Ability to fly into small places to heal
  • Brings Joy
  • Brings Happiness
  • And brings Love

Totem spirits play an important role in traditional native beliefs and in native mythology. Natives believed totems were spiritual manifestations of animals like the wolf, fox or bear or even natural forces such as: wind, or lightening and thunder which illustrate the traits associated with that animal or phenomenon.

Each animal is believed to have it's own special medicine and power to help it's chosen human develop what is needed in life. In theory, we are drawn to that which most resounds with us and those animals which fascinate us have some important lesson to teach us.

It is believed that Totem spirits of Animals reach us in dreams or dream-like states. It is my understanding, (though somewhat limited in this area) from what I have read, that these animals seek us out, we don't choose them. Each of these animals have qualities of their own. One is no more important than the other, although some people consider some more powerful or glamorous than others. Each one is believed to have their own special medicine and power to help us develop what we need in our own lives.

The hummingbird being the tiniest of all birds is thought to bring "special" messages. What is the hummingbird's message for us all? It is thought that the hummingbird teaches us malleability or compliance. To "roll with the punches" and adapt to whatever life may hand us! To accept life as it is, and make the most of a bad situation! And to never, never look back at what might have been.

The copyright of the article A Hummingbird as a Guardian Spirit?. in Hummingbirds is owned by Judy L. Evridge. Permission to republish A Hummingbird as a Guardian Spirit?. in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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