Flocking Starlings!

[wrenstarling]

I just noticed that "flocking" sounds a lot like a certain "naughty" word. *laugh* So, the birds are cranky with me. I have not been working like I should, and they are letting me know. I cannot drive anywhere without birds flying in front of my car, though they are usually kind enough not to make me slam on my brakes...usually! They have pooped on my house and my trash can, and are threatening to do the same to my car and my mailbox.
This morning, a whole flock of starlings landed in my front yard and then took off with a great ruckus when I didn't notice them right away. Oops! So, in apology, I am getting my butt in gear and writing this post. Of course, I can only write about starlings!

The most awesome thing about starlings is the way they flock. Here's a link to someone talking about how people love to capture flocks of starlings on photo and film. The photos and videos collected in that post are enough to really give you a taste of what it's like. To me, it's like watching living abstract art. It cannot help but inspire awe...and maybe a little terror if you are familiar with Hitchcock's The Birds!

One look at my name will tell you that starlings are important to me. When I was first discovering my calling as an auspex, I recalled how starlings had been nesting at my house for some time; we even saved their babies, which I considered a good sign for my own struggles with fertility. (We have two children now.) We even took to calling our home Starling House...all before I knew I was an auspex!

So, what does starling mean? In the kind of synchronicity that has filled my experiences since my calling came to me, it is completely and utterly appropriate for me. Starling is in the bird Ogham, the major arcana of my bird oracle, and speaks about being present in the now, smoldering fires, the shaping of things, bending/turns, patterns especially in terms of language/communication and groups, directness/honesty (sometimes with unfortunate consequences), being a Speaker and unafraid to show your voice.
For me, I am rather renowned for my directness and honesty. Being an auspex was a very unexpected turn of events in my life, but filled with patterns and meaning, and starling told me to live in the now and move forward, to use my voice as a speaker and interpreter for the birds. How could I not listen?
If starlings are speaking to you, perhaps change is coming or has recently come to your life, or perhaps it is time to speak up and say loud and proud what is in your heart. Starlings live big and bold and vibrantly, and we do well to emulate them!

Comments

[acelightning]

I'm assuming you know that starlings are not originally native to North America. They were introduced in the mid-1800s as part of a wrongheaded attempt to populate America with all the birds mentioned in Shakespeare. Starlings are pretty aggressive birds, and they soon became one of the dominant species.

So I guess you could also see starlings as opportunists, making the best of a situation they were thrust into, and as involuntary immigrants who survive and thrive on their strength, wits, and determination.

[moonvoice]

Oh yes, outside of their natural environment they are rapacious, extraordinarily destructive birds. In Australia they've facilitated the extinction (and endangerment) of other species, they've assisted the spread of other feral and invasive plants, and they are a threat to farming. Approximately $5 million a year is spent to keep them out of Western Australia, and flocks are shot on sight. :/

One day, I'd like to see them in a country where they've either naturalised with their environment, or where they are actually native. Though I feel that way about foxes and many other animals too. We have a ton of ferals here.

I wonder if that would add an additional meaning to do with lacking understanding in places where you don't belong? And on the upside, the ability to find resources to survive anywhere (even if they must be taken from others).

[wrenstarling]

Yep, I'm well aware of that, and their strong, dominant personality also matches well with me, as you know! :)

[wrenstarling]

*nod* Poor Australia has been the victim of WAY too many introduced animals. They've pretty well naturalized here at this point.

I definitely am a survivor, and I see starlings in the same light. *nod*

[acelightning]

Me, too, of course, although I don't particularly identify with any given bird. And I'm also aware that the name "starling" comes from the light-colored spots on a black background, like the stars in the night sky :-)

[sidheblessed]

Even though they can be extremely destructive in Australia, I do find them to be beautiful birds. The way they flock in incredible. It is like living art. I've never had the privilege of seeing them flock in person but the photos and videos of it do give me a taste of what a sight it must be.

[wrenstarling]

Hey, I hadn't thought of it, but that's another way my tattoo is perfect, since it features a starry night sky! :)

[acelightning]

Of course! :-D