Have you ever seen a woodpecker and been struck by its unique appearance? These birds are fascinating to watch as they peck away at tree bark, searching for insects to eat. But did you know that woodpecker feathers have spiritual meaning, too?
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Woodpecker Feather Spiritual Meaning: Is It A Knock On Heaven’s Door?
Equipped with extremely strong bills which they use to drill and drum on trees, woodpeckers are some of the most fascinating bird species that carry deep spiritual meanings. Found in areas with an abundance of greenery, the plumage of these relatively quiet creatures comes knocking into our lives with messages that help make our daily grind a little less stressful and more pleasant. Read more about the feather meaning here.
From encouraging us to embrace changes and opportunities to support our creative side, let’s tap into the captivating woodpecker feather spiritual meaning.
“A woodpecker can tap twenty times on a thousand trees and get nowhere, but stay busy. Or he can tap twenty-thousand times on one tree and get dinner.”
– Seth Godin, American author
What does the woodpecker feather mean spiritually?
Often sporting plumage of varying colors, it doesn’t come as a surprise why the woodpecker feather represents a range of contradicting messages. Whether you need some sort of spiritual encouragement or are seeking to understand life’s complicated patterns and rhythms, here’s a jab at what the feathers of these reserved flyers mean.
- Fertility
- Serenity
- Watchful
- Happiness
Fertility: Strong willingness to bear
Admired for its ability to lay up to 10 eggs in a single brood, the woodpecker feather is seen by many as a symbol of fertility. As both parents incubate their eggs for 12 to 14 days, it symbolizes our need for comfort and warmth, as well as our deep longing to find love and passion.
Expecting to bring new life may subject us to a whirlwind of emotions. However, the plumage of these hardworking creatures encourages us to be nurturing parents and prove that having a child is more than just stretch marks and 2 am feedings.
Serenity: A peaceful mind
Naturally cautious and peaceful, woodpeckers are constantly vigilant about the safety of their environment, especially when they have chicks in their nests. Known to only fight back to scare away potential threats from its young, coming across the feather of a woodpecker shows how we are capable of leading a life of peace.
Regarded as a state of mind that each of us should strive for, the unexpected appearance of this bird’s feather allows us to handle our worries and anxieties properly. Apart from helping protect ourselves from the toxicity of other people’s disapproval and adversity, it gives us the ability to control our emotions and listen to our innermost thoughts.
“A woodpecker’s drilling Echoes To the mountain clouds.”
– Dakotsu Iida
Cautious: Keeping your eyes peeled
Favored for being such attentive and protective parents to their chicks, the woodpecker’s feather has long been considered a symbol of safety and protection. Featuring a special bone that keeps its skull in check when it pecks, it represents our capacity to keep those whom we deem important safe.
While several traditions see this as an indication of fearfulness and having a faint heart, being constantly vigilant enables us to recognize and avoid any potential danger. This helps us think of ways to respond appropriately with discernment and wisdom. This feather also gives us the courage to spread our wings and grow, as well as promote ourselves with poise and confidence.
Happiness: On cloud nine
Providing a distinct ticking sound in woodlands and forests, woodpeckers resiliently tap on trees to build a nest or hunt for food without any objections or protests. While such a sound is considered a disturbance by some, it owns the ability to add a continuous rhythm of cheerful beats to a forest filled with chirps and growls.
This represents our need to remain cheerful even when confronted by challenges that make life demanding and difficult. By helping us see the good in every situation, the presence of this remarkable bird’s feather lifts our mood. It guides us in finding better ways of seeing things. Not only does being cheerful make going through life a lot easier, but it also moves us to face such difficult situations with a positive mindset and an upbeat attitude.
Woodpecker feather spiritual meaning
Widely acknowledged as a spirit animal that flies in to sound off and warn us about the threat of betrayal and deception, the woodpecker provides us with the courage to peck at and reveal the unique messages behind our interactions and relationships. This tireless creature’s vibrant plumage urges us to display our extraordinary talents. It also inspires others to do the same.
It tells us that whether you are creating a work of art or simply looking at new and fun ways to transfer plants into pots, our creative juices help us see the world from a positive perspective. It also helps refresh our bodies and minds. Since life would occasionally present us with challenges, the woodpecker’s feather would often float into our lives to help us heal and move forward from the pains of the past.
“I am busier than a woodpecker in a lumber yard.”
– Unknown
By providing us with the strength to overcome hardships, this feather enables us to lessen our feeling of hopelessness. It increases our capacity for forgiveness (read more about symbolism of forgiveness) and acceptance as well. While its fluff plays a critical role in helping the woodpecker take flight, stumbling upon the woodpecker feather reminds us to follow the path of humility. It nudges us to remember the importance of always keeping our feet on the ground. Although several cultures see this as a sign of weakness, this feather makes it easier for us to develop lasting relationships as it makes it effortless to lend others a helping hand.
Revered for its ability to perform an average of 12,000 pecks per day, the feathers of these gentle creatures remind us how resilience pays off as it reduces anxiety and depression. It also improves our self-satisfaction.
Finding a woodpecker feather meaning
Recognized for its obvious fondness for areas with lush vegetation, chancing upon a woodpecker’s feather indicates our need to reconnect with nature. Along with helping improve the state of our environment, it allows us to further appreciate the beauty of our surroundings. It also promotes our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
Its ability to relentlessly strike trees just to ensure its young’s safety signifies how we would go beyond our means to keep our loved ones protected and away from harm. The tapping sound produced by its rapid pecks, as well as the varying patterns of its plumage, indicate our ability to tap on our creative energy to make expressing ourselves a little more effortless.
Making use of its strong beak to penetrate through trees, finding a woodpecker feather represents the spiritual strength that lies within us. It also displays its ability to protect us from life’s occasional sufferings and misfortunes.
“He’s/She’s tougher than woodpecker lips.”
– Unknown
The woodpecker shows that while most birds may not be strong and patient enough to go through such a demanding task, seeing its feather is an encouragement for us to remain graceful even in the face of risks and uncertainties. Having long been perceived as a spirit animal that brings forth wisdom, the woodpecker feather teaches us to believe that our gifts are sufficient in carving out a life that’s safe, joyful, and abundant.
Meaning of a woodpecker feather tattoo
Although woodpecker tattoos are not as popular as other bird-themed designs, this does not mean that it lacks meaning. In fact, woodpecker tattoos often represent the wearer as a creative individual.
This is because the woodpecker is known for its creative problem-solving skills, as well as its unique plumage. Woodpecker tattoos are also said to promote a sense of focus and determination, two qualities that are essential in achieving success.
Apart from these, woodpecker tattoos can also symbolize good luck, protection, and strength. Given the woodpecker is known for its fearless nature, a woodpecker tattoo can also be seen as a reminder to stay strong in the face of adversity.
Conclusion
As a flying creature that holds great significance across the world, the woodpecker is no doubt one of the most charming and well-known birds around. While various cultures give them high reverence for their fertile and productive nature, the wonderful messages brought by the woodpecker feather show how we should open our hearts and souls once this spirit animal comes knocking.
We have more posts about the woodpecker, please check them out:
- Dead Woodpecker Symbolism
- Downy Woodpecker Vs Hairy Woodpecker – Differences And Similarities
- Woodpecker Symbolism and Spiritual Meaning: Revealing the Mystery
