What Does Seeing a Bald Eagle Mean Spiritually?

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Discover the signs and symbolism of the majestic bald eagle
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Bald eagles have been adored for centuries as symbols of strength, freedom, power, and spiritual connection. According to Native American beliefs, bald eagles are not only considered sacred, but they’re believed to act as messengers between humans and the Creator. If you have the fortune of seeing one in person, it may be a sign to try something new or bring more balance into your life. Keep reading to learn all about how these incredible birds might bring meaning to your life.

Things You Should Know

  • If you see a bald eagle, it can be a sign to try out something new, to balance your work with your personal life, or to get in tune with your spiritual self.
  • Bald eagles can symbolize freedom, strength, and courage because as the United States national bird, they’re often associated with American values.
  • Some Native American nations believe bald eagles are sacred messengers between humans and god. Their feathers are often used in ceremonies.
Section 1 of 7:

Bald Eagle Spiritual Meaning

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  1. Bald eagles are well-known for their incredibly strong talons and striking white and dark brown feathers, and this might be why they’re considered a symbol of power and authority. [1] As a bird of pride, bravery, and strength, the magnificent bald eagle awes all who watches it soar overhead.
  2. Many spiritual traditions see the bald eagle as a messenger between the earthly and spirit worlds. In some Native American cultures, the bald eagle is considered sacred and is often associated with healing, vision, and power. It’s believed that seeing a bald eagle is a sign that someone is watching over you.
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  3. Bald eagles have a wingspan of 6.5 ft (2 m) and can fly to incredible heights and distances. [2] Their impressive flying capabilities can symbolize the ability to rise above obstacles, reach for your achievements, and embrace your true potential.
  4. Bald eagles go through several transformations before they reach adulthood, molting their feathers and changing colors throughout their childhood. [3] This is why they often represent spiritual growth and inner transformation—you may continuously evolve to figure out who you are and your true purpose in the universe.
  5. The bald eagle is one of North America's most recognizable and respected birds, and for thousands of years, they’ve been associated with good luck and positive energy.
    • Bald eagle sightings used to be considered rare because they were classified as endangered. Since then, bald eagle populations have quadrupled—which means sightings may be more common now! [4]
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Section 2 of 7:

What to Do If You See a Bald Eagle

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  1. Bald eagles have adapted to survive and hunt for thousands of years with their powerful talons and sharp beak. If you see a bald eagle, it may be a sign to make a change and try something different—whether you drive a different route to work or move to a new country. Try to fly farther than you ever have before.
    • It can also be a sign to let go of unhealthy habits or a lifestyle that might be holding you back from trying something new or expanding your worldview.
  2. Bald eagles can fly 124 miles or more a day, but they always stay connected to the earth. [5] Seeing a bald eagle might be a sign that you’re having difficulty balancing your work and your personal life. This could be a chance for you to self-reflect and find areas in your life that seem out of sync and bring stability back to your life.
  3. A bald eagle’s vision is about 8 times stronger than the average human’s vision, and they can spot prey up to a mile away. [6] Their keen vision can remind us to open our eyes and see the beauty in ourselves and the world around us. It can also be a sign to seek out wise elders and trusted sources to gain insight into your day-to-day activities and beliefs.
    • Because of their incredible sight and their cultural significance, people often look to bald eagles as symbols of wisdom and knowledge.
  4. Bald eagles often represent determination, grit, and strength because of their extraordinary talon grip strength and hunting skills. When you see a bald eagle, it could be a reminder to recommit yourself to your short and long-term goals and make your dreams come true .
    • Bald eagles’ powerful talons can also be a reminder to use the tools and knowledge the earth has given you to achieve your aspirations.
  5. Bald eagles’ sharp vision and theri ability to fly up to altitudes of 10,000 ft (3048 m) or more make them symbolic of reaching a higher spiritual perspective. If you encounter a bald eagle, it can be a sign to get in touch with your spiritual side and reach a higher form of consciousness.
    • Connect with your spirit by practicing self care, meditating , spending time with nature, or doing activities that make you happy.
  6. Because of their ability to soar high above the clouds on their powerful wings, bald eagles often symbolize new beginnings and personal growth. If you see one in the wild, it may be a sign that you’re about to reach a new phase of personal transformation that can allow you to overcome your obstacles and find opportunities for growth.
    • Bald eagles also represent new beginnings because they’re associated with the winds of the east, the direction from which spring and dawn emerge.
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Section 3 of 7:

Native American Bald Eagle Spiritual Meanings

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  1. The bald eagle is believed to be closer to God, or the Creator, than humans are. [7] In some American indigenous nations, high-flying bald eagles were believed to be messengers between humans and the Creator. [8]
    • These nations include the Hopi, the Citizen Potawatomi, the Cherokee, the Iowa, and more.
  2. In many Native American nations, the bald eagle’s feather is given as an honor and worn with dignity and pride. [9] For example, when a bald eagle’s feather is dropped during a Lakota dance, there’s a special ceremony that’s preformed to pick it back up again. [10]
    • In some nations, you might hold an eagle feather over another person’s head as a blessing of bravery and happiness. [11]
    • Some nations use bald eagle feathers and bone whistles in sun dances, powwows, and sweat lodges. [12]
    • Eagle feathers are sometimes worn as graduation regalia. [13] They can also used as medicinal tools, protection charms, symbols of peace and healing, and vessels for prayer. [14]
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Section 4 of 7:

United States of America Bald Eagle Symbolism

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  1. The bald eagle is unique to North America and often symbolizes American values like strength, freedom, independence, and determination. [15] The bald eagle also appears on official documents, American currency, and on the original seal of the United States—the olive branch and arrows the eagle holds represents the power of peace and war. [16]
    • When he saw the original seal for the United States, Founding Father Benjamin Franklin wrote to his daughter that the turkey would’ve been more respectable bird than the bald eagle. [17]
Section 5 of 7:

Spiritual Meaning of Seeing a Bald Eagle in a Specific Situation

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  1. If you see a bald eagle sitting on a house, it may be a sign that a higher power is watching over you. Bald eagles are often believed to be wise spiritual guardians. As a link between humanity and the spiritual realm, the bald eagle can be a source of strength and security, allowing you to face your fears and achieve your goals.
  2. Bald eagles mate for life, and both the male and the female build the nest and defend their territory. [18] If you see two bald eagles flying together, it could be a sign to trust your partner or to find stability within yourself. It can also be a reminder to find unity and balance between the masculine and feminine energy inside yourself.
  3. If you see a bald eagle after someone in your life has passed on, it may indicate that the person who has passed on is here to protect and watch over you as a spirit guide . It can also be a reminder of the deceased person’s strength and resilience while they were still alive, that they now pass on to you.
    • Bald eagles often symbolize growth, rebirth, and transformation—seeing one after someone has passed could represent the soul’s journey from the physical realm to the spiritual.
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Section 6 of 7:

Bald Eagles as Spirit or Totem Animals

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  1. You’re an influential person with a strong spirit who believes in the importance of taking responsibility for your actions, standing up for what you believe in, and seeing the truth above all. As a visionary and a natural leader, people naturally gravitate towards you.
    • As a guardian of its territory, the bald eagle spirit animal provides you with protection and security as you move throughout your day.
    • In popular culture, spirit animals are believed to act as guides or protectors and represent certain traits or characteristics that people admire. Totem animals are considered sacred to Native Americans. [19]
  2. When you’re feeling overwhelmed by work or other earthly worries, you’re faced with a number of tough life choices, you’re feeling spiritually disoriented, or you’re having trouble balancing your work with your personal life, call on the eagle spirit animal for help.
    • Access the eagle’s power by keeping a gratitude journal or going to an area where you can see far below you and take deep breaths.
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Section 7 of 7:

What does it mean if you dream about a bald eagle?

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  1. As connections to the spirit world, seeing a bald eagle in your dream can mean that you’re receiving guidance from your spirit guides or your guardian angels. They may be here to encourage you to follow your spiritual path and make clear decisions to connect with your higher self.
    • Seeing a bald eagle in your dream can also be a symbol of good luck—this might mean that an opportunity you’ve been waiting for is about to reveal itself to you.

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      References

      1. ↑ https://blogs.loc.gov/inside_adams/2019/06/the-bald-eagle-creature-of-nature-and-an-american-symbol/
      2. ↑ https://www.nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Wildlife-Guide/Birds/Bald-Eagle
      3. ↑ https://www.nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Wildlife-Guide/Birds/Bald-Eagle
      4. ↑ https://www.fws.gov/species/bald-eagle-haliaeetus-leucocephalus
      5. ↑ https://www.eagles.org/what-we-do/educate/learn-about-eagles/bald-eagle-behavior/
      6. ↑ https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/news/new-zoo-bald-eagle-acadia
      7. ↑ https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/national-eagle-repository-eagles-go-to-native-american-tribes-and-science-180960306/
      8. ↑ https://fwp.mt.gov/binaries/content/assets/fwp/montana-outdoors/2017/baldeagles.pdf
      9. ↑ https://blog.nativehope.org/the-feather-symbol-of-high-honor
      1. ↑ https://aktalakota.stjo.org/lakota_spirit_animal/eagle-wanbli/
      2. ↑ https://blog.nativehope.org/the-feather-symbol-of-high-honor
      3. ↑ https://www.npr.org/2012/03/19/148919990/wyoming-tribe-wins-right-to-hunt-two-bald-eagles
      4. ↑ https://narf.org/cases/graduation/
      5. ↑ https://www.audubon.org/magazine/spring-2019/mixed-blessings
      6. ↑ https://www.eagles.org/what-we-do/educate/learn-about-eagles/bald-eagle-usas-national-symbol/
      7. ↑ https://diplomacy.state.gov/the-great-seal/
      8. ↑ https://www.fi.edu/en/benjamin-franklin/franklin-national-bird
      9. ↑ https://www.fws.gov/eagle-fun-facts-for-educators
      10. ↑ https://americanindian.si.edu/nk360/pdf/Native-American-Relationships-to-Animals-Not-Your-Spirit-Animal.pdf

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