Eagle symbolism is treasured by many people because of the strength they offer. The eagle represents courage and freedom, though each culture has a different spin on what that means to them. No matter what the interpretation of this bird symbolism, eagles are strong creatures in the spiritual world and nature.
What Is A Eagle?
An eagle is a large and independent bird of prey. They don’t fly in flocks, they mate for life, and they have perfect vision. The Bald Eagle is the most commonly depicted, but over 60 types of eagles worldwide exist.
What Does An Eagle Symbolize?
- Determination
- Strength
- Courage
- Pride
- Honor
- Freedom
- Devotion
Eagle Totem Animal
The eagle totem animal is a symbol of protection and magnificence. They represent a spiritual connection to the animal world, focusing on bravery and wisdom.
Eagle Spirit Animal
If your spirit animal is an eagle, you are lucky. The eagle spirit animal means you are strong, devoted, and loyal. Those with the eagle as their spirit animal are transparent people who come across as mysterious, despite having a true heart.
Pros Of A Eagle Spirit Animal
- High spirited
- Brave
- Wise
- Protective
- Values freedom
Cons Of A Eagle Spirit Animal
- Tendency to meddle
- Impatient
- Prideful
Meaning Of An Eagle Eye
Eagle eye is a term that means someone has good insight and vision. Those with the gift of an eagle eye should use it for good, to observe others, and anticipate their needs. They should also use it to be more self-aware, knowing what they need and where their weaknesses lie so they can strengthen them.
Eagle Feather Meaning
Eagle feathers are common in Native American jewelry and headdresses. They are sacred objects worn to represent a warrior spirit. If one finds one, the sky offers them strength and honors their inner spirit.
Dead Eagle Symbolism
A dead eagle symbolizes growth and the end of something. Most of the time, the end of something means the start of another. But if you feel ill when you see the dead eagle, it may mean being careful when making your next choices.
Eagle Tattoo Meaning
Eagle tattoos symbolize devotion and freedom. But each tattoo has a special meaning to the one who requests it. It can mean anything you want it to – patriotic spirit, connection to a higher power, or devotion to the earth’s wellbeing.
What Does A Eagle Symbolize In The Bible?
In the Bible, the eagle symbolizes strength. Isaiah 40:31 says, “but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.”
Why Is The Eagle A Symbol Of The Holy Spirit?
In the Bible, God brings his people to safety multiple times. In a few of these instances, the way he does this compares him to an eagle with his people safely on his wings.
What Does Seeing A Eagle In Your Dreams Mean?
If you dream of an eagle, you must be aware of your emotions. Take a closer look at what is bothering you and how you feel about life. Eagles represent the removal of anxiety and strengthing of weaknesses. Seeing one in a dream means that it’s time to let the power wash over you.
How To Interpret A Eagle Encounter
If you see an eagle, it’s important to find out what it’s trying to tell you. Eagles are messengers that give you insight into what is going on in your life. It could be financial or spiritual. Taking action is the only way to find out what it means.
What Should You Do When You See A Eagle?
If you see an eagle, think about any decisions you must make soon. Because eagles are birds of action, they tell you something about what you have control over. If something is bothering you, do your best to overcome it in a practical way.
Eagle Symbolism and Spiritual Meanings – From Grace to Freedom
Eagle symbolism changes depending on the culture you refer to. They have many things in common, but each puts a unique spin on it.
Native American Eagle Symbolism
Native American animal symbolism is one of the purest, especially when it comes to eagles, due to their long history and strong representation.
Comanche
In Comanche culture, there’s a tale of a chief whose son died. The chief was so devastated that he prayed for the Great Spirit to restore his son’s spirit by turning it into a bird. That bird is believed to be an eagle, the first eagle.
Zuni
In Zuni culture, the eagle is one of the guardians – the protector of the sky. It symbolizes rising above daily troubles to seek harmony.
Hopi
The Hopi have an Eagle Dance that is important in most ceremonies. They also believe in the eagle as a sky guardian.
Cherokee
Cherokee culture teaches that the eagle is sacred. A golden feather is so powerful that it is equal in value to a horse, and one must not hunt an eagle unless blessed to do so.
Pawnee
Pawnee culture insists eagles represent fertility and family. The Pawnee people, who have an Eagle Dance, honor the large nests.
Navajo
Navajo people have a legend about a warrior who says a beast. He soon realizes that the beast had babies in a net that would soon grow up to be vicious unless cared for. So he takes them and cares for them; one grows to be an owl and the other an eagle.
Aztec
Aztecs have a god called Huitzilpochtli, represented by an eagle, who wanded into a city where he found an eagle. This city became the center of the Aztec civilization and eventually Mexico City. Today, the eagle is found on the Mexican flag.
Eagle Symbolism in African and West Asian Cultures
- Africa and West Asia comprise one of the oldest recorded areas in history. So the tales of the eagle from that area often go back the farthest.
- Zulu – The Zulu people believe that the eagle named Ingonghulu is sacred. They believe the Tree of Life gave birth to all beings and that the eagle was the first bird.
- Egyptian – In Egypt, the eagle was a symbol of protection. It represents the goddess Nekhbet who protected the Pharoah and is often shown in ancient Egyptian walls.
Mesopotamia
The Sumerians believed that gods found the city of Kish. It was ruled by Etana, who was granted a shrine near an eagle’s nest. The eagle had a serpent friend who she turned her back on by eating her children. When this happened, the sun god Shamash smote the eagle and took its wings. Eventually, Etana took pity and nursed her back to health. The two became inseparable after that, with the eagle helping him fly to the heavens to ask for a child.
Arabic – The Arabs have a story of a giant eagle called roc. The roc can carry elephants and takes revenge against Sinbad, who disrupted her nest. The truth in this story is that Madagascar’s crowned eagle was in the area.
East Asian Eagle Symbolism
East Asia often has beautiful stories of birds with roots in religion, culture, and nature.
- Japan – In Japan, the eagle is rare. Shintoism teaches that the sun goddess Amaterasu hid in a cave once. When she is lured out, an eagle swoops down to save her by bringing light to the world.
- Mongolia – In Mongolia, eagles symbolize courage and clarity. Marco Polo once told a story of Kublai Khan and how he had many eagles that were large enough to carry wolves.
- Taiwan – In Taiwan, indigenous Paiwan people saw the eagle as sacred. They believe they are connected to ancestral spirits and that it is the second form of the afterlife.
- China – In China, an eagle symbolizes strength, enhanced with a bear. The Huns used the eagle to represent their ruler, giving it even more power.
Mythology and Eagle Symbolism
Mythology about eagles may not be true, but the spirit is there and even more interesting than other tales.
- Greek – In Greek mythology, the eagle represents Zeus. He controls all forces of nature and often sends an eagle as a messenger.
- Roman – The Roman god Jupiter is represented by the eagle. The Romans believed that the eagle could create gusts by flapping its wings and could also control the weather.
- Nordic – In Nordic mythology, an eagle is depicted in the Tree of Life, which connects the two worlds. The eagle doesn’t have a name but represents wisdom and knowledge.
Eagle Symbolism in Other Cultures
- Hindu – In Hinduism, Gardua is a deity that is part eagle. She is a divine bird that has the ability to control the earth, heaven, and hell by stopping them from spinning.
- Aboriginal Australian – Aboriginal Australians have many stories about the eagle. Their creature Bunjil is called an eagle.