HERON (Great Blue)

[Terri Benning]

SPIRIT OF THE HERON ~ autonomy, self-reliance, honor, virtue, spirituality, goddess connection, introspection, soul-searching, inner reflection, and meditation.

A blue heron is a symbol of the presence of the gods

"Creativity is the Blue Heron within us waiting to fly; through her imagination, all things become possible."

LINKS:

https://whatismyspiritanimal.com/spirit-totem-power-animal-meanings...

https://www.richardalois.com/symbolism/heron-symbolism

https://www.angelicalbalance.com/spirituality/blue-heron-symbolism/

https://digestfromexperts.com/3543/blue-heron-spiritual-meaning-and...

https://www.spirit-animals.com/heron-symbolism/

https://www.tanyacasteel.com/project/blue-heron-symbolism/

Heron Symbolic Meanings Key

• Autonomy
• Honor
• Introspection
• Meditation
• Observation
• Patience
• Prosperity
• Solitude
• Soul-Searching
• Virtue

In Greek myths, Heron is God’s messenger, so it was wrong to harm one in any way as it brought terrible luck. Stories of Athena speak of a Heron as one of Her messengers. Heron also represents honor and virtue. Throughout Greek Art, Heron plays a role in the on-going struggle between good and evil; the balance between these two concepts has a substantial influence on the symbolism and meaning of Heron spiritually.

In nature, Heron flies alone. The Bird is not fond of groups except during the mating season. As a result, Heron represents solitude and corresponds with The Hermit Card in the Tarot. Like The Hermit, Heron speaks of introspection, soul-searching, inner reflection, and meditation.

Another natural characteristic of Heron is his ability to Hunt. Heron moves in the blink of an eye and spears a fish for dinner. While the actual capture happens near instantaneously, the wait beforehand may be long and very still. Here Heron teaches the quality of patience – of observing and thinking before we act.

Egyptians had a profound relationship with Heron. A God, known as Bennu, is a large red and gold Heron. One of the oldest cities in Egypt, Heliopolis, held this Bird as sacred. Bennu created light, which may be why Heliopolis became known as the City of the Sun. Bennu has sometimes been related to Ra or Osiris reborn into a new life. In creation stories, it is the call of a Heron that heralded the beginning of creation. To this day, a double-headed Heron represents prosperity in Egypt.

The Heron has ties to the Water Element that encourages us to flow with the energies around us. We do not need to struggle with nature but instead cooperate with it. There is no question the Heron is lovely and graceful. It’s hard not to be inspired by such a marvelous, stunning Bird.

Other keywords and characteristics associated with Heron include Autonomy, calm, detachment, keen-mindedness, individuality, gallantry, meditation, nobility, peace, serendipity, solitude, stability, steadfastness, tact, tenacity, reclusiveness, and willpower.

HERON ANIMAL TOTEM

Those born with a Heron Totem Animal are solitary by nature. They do not like people interfering in private matters. Their circles are tiny, with at least one person being a mate. While they seem at ease in a group, after a social occasion, they retreat once more.

If Heron is your Birth Totem, you like a lot of diversity. Throughout your life, you learn a bit of this and a tad of that. You can put on one of many hats and be fairly adept – from plumbing to getting wax out of rugs.

This characteristic of Heron gives them a lot of freedom. You don’t expect people to understand your lifestyle. You will never be traditional. From the outside, this lifestyle appears unstable and disorderly. To you, however, there is a pattern that you can see, adjust, and complete, sometimes while doing two other things at the same time! Better still, you have a unique knack for taking advantage of a moment that others miss completely.

Folks with this power animal do not seem to need a lot of people in their life. Nor do they feel pressured to keep up with the material world. These people also are never compelled to be traditional in their life roles. They stand out in your uniqueness, and they know how to snatch and take advantage of things and events that the average person would leave untouched. Be proud of that. Resourcefulness, thy name is Heron.

Other keywords and characteristics associated with Heron include autonomy, calm, detachment, keen-mindedness, individuality, gallantry, meditation, nobility, peace, serendipity, solitude, stability, steadfastness, tact, tenacity, reclusiveness, and willpower.

HERON POWER ANIMAL

Heron makes a perfect Power Animal for when you are working toward greater independence and responsibility or for moments when you’re trying to stand on your own two feet. The Bird’s preference for being alone gives it an energetic signature that fully supports efforts to liberate yourself and to become self-sufficient. In embracing your independence, Heron also helps you become more confident in the skills and talents you have, while simultaneously igniting within you the spirit of exploration.

As a Power Animal, Heron supports you with fresh starts, the discovery of a new path, or creating a new life. The creature’s symbolic ties to Creator Gods, give Heron symbolic links to renewal and rebirth. It is the ideal creature to invoke when you’re trying to start over again or when you’re trying to establish a new path forward in your personal or spiritual life.

Heron demonstrates tremendous patience and strength during the hunt. So, you can call on Heron as a Power Animal when you are trying to develop stamina or your resolve. At the same time, Heron is helpful when you approach a failed relationship or venture with the hope of a successful outcome.