Feathers have been used as a symbol of power, strength, and flight for centuries. The Native Americans believed that the feather was sent by their ancestors to give them messages from beyond the grave. Feathers are also one of many symbols associated with spiritual guidance or journeys in life. They can be found in many cultures around the world, such as Celtic, Lakota Sioux, and Inuit.
Every feather has a different meaning depending on where it is found, but there are some general meanings that apply to all feathers: freedom (spiritual), truth (spoken), honor/compassion/love (gifts).
What Does A Hawk Feather Look Like?
Boasting on their exceptional eyesight, hawks are known to possess the ability to spot their prey from about a kilometer and a half away and have the strength and speed to effortlessly complete the hunt. Using its muscular legs as well as its strong, sharp claws, several hawk species can dive at breakneck speeds of about 240 kilometers per hour, snatching its mark, and taking it to a safe spot where these fierce hunters pluck and tear the meat apart with their characteristically large curved bills.
Regarded as a remarkable symbol of flight and freedom, we dive in swiftly as we aim to understand better what does the Hawk feather looks like?
You cannot friend a hawk, they said, unless you are a hawk yourself, alone and only a sojourner in the land, without friends or the need of them.
Stephen King
Extremely light yet strong enough to withstand strong winds and offer insulation and warmth, a bird’s feather is simply amazing. While hawks are typically seen roaming the skies of every continent except those of Antarctica, these ferocious hunters often sport a combination of white and brown feathers with the semblance of black spots or streaks.
Often referred to as flight feathers, they are considered to be much larger and more impressive compared to those of other birds, allowing hawks to soar through the air and swoop down with unbelievable velocity.
Stiff and laying close to its body, it greatly resembles the falcon’s feathers but is known to be far softer than those of its fellow hunter. Soft to the touch and fluffy, the hawk’s feather allows it to look much larger than its compact body, providing them with a more imposing appearance and making them seem more ferocious than they already are. Not only does this give them a more fearsome image, but it also helps these magnificent birds to maintain their flight stability as they glide at higher speeds.
Known to spend a considerable amount of time towering above while looking for prey, the exceedingly broad wings of the hawk allow this awesome bird to soar and stay aloft without much effort.
What Is The Symbolic Meaning Of A Hawk Feather?
Finding feathers on the ground especially when you are on a trek in the wild can be exciting. While it could mean a handful of things such as a bird being in distress resulting in a loss of its feathers, we often think that walking into plumage conveniently resting on our path is packed with a plethora of great symbolism.
Recognized as a representation of creativity, fearlessness, and increased spiritual awareness, the hawk’s feather reminds us to become more mindful of the messages that God and your spirit guides are trying to make you acknowledge and understand. (Read more about the general Hawk symbolism here).
Believed to bear messages from the spirit realm, hawk feathers represent an open line of communication between you and the heavens that guarantees you quick answers from the spirit realm. Not only do these birds of often white and brown plumage help communicate your pleas and higher intentions, but spotting even just this amazing creature’s feather is an encouragement that you should perhaps go further into your spiritual journey.
Chancing upon a hawk feather symbolism is a reminder that you should let go and allow your spiritual guides to take control. It is often an invitation to stay open and to carefully take heed of any advice that might come your way.
The plumage of this wonderful creature tells us to be mindful of the signs, messages, and lessons that our spiritual guides are communicating with us. Its presence calls us to mind that we should take notice of all the events that are currently taking place in our lives for symbolic messages may be kept behind them, reassuring us that our most significant prayers will soon be answered.
Native American hawk feather meaning – the spiritual meaning in Native American culture
Many cultures believe that a hawk feather symbolizes a gift from the spirit realm that comes into our lives just when we need it the most. Often appearing in ways that help you realize the connections between our world and that of the spirits, hawks bring encouragement, guidance, and confidence. It gives you the necessary boost that will help you realize your innermost goals.
Considered by Native Americans as guardians and protectors, they believed that hawks carry messages of truth, clarity, and honesty, as well as warnings of unforeseen difficulties and challenges.
Highly revered and respected, the feathers of these fascinating creatures are used in sacred ceremonies, wherein plumage that falls from the sky was deemed to ferry gifts directly from the heavens. As a representation of guardianship, determination, and protection, Native Americans used the hawk’s feather to add the element of air in some of their rituals, using such smudging ceremonies to show and symbolize respect towards the elders, family, and friends.
In some Native American cultures, hawk feathers are thought to have the power to protect and heal. For example, some tribes believe that wearing a hawk feather can ward off evil spirits and bring good luck. In other tribes, hawk feathers may be given as gifts to bless a person or a new home.
In addition to their spiritual significance, hawk feathers are also used in traditional Native American crafts, such as basket weaving and feather work. The feathers are carefully collected and preserved and are used to create intricate and beautiful designs.
Overall, the hawk feather is a highly revered symbol in many Native American cultures. It represents wisdom, vision, and strength, and is associated with the spiritual world. Hawk feathers are used in religious and spiritual ceremonies, as well as in traditional crafts, and are seen as powerful symbols of protection and good fortune.
Meaning When You Find A Hawk Feather
The wild hawk to the wind-swept sky
Rudyard Kipling
The deer to the wholesome wold;
And the heart of a man to the heart of a maid,
As it was in the days of old.
Whether in visions, dreams, or out in the wild, being in the presence of a hawk feather should be treated with the utmost importance. They could be channels of communication being made available to you, in which messages from the spirit world are being sent by your spirit guide.
Often an indication of change and transformation, finding a hawk feather could be a sign of unforeseen challenges that may require you to make a life-altering decision. Apart from serving as our guide in our own spiritual journey, hawk feathers incite us to lend our consciences an ear, as it will make certain that no matter how difficult a decision it is that we need to make, it will be done in accordance to our values and spirituality.
Typically huge and unquestionably strong, finding a hawk feather shows how greatly connected you are to the spirit realm, encouraging you to pursue your goals. By listening to your intuition, knowledge, and wisdom, you are assured that the decisions you make were overseen and influenced by your guardians from the spirit realm.
Are Hawk Feathers Good Luck?
Long been regarded as creatures with a close connection to the gods, the ability of the hawk to soar at great heights gave birth to the implication that they are only one of a few birds who carry with them good fortune.
Serving as our reminder about the importance of keeping focused on our dreams, staying connected with our spirituality, and pouring our best efforts out regardless of the task are only some of the awesome qualities that hawks instill in us.
Although such characteristics may not precisely translate into the hawk’s feathers being bearers of good luck, our ancestors’ belief that they are gifts directly from heaven is reason enough to accept that this magnificent bird’s feather brings nothing but favorable fortune.
If you’re lucky enough and hear a Hawk’s cry, read the meaning in this post.
Conclusion
As overwhelming and as majestic as they may seem, hawks are hands down amazing. Along with their loud screeches and keen eyesight, they can hunt down their prey no matter what. Since their feathers play a major role in several cultures’ religions and rituals, coming across one is almost always our stern reminder to surrender our control, listen to our spirit guides, and soar.
Also, check the Eagle feather meaning and the Peacock feather meaning.
Or, in case you’re interested, check here for various feather color meanings.
[Video] How to Identify Bird Feathers in the Field
Do Hawk birds’ feathers mean good luck?
No, because there isn’t any scientific evidence that supports the notion that a hawk feather has any kind of magical powers. However, if you believe that the hawk’s feathers do bring good luck, then you might want to keep hold of these feathers until you get married. If you’re already engaged, then you’ll probably want to give away the hawk feathers before you tie the knot.
Is it true that if I find a hawk feather then I will get rich?
No, although many people believe that when they find a hawk feather, it means that they will become wealthy. However, there is no scientific proof that proves that a hawk feather can bring wealth.
How do I know if my hawk feather is real?
You can buy fake feathers online, but most of them are cheap imitations of genuine ones. If you want to get a true hawk feather, then you should go to a reputable shop where there are plenty of different kinds of feathers available.
Does the Bible mention hawks?
The question is not whether we can find references to hawks in the Bible. The Bible does indeed contain many references to birds, and some of them are quite specific. For example, there are numerous references to doves (e.g., 1 Kings 4:25; 2 Chronicles 7:13; Job 8:10), ravens (1 Samuel 25:36; 2 Kings 14:9), eagles (Psalm 103:5; Isaiah 40:31; Jeremiah 49:23), owls (Isaiah 34:14; Ezekiel 13:4), crows (Genesis 9:3; Psalm 147:9) and even vultures (Ezekiel 39:17). However, none of these refer to the species of hawks.
I found a hawk feather today. I picked it up and brought it inside the house. I was thinking as I came in that I’d clean the small amount of mud and bird droppings off and put it in a place where it wouldn’t be harmed. Dust is about the only thing I can think of that could be of concern. I looked online because somehow I thought or remembered that special, reverential meaning could be attached to the feather and it seems that might be true. I may already have done it harm that I can’t undo but I’m hoping to learn if that’s so or if I can fix it. Thanks in advance for your help.