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

Eagle: Bald Eagle, Golden Eagle
The Profiles

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)

Long considered the king of birds, the eagle is a solar symbol that has represented leadership and power throughout the ages. The bald eagle was revered by Native Americans and became the national symbol of the United States. Its scientific name comes from the Greek halos, meaning “sea”; aetos, meaning “eagle”; and leucocephalus, “white-headed.” ⁶⁵

While these large birds may seem fierce, they have a playful side. Bald eagles have been observed playing an aerial game of catch with sticks, plastic bottles, and other objects. Known for their maneuverability in flight, golden eagles have been clocked in aerial dives at nearly two hundred miles an hour.

The eagle appears frequently in Greek and Roman myth. As symbols of power, eagle emblems were displayed on Roman shields and banners of war. As we have seen, the eagle was a common symbol of sky gods. The fact that they are one of the longest-living birds may have fostered the myth that they were immortal. Coupled with this, the legend that eagles flew into the sun and then plummeted into the ocean and emerged renewed may have given rise to the mythical phoenix.

In Norse myth, the eagle was one of the three birds of Odin; the other two were ravens. Odin could also shape-shift into an eagle. In Celtic lore, the eagle is one of the oldest and wisest creatures, and it is associated with prophecy and power. In the myths of India, an eagle messenger from the god Indra brought soma, a ritual drink of deities, to earth for humans. According to a legend of the Chumash people of California, the shadow of an eagle’s wings causes the phases of the moon. In addition, the constellation Aquila (Latin for “eagle”) has been regarded as an eagle for over four thousand years. Aquila is visible in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres from July to October.

Magical Workings

Above all, when we think of eagles we think of power, strength, courage, and authority; however, these birds offer so much more. We can call on the energy of eagle for these qualities as well as guidance, motivation, and success.

Eagle is instrumental in shamanic work, traveling between the worlds, and receiving visions. It can aid in developing psychic abilities, interpreting messages, and contacting spirits. Employ the power of eagle in purification rituals and for healing. In regards to spirituality, this is a bird of awakening that can bring knowledge and clarity.

Eagle can help us adapt to changes and seize opportunities with confidence. It can provide the spark of inspiration to get creative juices flowing and ignite passions. When judicious communication is necessary, eagle can tweak intuition and lead us to hidden truths. As a symbol of the sun and renewal, this bird can help us discover new levels of freedom.

Call on eagle to build energy for summer and winter solstice celebrations. Although this high-flying bird is less nimble when walking, it is an aid for grounding energy after ritual or psychic work and helps us find balance.

Make Connection

Connect with eagle energy by climbing a hill where you can see out over the land. Hold your arms straight out to the sides at shoulder height and visualize that you are flying. Imagine seeing the ground slip beneath you as you gain altitude, circling higher and higher. The sun warms your back, but the air rushing past your face is cool. If you feel that strong wings are holding you aloft, eagle has connected with you and is helping you soar above the world.

Associations

Zodiac: Aquarius, Gemini, Leo, Scorpio

Element(s): Air, fire

Sabbat(s): Litha, Yule

Goddesses: Isis, Justitia/Iustitia

Gods: Agni, Ares, Belenus, Indra, Jupiter, Lugh, Odin, Pan, Vishnu, Zeus (golden eagle)

Solar system: Jupiter, Sun

Trees: Conifers

Ogham: Iodho (young eagles)

Bird Identification

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)

Size: 28 to 38 inches

Wingspan: 70 to 80 inches

Comparative size: Goose

Description: Heavy, dark brown body; brown wings; large, white head and tail; heavy, bright yellow, hooked bill; yellow legs

Range: From Alaska across Canada to Newfoundland, south to Florida, and throughout most of the United States

Habitat: Lakes, rivers, ponds, reservoirs, marshes, and coastal areas

Eggs: Dull white

Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)

Size: 27 to 33 inches

Wingspan: 72 to 86 inches

Comparative size: Goose

Description: Dark brown all over; golden sheen on the back of the head and neck; head relatively small; long, broad wings; long tail

Range: From Alaska throughout most of Canada and the United States except for the southeastern and Gulf Coast states

Habitat: Mountain forests and open grassland; may winter on salt marshes in the east

Eggs: White to cream or pale pink, usually with small brown blotches

Collective noun(s): An aerie, a convocation, an eyrie, a jubilee, or a soar of eagles

65. Wells, 100 Birds and How They Got Their Names, 59.