The symbolism of birds within Tarot readings offers a multifaceted lens through which to view communication, intuition, and the minor disturbances of daily life. Across various sources, the appearance of birds—whether as central figures or as motifs on cards—is consistently linked to the element of air, representing thoughts, messages, and the clarity of perspective. While some interpretations focus on the spiritual connection and the need to trust one's inner wisdom, others highlight the practicalities of social interaction and the persistence of minor worries. Understanding these distinct yet complementary meanings allows for a more nuanced approach to personal growth and energy balancing.
In the realm of Tarot, the number seven holds a specific thematic weight, often signaling a period of waiting, introspection, and desire. This numerical influence, when combined with the symbolism of birds, creates a rich tapestry of meaning that guides individuals through periods of anticipation and the need for clear communication.
The Archetypal Significance of the Number Seven in Tarot
The sevens in Tarot are pivotal cards that follow the harmony of the six, sparking a new cycle of desire and higher purpose. The core meaning of the sevens revolves around themes of waiting, introspection, and surprises. These cards symbolize a deep urge to rethink what one truly wants, highlighting the tension between longing and the unknown. They often signal a pause—a waiting period for something imagined or hoped for—which requires patience, persistence, and growth through delays. When 7’s appear in a reading, their messages are clear: they ask the querent to understand their desire and to remain open to growth and fresh perspectives.
Seven of Wands: The Creative Struggle
The 7 of Wands represents the creative struggle required to defend one's position. Wands symbolize energy and passion, and this card illustrates that opposition is a natural part of pursuing a goal. It suggests that unexpected hurdles may arise, necessitating adjustments to plans while one's vision evolves. The card emphasizes the need to maintain one's stance amidst challenges.
Seven of Cups: Fantasies and Options
In contrast, the 7 of Cups warns against losing oneself in fantasies. As Cups relate to emotions, this card depicts many tempting options that can lead to distraction or confusion. It serves as a reminder to ground oneself in reality and to discern between true desires and illusory distractions.
Birds as Symbols of Air and Freedom
Birds are prominent symbols in the Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot deck, appearing on multiple cards, including the Queen of Swords, King of Swords, Knight of Swords, and Page of Swords. These birds are generally not specific breeds but reflect the general symbolic meanings associated with birds. In Tarot, birds primarily represent two concepts: the element of air and freedom. Their presence as the mascot of the element of air is obvious due to their ability to fly, linking them directly to thoughts, intellect, and communication.
The general appearance of birds on Sword cards reinforces the connection between these avian symbols and the realm of the mind. They serve as visual cues for the querent to consider the mental landscape and the freedom of thought.
The Birds Card: Communication and Spiritual Guidance
The specific "Birds card" in Tarot carries a powerful symbolic meaning centered on communication, partnership, harmony, and spiritual guidance. When this card appears in a reading, it often serves as a sign to pay attention to the way one communicates and connects with others. It reminds the querent to trust their intuition and be open to the messages of the universe.
Diverse Interpretations Across Decks
Interpretations of the Birds card can vary slightly depending on the specific deck used. While the general theme of communication and messages remains, nuances exist: * Spiritual Intuition: Some decks emphasize the power of intuition and the ability to receive and interpret messages from the spiritual realm. This interpretation suggests a need to trust one's instincts and listen to the inner voice, indicating that important information may be on its way. * Social Interaction: Other decks interpret the Birds card as a symbol of social interaction, conversation, and networking. This perspective focuses on the external exchange of ideas and the importance of community.
Core Symbolism: Harmony and Perspective
The Birds card commonly depicts two birds sitting on a branch or in flight. These birds symbolize harmony, balance, and partnership, suggesting that open communication and cooperation are key in any situation. They also represent the ability to see the bigger picture and gain a wider perspective. The card encourages the querent to choose words wisely, express oneself clearly, and be receptive to the messages of others. Active listening and effective communication are essential for fostering understanding and resolution in relationships.
On a deeper level, the Birds card signifies intuition and spiritual guidance. Birds are believed to have a close connection to the divine, acting as messengers from higher realms. They represent the power of intuition and the unseen forces at work, encouraging the querent to rely on their inner wisdom.
Birds in Lenormand: Daily Troubles and Miscommunication
While Tarot offers spiritual and psychological insights, the Lenormand tradition provides a more grounded, practical interpretation of birds. The Birds Lenormand card symbolizes minor and insignificant daily troubles and difficulties that occur regularly. The advice associated with this card is to remain calm and continue moving forward without being distracted by these problems. It warns against letting trivial issues affect success, personal growth, career, and life.
Keywords and Upright Meaning
The keywords associated with the Birds card in Lenormand are worry, excitement, gossip, chattering, nervousness, and anxiety. Upright, the card indicates small troubles that easily rob one of mental strength and emotional balance, potentially leading to inner disharmony. In stressful situations, one may lose the ability to make correct and deliberate decisions. The card can also be associated with doubts and uncertainty, though it suggests that one is capable of coping with temporary setbacks. Neighboring cards in a spread may provide hints regarding who or what is causing the disturbance.
Reversed Meaning
When reversed, the Bird card signifies slander, being misunderstood, and having everything said incorrectly interpreted. It points to miscommunication and the presence of confusing, useless, and meaningless information. The advice is not to trust or rely on such information.
Contextual Readings
The meaning of the Birds card can shift based on the context of the reading: * In Love Readings: Upright, the card speaks of a strong desire to be close to a partner, like lovebirds. It indicates pleasant meetings, common interests, and a partner ready to support in all life situations. It often points to newlyweds arranging their nest. Reversed, it suggests that gossip from others can damage the relationship and lead to high conflict. * In Career Readings: Upright, for those seeking a new job, the card suggests a myriad of interviews. In the professional field, it signifies routine, daily tasks, responsibilities, and may indicate a business trip or meeting.
Conclusion
The symbolism of birds in Tarot and Lenormand offers a comprehensive guide for navigating the complexities of communication, intuition, and daily life. From the spiritual guidance and partnership highlighted in the Tarot Birds card to the practical warnings of minor troubles and miscommunication in the Lenormand tradition, these symbols provide valuable insights. They remind querents to trust their inner wisdom, maintain clarity in their interactions, and remain grounded amidst the distractions of daily challenges. By understanding the messages of the birds, individuals can better harmonize their energy and navigate their path with greater awareness.