Often people quote religious scripture about having dominion over animals to rationalize the abuse of the natural world. I remember as a kid my grandparents encouraging me to catch fireflies and put them in a jar. My grandfather had made several holes in the lid. The idea was to use the lightning bugs as a night light and release them in the morning. When I woke the next day, they were all dead. This confused my grandparents who insisted there was enough air.
They died because they constantly threw themselves against the hard glass sides of the jar trying to escape in their panic. A few could have injured themselves on the jagged metal nail holes. They battered themselves to death. If one or two had lived, their short lives would have been much shorter. Often, we encourage children to play with insects and animals as if they were toys as opposed to living things with short lives.
We can observe nature in its natural setting as opposed to chasing it with a butterfly net. Even the net can injure the wings of a butterfly. Most people who are trying to catch a butterfly are hoping to pin it to a piece of Styrofoam for a collection. It’s sad when people don’t take the time to listen to the message and manipulate nature for their own use.
Today’s animal is the goldfinch. My backyard is the heavily guarded property of chickadees who have claimed the bird feeder as their own. The occasional dove visits despite the chickadees upset, but they manage to chase other birds away. I was shocked to see a goldfinch in my side yard. The lovely yellow bird fluttered from individual plants in a roundabout fashion making his final stop on a mint plant.
The Goldfinch is unusual in the fact it actually eats plants. The more yellow it is the better. My beautiful yellow rose bush along with the stand of sunflowers provide dinner. The bird's bright yellow color naturally makes people smile, but what message does it bring. A goldfinch reminds you to enjoy life, smile, sing and dance a little. If you approach life with gusto and are often in a good mood, then a goldfinch could be your personal totem animal.
Some of the information comes from http://www.spirit-animals.com and the rest from observation.
Goldfinch Commections
Awakening to nature spirits, fairies, elves, devas
Helps in transition of physical to spiritual
Aids in discovering your own voice
Understanding the value of change
Healthy family resolutions
Joy
Variety
Simplicity
Diversity
Appreciation
Happiness
High Energy
Honoring Resources
Healthy Diet
Celebration
Creativity
Multiplicity
Balance & Harmony when dealing with others
Awakening to hidden choices
Enjoying the journey
This darling bird is a welcome visitor with an upbeat message.