I recently noticed this red shoulder hawk perched on a nearby branch by my driveway. The hawk sat motionless as I drew closer with my trusty iPhone at the ready to quickly capture an image before he bolted. In all my years outside in nature, that’s the closest I’ve ever come to a vigilant hawk.
The eastern North Carolina Cherokee believe that when
creatures cross your path, they’re bringing a message to share. Circling hawks soaring on rising thermals are
known for their keen eyesight and they are considered to be messengers of
vision and clarity. Folks are cautioned
to consider that whatever you’re thinking about at the time may resolve itself
and manifest in your life. You will have
the clear vision and wisdom to act accordingly.
It’s a reminder that we are not alone and spiritual guidance is always
available to us.
Mankind has observed the traits of hawks for millennia and
those have been incorporated into religions such as in Buddhism; the hawks
represent union with the great spirit. In
Hinduism, hawks are associated with rejuvenation and hawks represent wisdom in
Christianity. The hawk was the symbol of
the ancient Egyptian god Horus.
The sky is the hawk’s realm and a circling hawk grabs our
attention to consider a message on its wings or in the wings for action when
the time is right. I’ve recently
pondered the message that I now have more years behind me than in front of
me. That’s prompted me to savor each of
those future moments even more acutely now that I have the time away from
demands that consumed my working hours.
Time in retirement can be consumed just as quickly, but I’ve learned to see
that and commit more time to being thankful and purposeful with the days left and
act accordingly.
