Bird Magic: Wisdom of the Ancient Goddess for Pagans & Wiccans - Sandra Kynes 2016

Albatross: Black-Footed Albatross, Snowy Albatross
The Profiles

Black-Footed Albatross (Phoebastria nigripes)

This legendary storm rider and wanderer is the largest creature of the air. It is also a true seabird, as it does not hug the coastline but ventures across the widest expanses of water. The albatross was unknown to Westerners until European explorers encountered it while looking for a shortcut to the Spice Islands and the riches of the East. Originally regarded as a type of pelican, it was named accordingly.

The name albatross evolved from the Arabic name for pelican, al-qadous, which went through several Spanish and Moorish translations and emerged as alcatraz.⁴³ This, in turn, was anglicized to albatross because of the Latin alba, meaning “white.” The genus name of the legendary snowy albatross comes from Diomedes, a mythical Greek hero in the story of the Trojan War. Returning from the battle, his companions were turned into birds for grumbling about their conditions. The species name exulans means “homeless” or “exile” and was chosen because this bird wanders so far from shore.⁴⁴

Soaring on air currents high above the waves, the albatross was regarded by early mariners as the bringer of winds. Stories from sailors filtered back to England, where this bird was given spiritual associations. Because of their habit of following ships as well as their lonesome cries, albatrosses were believed to be the restless souls of drowned sailors. English poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s famous work “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” linked the albatross with penance and redemption.

In Japan, the albatross was considered auspicious and was regarded as a servant to the sea gods. For the Maori people of New Zealand, the albatross is a common motif for ship prows and a talisman for smooth sailing.

Magical Workings

This amazing oceanic wanderer can show us the ethereal realms beyond our world and within our hearts. With a wingspan greater than other seabirds, albatross can shepherd our journey and steer us in the direction we are meant to travel. Albatross can help fine-tune intuition, receive messages, and interpret omens. In addition, it can be instrumental for weather divination.

The freedom this bird symbolizes requires adaptability, patience, and creativity, which are important capabilities for meeting challenges and dealing with problems. Call on the power of albatross for support and guidance in journeying on the astral plane and for spiritual quests. Use a picture of albatross as a talisman for protection during physical travel.

Known for strength and endurance, the energy of this bird can be instrumental when seeking transformation. In ritual, call on albatross to bring spiritual purification through the elements of air and water.

Make Connection

Windy days are good opportunities to connect with the energy of albatross. Go to a place where you will not be disturbed. Take along a picture of an albatross, a crystal, or anything to serve as a talisman. Face into the wind and close your eyes. Stretch out your arms and imagine that you are gliding across the ocean. The water passes smoothly under you as you soar effortlessly. You are a mighty albatross: bird of legend, strength, and spirit. Draw this power into you so you can remember how it feels deep within your body, and then release it into the crystal or other object you hold. When you return home, place the crystal or picture on your altar and use it whenever you want to connect with albatross.

Associations

Zodiac: Aquarius

Element(s): Air, water

Bird Identification

Black-Footed Albatross (Phoebastria nigripes)

Size: 25 to 30 inches

Wingspan: 76 to 85 inches

Comparative size: Goose—large for a seabird but small for an albatross

Description: Mostly brown with white at the base of the bill and under the eyes; black tail; long, narrow wings; grayish-black bill

Range: West Coast of North America and the northern Pacific Ocean

Habitat: Open ocean, but also seen just off the coast

Eggs: White with brown speckling

Snowy Albatross (Diomedea exulans)

Also known as: Wandering albatross, white-winged albatross

Size: 42 to 53 inches

Wingspan: 8 to 11 feet

Comparative size: Goose to very large—largest wingspan in the world

Description: White body with black and white wings; pinkish bill and feet

Male: Wings more white than female’s wings; tips and edges black

Range: Circumpolar in the southern oceans

Habitat: Open ocean and coastal areas

Eggs: White with a few spots

Collective noun(s): A flight, a rookery, or a weight of albatross

43. John A. Burton, Birds of the Tropics (London: Orbis Publishing, 1973), 111.

44. Terence Lindsey, Albatrosses (Collingwood, Australia: CSIRO Publishing, 2008), 6.