BLUEBIRD Keynote: Modesty, Unassuming Confidence and Happiness Cycle of Power: Winter and Summer (changes of seasons) The bluebird is a native bird of North America, although once common, they are now rare. This often is a reminder that we are born to happiness and fulfillment, but we sometimes get so lost and wrapped up in the everyday events of our lives that our happiness and fulfillment seem rare. When bluebird shows up it should first remind you to take time to enjoy yourself. Bluebirds are part of the thrush family, you can read about thrushes to learn more about bluebirds. Males are entirely blue, while females have blue only on the wings. Occasionally there will be some warm reddish tones on the chest as well. Pay attention to the colors and where they are located to provide insight. To the Cherokees, blue is the color of the North, while in many magical traditions, it is the color of the East. The edges of many Jewish prayer shawls were often the color of blue. Blue is associated with the throat chakra and creative expression. Blue is symbolic so ask yourself what blue means to you. The idea of the bluebird being symbolic of happiness is fairly recent. This concept has developed more within this century than any other time. It is unknown whether or not the bluebird played a major role in Indian myths or tales. This bird always has a plaintive song and a modest unassuming appearance. Its shoulders are hunched when its perched, making it seem as if ready to dive. This can be symbolic of a need to work hard and play hard. To the Pueblo, bluebirds are considered winter birds because they descend to the lowlands with the snow and cold during that season. This transition from winter to summer is dramatic in the area of the western home of the Pueblo. It is a transition from great coldness to summer heat. This is symbolic of a passage, a time of movement into another level of being. Such as the transformation of a girl into womanhood, with the connection to fertility and a new confidence and happiness in coming into your own. Other Pueblo rites revolved around the use of bluebird feathers as prayer sticks. There are also rites that tie them to fertility of the land. Bluebirds are gentle and nonaggressive. They do not push or bully other birds, but they are very scrappy when threatened. Their homes usually have an entrance facing South, the direction for awakening the inner child. If a bluebird has come into your life, look for opportunities to touch the joyful and intrinsically native aspects of yourself that you may have lost touch with.