Air Animal Symbols

Birds

Birds are one of the most complex groups of the Celtic animal symbols.With the wide variety of birds that can be seen, the meaning is often wrapped up in the particular type of bird.

To understand the birds as Celtic animal symbols, one must understand the characteristics of each particular bird.

Crows

http://www.celticfolklore.com/

The crow was associated with death.

 Ravens

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The raven also called forth the idea of death, but was also used by the Druids in augury, and flew over Celtic battlefields as a god incarnate.

Eagles

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The fearsome, glowering eagle was associated with both nobility and death.

Peacocks

http://www.celticfolklore.com/

The peacock was a symbol of purity

Cranes

http://www.celticfolklore.com/

Thanks to several myths of heroic figures or deities being turned into cranes, these birds came to represent an apparent, but not real change and are often called for as signs of punishment for deception.

Owl

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The key words associated with the Owl are Wisdom, Change, and Detachment.

The Owl is one of the animals associated with magic, heightened senses, and intuition. It is the aspect of the Crone, and one of the animals connected with Merlin. It has long been a symbol of wisdom, and also of death.

References
''Fantsy-ireland''.Emerald Streams.2004-2008.31 October 2010.<http://fantasy-ireland.com/Celtic-symbol.html

''New Bedford Cuups Newsletter''. Celtic Animal Lore. 30 October 2010.<http:www.news.newfordcuups.orf/?cat=9