Birds hold knowledge of speaking with all animals. All feathers relate to human spirit and its innate connection with the Divine. They are the "initiators of air" in opening to realms beyond physical time and space. Psychic perceptions are thus transformed into spiritual intuitions. Air separates Heaven and Earth, thus the birds are the epitome of the flight between spiritual and the physical being. With bird medicine, we learn to use our innate intuitions to ride the currents of life.

There are several kinds of feathers that help propel flight. I will only relay the most common ones without the breakdown of the specific type of feather and its function.

• The flight /wing feathers are strong and vaned. These lift and reduce drag. If these feathers are found they can heighten meditation and movements in life.
• Tail feathers are sturdy and strong. They are used for steering and braking. They align us with forces to help stop and steer our own lives.
• Down feathers are soft and dainty. These grow continuously under the main feathers for insulation and to condition the bird's coat.

When a feather comes to you, it is sometimes difficult to tell what part of the bird the feather is from. After inquiring of the feathers and learning about the bird, eventually you'll recognize and identify feathers more easily. But nonetheless, it is a message from nature to contemplate on. When you find a feather it can lift, insulate, and protect you against life's elements. When a feather catches your attention and is discovered in an unexpected place, it is a gift for your path. Feathers bring us inspiring messages to remind of us our world and our connection to it. Their symbolic meanings inspire us to soar to new heights.

There are times when a feather becomes a reassurance symbol by appearing to you when you are going through the different phases in your life. Letting you know that you are loved and watched over. They remind you that you are still a part of the Whole. Different feathers also may correspond to your own awareness cycles as the ebb and flow of energy changes.

The feather creates the opportunity to awaken your insights. Spend time with your feather and the symbolic meaning will appear. You can honor your feather by: meditating with it, breathing on it which activates the life force of air and wearing them. Make prayer sticks/wands, staffs, aura dusters and feather/fetish pots. To help you determine how birds reflect your present life you may ask these questions.

• What is the size, shape and color of the bird?
• What is the feather function?
• What are the wing structures? (Soaring, fast, slow)
• What are the actions in the air and on land?
• What are the sounds it makes?

If you look, listen and watch carefully you will see birds and other animals around you that accurately reflect what you are feeling and going through. They can also lead you to understanding of where you are going and how to change directions in your life. All of the actions you do reinforce your connection with the bird spirits. In nature all is one. Honor what you have, it will always honor you, therefore you honor yourself and your oneness with the Great Spirit, The Highest and Most Holy One.

Animals have never failed to talk to us, we have never listened. Only by enhancing our awareness of intuition and consciously listening to our natural surroundings can we learn from all the animals.

Source: Starstuffs http://www.starstuffs.com/animal_totems/feathers.html