Swallow. The swallow was one of the birds often used to represent the Egyptian ba (soul) and it was believed that deceased people could return as swallows. The bird was also depicted riding in the prow of Ra's solar boat and Isis was said to change into a swallow at night. Because swallows nest in or near houses the Romans considered them sacred to household deities. It was considered good luck to have a swallow build its nest on your house.
Swallows are birds of the home nesting under our roofs and in chimneys. Light a candle in their honor for bringing security warmth and protection to your shared abode. Represent these birds on your Ostara altar to welcome the return of spring and the renewal of the green world. Call on swallow to boost spells relating to love fertility and family. Swallow also brings powerful energy for manifesting what you desire and for reversing spells. Swallow fosters healing energy and can be called upon to grace circle gatherings for this purpose.
To connect with the energy of swallow and swift go outside at dusk gaze up at the sky and with your arms out to the sides turn in circles. Visualize whirling and circling above the trees and rooftops with speed and apility. Stop spinning but continue to hold vour arms out to the sides. If you feel dizzy sit on the ground but keep your arms up. Close your eyes and inmagine a flight of swallows or a flock of switts above you When they begin to fly lower atound you encircling you with their light they are ready to connect with you.
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Blackbird. Being enchanted by the song of a blackbird that has something nostalgic to it I decided to look deeper into the meaning symbolism and folklore of these magical little feathered beings that we see so often. According to Italian folklore the blackbird was originally white but got its black color after spending a cold winter night in the chimney for warmth. In Celtic legends blackbirds were seen as the gatekeepers to the other world and fairy realm. Also if a blackbird sang before christmas the month of February would start with a cold spell. Blackbirds were also used in ancient shamanic rituals. It's said that shamans used the song of a blackbird to aid them on their travels. They were also used as a way to interpret omens. Apparently seeing two blackbirds means that good things are on the horizon! Keep your eyes peeled!
The omen of the blackbird of course varied by culture and in some it was seen as an omen of death. However this is most likely because humans have throughout history associated black with death/bad luck and nothing to do with the bird itself.
Black creatures blend into the night and convey a sense of mystery. Blackbird can be called upon to draw on the energy of the Goddess in new moon rituals. This bird reminds us to embrace the dark to go deep and to incubate ideas or explore mysteries. Blackbirds energy helps with creativity and heightens awareness for psychic work. Red-winged blackbird has a strong connection with life giving Goddess energy. It is especially associated with the Fates and other goddesses associated with spinning and weaving such as Frigg Freya Isis Rhiannon Athena and the Norns.