By Vanya - The Faerie Lady. © Copyright 2008
Birds enthrall us, and their ability to fly captivates us and has done so throughout
the ages of man. Cave paintings bear testimony to man's reverence for
birds, and his reliance on them both for food, and for their plumage
to adorn his cermonial garb and headresses. Feathers were, and still
are used to insulate, and also to make quivers for arrows with which
man could [and in some cases still does] hunt his prey.
Even more significantly however, birds became intertwined with the
spiritual belief systems of many cultures around the globe, the Egyptians,
the Mayans, First People, the Celts, the Vikings, the Mexicans, and
countless other races. Whilst the symbolism of any given bird may vary
somewhat from culture to culture, the importance of birds and the role
they have had, and continue to have in our lives on both a practical
and spiritual level should not be underestimated.
Yet sadly, fossil records have shown us that over 'one thousand' species
of birds are now extinct, whilst other species are currently severely
in decline. Numerous reasons abound for their dwindling numbers, prime
amongst them is - loss of habitat, the use of pesticides, and in some
instances - climate change... to name but a few. It becomes evident
that our relationship with our feathered kin is in a delicate balance.
But is the fact that we have, and still do incorporate bird feathers
in tools for celebration, worship and spiritual practice mean that we
are bringing about their doom? In my view, it doesn't have too.
In Mexico, the art of feather embellishment and feather painting 'arteplumaria'
dates back to the pre-Columbian era. Feather work was carried out by
highly skilled artisans and fantastic headresses, ceremonial shields,
bracelets, exotic fans, ceremonial staffs and numerous other items were
created. The plumage of the highly revered Quetzal, the Hummingbird,
the Parrot and the Heron amongst others, were all utilized to create
the most exquisite and detailed pieces. So prized were these bird feathers
that to take them without consent could incur the penalty of death.
Most of these birds still thrive today, so it may be argued that the
very fact that they were held in such high regard has helped ensure
their survival?
Within the culture of First People a long and rich association with
feather symbolism proliferates. Braves would wear feathers in their
hair to denote their accomplishments, nicks, cuts and paintings on the
feathers, the type of feather worn, all this and more would indicate
to others the status of the Brave, if he had been wounded in battle?
how many people he had killed? and so much more. Items such as Prayer
sticks, and feather fans were and are used in ceremonies [to heal, to
cleanse and purify, or to send prayers and messages to Great Spirit].
In Kimberly, Australia, Aboriginal paintings known as Gwion Art or
the Bradshaw paintings [named after the man who discovered them in the
1800's] are said to perhaps be over sixty thousand years old. Legend
has it that birds pecked at the rocks, their beaks then bled so profusely
that they used their tail feathers to create the paintings with their
own blood. These truely breathtaking paintings bear testimony to man's
affinity to birds, and illustrate that even sixty thousand years ago
man,s relationship with birds was enmeshed in not only his art, but
also his spiritual belief systems.
What is apparent is that throughout human history we have come to rely
on birds for both our physical and spiritual well being. To see a Duck
waddling with her young near a stream, Geese migrating back to warmer
climes, the Eagle soaring on high, the Sparrow nesting over our front
door, or the Raven being noisy in the far off trees, whenever we see
birds our hearts skip a beat, for a moment as we watch and listen to
them we know wonder, and feel joy and peace.
When we hold a feather fan in our hand to send our prayers for healing
skywards, we are adopting a rich spiritual tradition that dates back
many hundreds [if not thousands] of years. At these times we are not
only embracing our spirituality, but also connecting with and revering
the birds who have gifted their energies to us, and who have become
our prayer messengers.
When I began feather painting many moons ago, I had no idea just what
a rich and long tradition I had joined. As time has gone by, I have
learned much of our relationship with birds, and their spiritual significance
in our lives. I have come to appreciate the fragility of our relationship
with our feathered friends. In choosing to walk the feather painting
path, I hope to honour the spirit of all the birds that have been, and
those that still are. Each and every feather that I acquire is from
a healthy and happy bird, and all the feathers are naturally maulted.
These feathers are sourced from falconer friends, pals with chickens
roaming free range, and bird sanctuaries and rescue centres. Where possible
I strive to support the rescue centres and sanctuaries, as I feel it
is important to give thanks, and give something back to our feathered
friends. I would like to add that for me, working with bird feathers
and bird energies is a privilege, and never ceases to hold me in awe.
If you would like to see our painted feather wands, healing smudge
wands, faerie wands, and natural [unpainted] feather wands please go
to our menu.
In conclusion, I would ask that you think of our feathered friends,
many are under threat of extinction [for whatever reason], so maybe
if you use chemicals and pesticides in your garden, or are thinking
of cutting down that tree that's grown too tall, or the hedge that requires
trimming too often, perhaps, just maybe you might think again...
Blessings on the breeze
The Faerie Lady
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