Nighthawk-Spirit guide

Memorial Weekend: Let me first say Happy Memorial day to all of the veterans  that are serving our country today and to all those that have served. Also gratitude for those that gave all. 

I spend last evening at the racetrack with my husband and in-laws watching various types of dirt track vehicles. During the down time and during the races I was inthralled watching the Nighthawks chase their evening meal around the lights. I even missed seeing one of the wrecks on the track due to the ballet above my head. There were several of them flying about with excellent skill. Even the noise of the cars did not deter them from their tedious job of chasing dinner. 

I thought they were small owls until I came home and did some research on night  predators in Arizona. They are actually not a hawk but is a member of the whippoorwill family. They have long wings, stubby body and round head. At first I thought they were bats but their wings were too long. They did fly around like bats do. They are active from dusk to dawn. They feed on small winged insects. Even thou their head is small, they have a big mouth enabling them to fly around and catch insects in their mouth. They nest on the ground and blend in with their surrounding. 

If you come across the NightHawk and get the opportunity to "Sit with it" listen to what it may be showing or telling you. Nesting on the ground gives them the down to earth energy. The night hawk starts it flight at dusk until dawn. In some cultures dusk is the magical hours of moving from the masculine energy of the day into the feminine energy of night. 

The nighthawk represents that place between the mundane and spirit.  A time when our intuition is at its best. If you are interested in increasing your intuition and tapping into higher self then the Nighthawk is your spirit guide. The Nighthawk actively sees and hunts down its prey representing  clarity of vision and taking action in our life. 

Do you have a animal spirit?

I thought I would take a moment to discuss Animal Totems or Animal spirit guides. Many cultures have folk lore or stories of animals and what they represent to us when one steps into our lives. My heritage is that of the Celts and Native American. I have always had a connection with animals. When I was young I wanted to be Dr Dolittle because he too could speak to animals. 

Ted Andrews spoke of the native americans not having a word in their language for "animal" they simply referred to them as sisters, brothers, fathers or mothers. The word animal was hardly used before the 1600's. They were called beast or creatures. The word "animal" comes from the Latin word "anima" meaning soul or breath of life.

This past week I have had the honor to be greeted by the Black Crown Night Heron on several occasions. Heron's are "waders" the others in their family are Egrets and Bitterns. Their home is marshlands and shallow water. So for me to see one in the middle of the desert is incredible and a testament to their adversity to adjust. When the Heron feeds it stands completely still in the water, connecting to the earth, reflecting in the water and exploring different activities. 

If the Heron presents itself to you listen. They are showing you to be the "jack of all trades" To follow your own path. The path of the Heron is not structured but has the ability to do a variety of things and do it well. They just inherently have a knowing . They do not need a lot of people in their life and do not need to keep up with the rest of everyone else. This beauty is able to maneuver through life and control its life circumstances. They have innate wisdom and a path of self-determination.

So if Heron steps into your life, pay attention to what it is you need to look at in yourself, what is your current situation and how can you change it.
For more information on Spirit Animals you can refer to " Animal Speak" by Ted Andrews.