Understanding the signals coming from the cosmos, nature and environment and also from animals and birds is an art; it could indicate weather changes, rains, clouds, eclipse and relate to time and space changes. Humans have looked at birds since time immemorial for inspiration, freedom, and a longing for being united with the divine. The ability to fly and soar high up in the sky is closely associated in Feng Shui with the ability to be near heavens, as well as the ability to serve as messengers from heavens.
In the roots of Feng Shui, a strong philosophy exists which says, “If you want abundance, feed the Earth, feed the birds.” Birds are a symbol of wealth, strong chi, harmony and joy, they signify new opportunities too. They only come where there is food, life and where there is enough to share so it also means joy and abundance. For those who take financial risks and speculate in stocks, birds signify protection and wealth. Bird feathers which you find by chance (not plucked out of birds) are said to dissolve bad energies and mishaps. In short, Taoist Feng Shui looks at birds as cosmic messengers. Birds building nests in the garden is a sign of prosperity and increased income. Birds singing in the morning is said to bring in good news.
How can one read the signs from birds?
■ A single bird indicates important message, pairs mean love coming your way and family of birds suggests happy occasions.
■ Healthy lively bird or several birds chirping means making merry and social partying.
■ Injured birds are a forewarning of possible negative situations and to exercise caution.
■ Blue bird signifies promotion and career growth.
■ White bird signifies healing and recovery of someone who is close and unwell.
■ Bird with red markings indicates time for special honour or recognition.
■ Yellow bird signifies increase in sudden wealth or even pregnancy.
Each family of birds in turn has a special meaning:
■ Magpies mean new friends, birds of prey like eagles suggests good fortune.
■ Small birds like sparrows indicate happy news and love birds signify romance.
■ Crows imply divine message and could even be a prophetic dream.
■ Owls indicate a teacher or guru of great significance coming into your life.
■ Crane symbolizes a long life and happy marriage.
Birds are the most popular image in Feng Shui decorating to promote positive relationships, including friendships, romance and marriage. Ducks, cranes, peacocks, pheasants and love birds are all avians that help to activate romance.
Installing a birdbath in your yard is one way to bring excellent chi to your home. This is because birds aid in the circulation of chi by bringing new positive energy. Water as you know also represents abundance, fertility and financial growth. The best place to place a bird bath is in the North, East and Southeast sectors of your garden. However if you are going to keep a bird bath make sure that you keep the waters free of scum and leaves as stagnant water in a bird bath can mean stagnation in your love and financial life as well.
The writer is a master Feng Shui consultant and traditional vastu practitioner