A Bird and the Moon

Just at dawn the other day I was running on a paved trail, feeling the burdens of my responsibilities and commitments and mulling them over in my mind, seeking some reassurance I was where I needed to be, doing what I needed to be doing (yes, of course, going on a run is always what). When suddenly a great flapping of wings passed just a few feet above me and flew into a tree along the path. As the sun had not risen yet, it took me a little while to find the bird within the leaves and branches and when I did this incredible barred owl appeared and just looked at me. I looked back and then got out my phone and the owl patiently sat there while I took as many photos as I desired. I often hear owls when I run before and at dawn, but it is rare that I see them and especially not this close. As I ran on down the path, I felt blessed by this sighting and it sparked memories of my grandmother.

She was an avid observer of nature but especially birds. She passed this love of bird watching down to me. At one point in my bird watching life, I started a bird list. A common practice among serious birders. But this list brought a sense of competition to my bird watching and stole some of the joy and awe that birding brought to my world, so I ditched it and brought my attention back to the beauty and wonder of a bird sighting, seeing the fleeting moments that a bird is visible to me as gift.

I kept wondering what be this owl’s gift to me? A few days later I was reviewing my anchor tarot card for this season, XVIII The Moon (Rider Waite Smith Deck). The Moon’s invitation is to embrace and surrender to the unknowns of life, there are no answers at this time, to be in the patient and they will come, although it may seem difficult to see far ahead, the moon shines a light on the near path and keeps you safe. Then I had a thought that in another deck, Spirit Song, one that I really resonate with, the animal representation on the moon card is the owl.

Today there will be a lunar eclipse. The moon as a force of nature that pulls at us in ways we are unaware of. As the moon impacts the earth water, so does it impact us, as we are mostly made of water. As I navigate this uncertain time, the gift from my owl sighting is the reinforcement of the message to trust my instincts and myself and watch for signs.

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