Reading the Sky: The Ancient Art of Bird Augury

Have you ever, upon witnessing a Cardinal, felt the presence of a loved one who has transitioned? Have you ever seen an Eagle in flight at what seems to be the perfect moment and felt affirmed that you are exactly where you are meant to be? If so, you’re not alone. 

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The concept of Birds as trusted messengers is a belief that has been carried across both time and geography. From the Cherokee tribe’s Bird Clan (Anitsiskwa), who are believed to interpret the spiritual messages of Birds, to the Yurok Tribe’s belief that California Condors carry their prayers and messages to their ancestors that reside on the other side of the ocean, the mercurial, beacon-like essence of our feathered friends is a consistent philosophy throughout human history.

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In Ancient Greece, Egypt, and Rome, the mediumship of Birds was known as Augury, or Ornithomancy. This practice was to observe birds and to then interpret the observations as either positive or negative omens. From these interpretations, Augurs- those who practiced the art of Augury- could determine whether or not circumstances were aligned with the will of the Gods. 

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Augury became particularly codified and popularized in Ancient Rome, where Augurs were revered and given significant power. They were often, if not always, consulted on military, political, and religious decisions. They were entrusted with listening to the language of the birds and determining if these decisions were in fact in coherence with the divine order of things. 

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In order to determine this, Augurs first chose a quadrant of the sky. They would use their litmus, or staff, to demarcate the section and then they would sit in complete silence, awaiting the arrival of avian omens across the chosen cosmic template. They would then observe their flight, sound, species, and directionality, all of which were critical for the clarity of the message. 

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Some examples of their oracular translations are: 

1. Birds flying from the right were considered favorable, while those traveling from the left were considered unfavorable.

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2. Eagles were considered a particularly benevolent omen as they were believed to be connected to the God Jupiter.

3. Owls were often associated with death and therefore considered a negative sign. 

While the practice of Augury is no longer formally recognized in Western societies, cultures and individuals have maintained a communicative relationship with Birds to this day. Whether it be the aforementioned indigenous tribes, oracle readings conducted by readers such as local intuitive Bird Kin Messages, or you, who might see a Hummingbird’s exuberant flight and take their presence as a cue to connect with glimmers. In a world full of excitingly unsolvable mysteries, we’ll never know exactly what Birds are expressing to us, but we can allow them to express through us a world where we are more attuned with our wild communities. 

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This expansion into unknowable possibility is a practice in imagination, the inception point of change and healing. Finding deeper connection to Birds through considering what message they have for us today could just be the gateway to more deeply remembering how we can engage in reciprocity with and support their existence here on this miraculous planet. 

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So, as a practice in attuning to the auspicious aspects of life, what Bird did you see today and what insight was tucked under their wing or carried in the current of their song? 

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As a further practice, we have pulled a Bird oracle card for you. What is an oracle card? An oracle card comes from an oracle deck, which is often designed around a theme, such as animals or plants, where each specific card has a message that can be used as a prompt for self reflection or an invitation for exploration. A necessary note when engaging with these decks is that their intention is to offer wisdom, clarity, and opportunity for growth, and yet it is vital that we embrace our own sovereignty so that we may take what resonates and leave what does not. 

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The deck from which we pulled is called The Secret Language of Animals and was created by Chip Richards. In this oracle deck, he shares facts and his personal spiritual interpretations of what message each animal could be a conduit of. Setting the intention that this card is for you, if you so choose, whenever and wherever you are reading from, the card we pulled is: Condor. 

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In Richards’ interpretation, the Condor is an invitation for reflection, widening perspectives, and releasing that which no longer serves us. The largest Bird in North America, a sacred steward of death back to life, and a high-flier catching thermals to 15,000 feet, Condor encourages you to zoom out and look at your life from a higher perspective. Reflect on the cycles of your life, become one with the rhythm of change, and reconnect with the rhythm of nature. Remember that all endings are also beginnings and, like the Condor, ride the warmth of the wind and reflect on your life with an open heart and mind. What needs to go for your grandest visions and most loving, true life to unfold? What is here as a foundation for the future, most authentic version of you? Release self judgment and allow yourself to liberate yourself exactly where you are. Thank everything that has brought you here and gift yourself with both the patience and courage it takes to dream big. Then, trust that what was is compost for what will be and that what is meant for you will arrive. 

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