Is the eagle your favorite animal? In this article we are going to tell you about the symbolism and meaning behind this beautiful and majestic bird of prey.
Eagles are the king of all birds, which makes the symbolism of the eagle exciting to unveil. This bird of prey has incredible eyesight, is one of the largest birds on the planet and can see up to two miles away.
Meaning and characteristics associated with the eagle
Because the eagle flies so high in the sky, it is considered the “king of the heavens” and a messenger of the highest gods.
Eagles represent new beginnings, rebirth, endurance, leadership, honesty, loyalty, hope, devotion, the divine and psychic awareness.
Because eagles live and fly so high in the sky, it’s rare to see one of them approach you; you’re more likely to spot them with a pair of binoculars. And although they are predators, their behavior is friendly, and they are intelligent and perceptive winged creatures.
Encountering an eagle is both a gift and a good omen, a sign that you will overcome your challenges and prevail in the end, as this majestic bird does after a hunt.
Symbolism of the eagle in different religions and cultures
Symbolism of the bald eagle in the United States
Since 1782, the American eagle, or bald eagle, has been the national bird of the United States. Bald eagles represent the strength and freedom of the United States. Bald eagles are not literally bald, although their white heads make them appear so.
This bird of prey lives in North America, and its name derives from an older meaning of the phrase “white head.” Today, bald eagles are protected under the National Emblems Act of 1940.
Spiritual significance of eagles in Christianity and the Bible
In Christianity, biblical scholars theorize that the bald eagle is a metaphor for Jesus’ enlightenment. An eagle flies higher than all other creatures. Perhaps this is why the eagle is often a symbol of a higher perspective.
Early Christianity represented the eagle as a symbol of strength, salvation and spiritual inspiration, as well as a metaphor for the all-pervasive nature of God himself.
Eagles appear in the book of Revelation, in the Bible, and especially in the Old Testament, specifically as it relates to Moses’ deliverance of his people from Egypt.
Native American Eagle Symbolism
Bald and golden eagles are highly revered in Native American traditions and are symbols of the sacred. The phrase“eagle’s eye,” for example, is used to describe someone cunning and with powerful vision.
In Native American culture, feathers are considered sacred. An eagle feather found on the ground is considered a gift from heaven and earth.
A Comanche legend tells of a chief’s infant son who died. Devastated, the chief prays to the Great Spirit to bring his son back to life. The Great Spirit answers the prayer by turning his son into a magnificent bird, which, according to legend, is how the first eagle was created.
Celtic eagle symbolism
The Celts believe that the eagle is one of the oldest land creatures, a symbol of leadership, intelligence and strength. The Celts believed that this animal was associated with higher level thinking and quick problem solving.
In Celtic mythology there is a legend about the goddess of treachery, Blodeuwedd, created by Gwydion as a gift for Prince Lleu Llaw Gyffes. Blodeuwedd allied with her lover to kill the prince. When he was killed, he turned into an eagle and was eventually returned to human form by Gwydion.
Roman and Greek Mythology Symbolism of the Eagle
The eagle was special to the Roman god Jupiter. The Romans believed that eagles were storm birds that could create violent winds by flapping their wings. A symbol of the Roman Empire, eagles were also associated with war.
The Greeks also saw eagles as a powerful symbol, a message from the gods. In fact, the eagle was the creature of Zeus, and it was said that Zeus himself was transformed into the bird.
Eastern symbolism of the eagle
In Chinese culture, the combination of an eagle and a bear symbolizes strength. The eagle’s feathers are also believed to have powerful qualities. In addition, Lei Gong, the Taoist god of thunder, is half man and half eagle.
In Japanese culture, Amaterasu is the celestial goddess of the Sun who possesses superhuman strength, vitality, vigor and resistance to injury. She hides in a cave, plunging the world into complete darkness.
In an attempt to get her out of the cave, Amenohiwashi-no-kami, a deity, plays a musical instrument. As this happens, an eagle flies towards him and sits on the edge of the instrument. The eagle sitting on the instrument brings light back into the world.
Hindu symbolism of the eagle
In Hinduism, Garuda (or Garutman), the king of birds, is a divine eagle-like solar bird that symbolizes courage. Garuda is said to be a swift shape-shifter that can take any form and enter any place. Its flapping wings can even stop the spinning of heaven, earth and hell.
Garuda it also appears on the faces of several coins of early Hindu kingdoms as a one- or three-headed eagle guarding all sides.
The Rigveda, an ancient Indian collection of Vedic hymns in Sanskrit, describes a Garutman as a celestial deva with wings. The Garutman is defined the same as the Garuda in the Mahabharata.
Buddhist symbolism of the eagle
Garuda, also known as Garula, are golden-winged birds that appear in Buddhist texts. They are sometimes depicted holding one snake between their talons.
In Buddhism, the Garuda are giant predatory birds with a wingspan of 330 yojanas. Symbol of supreme intelligence and social organization, some of them also have the magical power to transform into human form.
Symbolism of the Taiwanese eagle
For the indigenous Paiwan people of Taiwan, the mountain eagle is a sacred bird. It symbolizes beauty, courage and the sacredness of ancestral spirits.
Taiwanese believe in four states of life after death: a person’s soul transforms into a snake, mountain eagle and water, and then the soul is free.
Symbolism of the Norse Eagle
In Norse mythology, the World Tree Yggdrasill was a magical tree that connected the world of humans with the world of the gods. A falcon named Veðrfölnir stands between the eyes of an eagle and the Yggdrasill World Tree.
The eagle has no name. Historians suspect that the hawk and the eagle are one.
Arabic symbolism of the eagle
In Arab mythology and folklore, legends speak of an eagle-like creature known as a roc. A roc possesses so much strength that it can lift and carry an elephant in its talons.
Symbolism of the eagle in ancient Egypt
The Egyptians regarded the eagle as a symbol of protection. Nekhbet, the Egyptian goddess of the vulture, is shown as an eagle, often depicted spreading her wings over the pharaoh while holding the cartouche symbol in her talon.
Aztec and Mexican symbolism of the eagle
According to Aztec legends, Huitzilopochtli, the patron god of the sun and war, is represented by an eagle. The Aztecs believed that eagles helped guide the sun across the sky. The eagle is also the symbol of Mexico and appears on the Mexican flag.
what does it mean to dream of an eagle?
Dreams are your subconscious trying to tell you something, and depending on the feeling evoked during the dream, determine the meaning behind it. Ask yourself what emotions you felt during the dream, whether it was fear or happiness, to determine the meaning.
There are also specific eagle dreams that mean something different depending on the subject. But, in general, dreaming of an eagle has a lot to do with your personal power, courage and change.
Dreaming of an eagle soaring
It’s beautiful to see an eagle soaring, and if you dream of one, your subconscious is telling you that you’re holding yourself back from progress by focusing on minutiae. Instead, take a step back and see the situation for what it is.
Dreaming of a dead eagle
Dreaming of a dead eagle is associated with transformation in your life. While death has negative connotations, in this case, a dead eagle represents rebirth of some kind or a big change in the future.
To dream that an eagle attacks you
Being attacked by an eagle in your dream symbolizes your feelings towards a real life situation, and the struggles you are experiencing in processing it. This is especially true in the case of a relationship, romantic or platonic.
To dream of feeding an eagle
To dream of feeding an eagle is associated with your job or career. No matter what type of job you have, feeding an eagle means that you need to hone your skills to keep progressing.
Dreaming of killing an eagle
Although killing an eagle is a brutal act, dreaming of this scenario represents your ability and willingness to face the challenges that come your way. But keep in mind that having a strong determination like this will come with sacrifices.
Dreaming of becoming an eagle
When you dream of becoming an eagle, you are unaware of the hidden strengths you possess that will soon come to light. Becoming an eagle also represents the need to strengthen your connection to the spiritual world.
To dream of a bald eagle
To dream of a bald eagle signifies that you are in the process of personal growth and allowing your goals to manifest. It is a reminder that even when the going gets tough, you can find success if you put in the effort.
Dreaming of an eagle feather
In various cultures, feathers, in general, are associated with angels or spirit guides. If you dream of an eagle feather, it represents the beginning of a new project or phase in your life, and the doubts that may come with it.
The Eagle as a Power Animal and Totem
Spirit animals are a life guide that lead you in the right direction, teaching you lessons along the way. Totem animals are also spirit guides, but they are invoked and called upon when we need them most. Both spirit animals and totem animals are meant to protect and watch over, while helping us find our higher purpose.
Although you cannot choose your spirit animal because they choose you, you will know if an eagle is your spirit animal if you resonate with this bird of prey in some way.
And those who have an eagle spirit animal or an eagle totem are fortunate to have this spirit animal guide, because this is a powerful guide and messenger.
Having an eagle as a spirit animal means that you are being asked to look inward, discovering new opportunities and changes that will enhance your experience with your own life and the world around you. If you trust this intuition, you will find yourself on solid ground with possibilities for success.
Those who have an eagle totem receive a lesson in the value of what is most important in life, as well as receiving inspiration. An eagle totem represents loyalty in relationships, choosing a path wisely, sticking to something even in hardship, and learning inner confidence.
The eagle is a powerful animal totem that offers lessons on how to look closely. By examining the smallest details, one can gain a broader perspective.
People who are guided by the spirit of the eagle are down to earth, resilient and in complete harmony with their spiritual side. Eagles see with a point of view that humans cannot.
Meaning of eagle tattoos
There is no better way to show your devotion to your partner or your freedom than with an eagle tattoo. An eagle tattoo can also signify your connection to your higher power, a symbol of your personal strength, the loyalty you have to your friends and family, and the new beginnings that await you.
What different colored eagles symbolize
Bald eagles, in particular, change color as they age and mature. Young eagles are brown until they are two years old, when they develop white spots. It is not until a bald eagle is about five years old that it has the familiar white plumage on the face and neck.
Although eagles are brown, or a mixture of brown and white, many people dream of eagles of all colors.
Meaning of white eagle
Since white is a symbol of purity, it makes sense that seeing a white eagle would be associated with the same. Also, white eagles represent the connection to your spiritual side.
Black Eagle Meaning
Seeing a black eagle is associated with some kind of change, and with ending one thing so that something better can begin. A black eagle also symbolizes energetic protection and shadow work.
Meaning of the gray eagle
Gray eagles represent imagination and trust in your own intuition, but they also symbolize your emotional attachments in the physical world.
Golden Eagle Meaning
Although golden eagles exist in nature, they are not actually golden in color; rather, the golden eagle’s feathers are brown with white features. But a golden eagle is associated with power and freedom, communication and connection to your spirit guides.
Meaning of the brown eagle
Brown is associated with earth and fertility; seeing or dreaming of a brown eagle may mean you are connected to the earthly wonders and nature around you, or it is a good sign that you are fertile.
