East, Spring's Beginning
Spring is coming; can you feel it? Even before the Equinox occurs March 20th this year we really begin to feel the power of spring. The days are getting longer and even if the actual temperature isn't any warmer than February something in our souls warms us anyway. The world feels more alive, cleaner, and fresher: The power of spring.
Spring is East on the medicine wheel. Which is the path of New Beginnings and Fresh Starts. How many of us feel the need for a 'spring cleaning' or feel like starting new projects around this time of year? New Years Resolutions that got lost in the dreariness of February find a new enthusiasm. The power of spring brings a freshness that provides new clarity to old issues or projects.
Plants start to grow in the warming soil and animals have their babies. Everything gets reborn in springtime. One of my teachers used to say at this time of year, "Shush, tread softly for Mother Earth is pregnant."
The element of East is Air, which is uplifting and freeing to everything old and stagnant, be they thoughts, emotions, gardens or souls.
And what can be more uplifting than seeing birds flying and singing? Birds have a special place in the east. They start singing again on spring mornings. I've listened to many people say, "I heard birds this morning, it must be spring."
Birds have always been important to Shamans. They are considered messengers from the God's and Spirit World. Some believe that spirits can take the form of birds for visiting earth. Celtic Shamanism (and others) have a method of divination by watching the flights of birds.
I believe one looks at the direction of their flight, how many are flying in the flock and what type of birds they are. I don't know how to interpret that information though. (If any one does, I'd love to learn.)
Seeing a single bird, or having certain birds living around you can also have a spiritual significance. Many people believe that every animal has a lesson to teach us. I've already written an article about wolves and their teachings. Now that Spring is upon us there are a lot more birds around and their teachings are very interesting. My favorite site for researching this information is Shamanism, working with Animal Spirits. It has many animals and birds listed and beautiful photos. Another site that I've found very useful for identifying birds is enature.com.
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