17 Spiritual Meaning Of Herons

Herons are important birds in the spirit world.

In fact, Herons have several spiritual and symbolic meanings and are frequently linked with the ability to deliver messages from the spirit world. Additionally, they are also seen as having wisdom, elegance, and patience, and can be the bearer of good luck. Plus, they are tied up with a number of fascinating myths and legends.

The spiritual meaning of herons on this list will hopefully help you make sense of all this amazing bird has to offer. We will look at all the various spiritual aspects of herons, including their significance as your spirit and totem animal.

17 Spiritual Meaning Of Herons

So, let’s get to it and take a closer look at what herons can tell us.

1. Messages from Herons

The heron can move through the water, earth, and air. Seeing a heron is, therefore, a sign of us being able to move through three different states of our consciousness. These are our conscious, our subconscious as well as our superconscious state.

Moreover, the heron brings messages from the spirit world, and when we become open and able to move between these three states, we can receive and understand them. However, having the power to transverse these different states is not easy, but you should keep trying until you succeed.

Where to start?

When we see a heron, it is important to reflect on how that encounter affected us. Did it happen as we were reflecting on a specific problem, or maybe on a loved one, or someone that had already passed? What was your emotional state at the time, and did you feel some special bond and affinity with the bird?

These kinds of questions will all help you to unlock the spiritual message from the heron.

2. Elegance of Herons

The heron moves gently and gracefully through the water. No doubt, this is all to minimize the possibility of disturbing its prey. But its gentle and graceful movements are a reminder of the importance of elegance and grace in a hectic and chaotic world.

If you see a heron, it can therefore be a message that we sometimes need to take the time to slow down and pause to consider our lives more carefully. This is the art of mindfulness which can help to reduce stress and anxiety and improve overall mental health.

3. Herons’ Patience

The heron seems to have endless patience when hunting for food. It can stand still for long periods and not be distracted by anything other than its ultimate purpose of finding food.

This is a rare quality in humans in the modern world. All too often, we can be anything other than patient and are only satisfied when we get instant gratification. The sight of a heron means we need to have faith in the universe and the timeless spirit world.

Moreover, it is showing us that, with patience, we will get to where we want to be. We, therefore, also need to trust in our chosen path and wider purpose.

4. The Wisdom of the Heron

As mentioned, the heron lives in three different worlds. This is namely; on water, on land, and in the air. It, therefore, moves in environments that are beyond our daily scope as humans. This ability bestows a level of wisdom and experience on the heron that we don’t have.

So seeing a heron indicates that we need to continually work to expand both our knowledge and experience. We also need to work to move toward broadening our own spirituality on our journey toward enlightenment.

This we can do through meditation or through prayer.

5. Heron Symbolism in Japan

The Japanese view the Heron as being an animal of good luck. Therefore, if you come across a heron, you could be in for some good fortune. This might be in your personal life but could also be associated with your work or business.

Additionally, the Japanese believe that the heron is an intermediary and can deliver messages between the spirit and the physical world. So, if you get a message from a dream about a heron, it will invariably carry with it lots of positivity.

6. Heron Symbolism in China

The Chinese believe that the heron has a close connection to the dead and the spirit world. Further, they think that the souls of the dead are taken by the heron and then flown to heaven. So, if you come across a heron, it could be the heron that previously transported your loved one’s soul and is trying to make contact.

The heron, because of these qualities, is therefore seen as a symbol of transition.

7. Heron Maori Symbolism

The humble heron is revered by Maoris and considered to be a sacred animal. Such is their deference to the heron that special guests are referred to as white herons as a form of compliment.

Like the Chinese, the Maoris also think that herons perform the task of taking dead souls to heaven to begin their new journey in the afterlife.

8. Middle Eastern Heron Symbolism

This is one of the most interesting of every spiritual meaning of herons. In Islamic culture and within the Arab nations, the heron is linked with the mythical phoenix-like Anqa, which is supposedly almost immortal. The Anqa is believed to live for 2,00 years, and it is also believed that it does not lay an egg until it is 500 years old.

The heron is also associated with two other phoenix-like birds, the Simurgh and the Huma.

The Simurgh is an ancient bird of mythology that can carry messages between the spirit and the physical world. Additionally, it is seen as a symbol of wisdom with extra powers of purification in relation to water and land.

And the Huma?

This is another mythological bird that is believed to be immortal since it can regenerate itself. The Huma can bring good fortune to any human it comes into contact with.

9. Heron Native American Symbolism

Herons enjoy a high level of respect among Native Americans. They are seen as highly intelligent and persistent birds. Additionally, their sighting is believed to bring good luck and prosperity. Part of the reason the heron stands for prosperity is that they believe that the sighting of a heron will mean good fishing in the area.

Native Americans also perceive these birds as having a high level of resilience and patience. Consequently, they believe that seeing a heron could bestow upon them these same positive characteristics.

10. Heron Christian Symbolism

Like in many other cultures and religions, Christians consider the heron to be a symbol of good luck. Additionally, many bible stories and hymns have been written about the bird’s patience in relation to its hunting ability.

However, despite all these accolades, quite surprisingly, the bible also considers the heron to be a dirty bird because it wades through swamps. What’s more, because it eats fish, the bible regards it as an animal that should not be eaten.

No doubt a relief to herons!

One more interesting story is that because of its solitary nature, the bird is regarded as an example of what can happen to you if you are unpleasant to people. Namely, you will spend your time alone.

You have to believe there is a lot of truth in that!

11. Heron Buddhist Symbolism

The heron is greatly admired by Buddhists. Like many other religions and cultures, they consider patience, elegance, and persistence to be some of their excellent qualities. Herons are frequently referenced in Buddhist scriptures and poems.

Perhaps the best-known poem is by the thirteenth-century Japanese Buddhist Eihei Dogen. In his poetry, he often wrote about white herons. He also wrote about their similarities to humans who had already trod the path to enlightenment.

12. Herons and Aztec Mythology

As far as history is concerned, this, of all the spiritual meanings of herons, is the most fascinating.

So, why is that?

Because the Aztecs originally came from a place known as Aztlan. This can be translated as either ‘The Place of Whiteness,’ though interestingly, it can also be translated as ‘The Place of Herons.’

The place held a fascination for people from Europe and, more specifically, with the Spanish. When Spain first led its invasion into the New World, they were driven to search and discover this mythical place. Although they never found Aztlan, it did lead to the colonization of the South Americas and thus was responsible for a major historical shift in world power.

13. Herons in Greek Mythology

The heron is associated with several different ancient Greek gods. These include Approphite, who was born of the sea, and, as I’m sure you will all know, is the goddess of love.

The heron is also linked to the goddess Athena, who, in this instance, you might not know, is the goddess of wisdom and warfare. Finally, the heron is also associated with the god of prophecy, music, and archery, Apollo.

14. Herons in Celtic Mythology

The heron, along with another water bird, the crane, plays an important part in Celtic mythology. They are believed to be the chief guardians of all that lies within the spirit world. It is also believed that the heron is the physical reincarnation of the goddess of lakes and water, Rhiannon.

But this is not a romantic notion…

The Irish see the heron as being a bad omen. They believe that if it flies over your house, it is a predictor of someone’s death within the household. Additionally, it is believed to bring with it bad weather. However, this last point could be more to do with the fact that herons are more likely to hunt in wet conditions.

15. Slavic Mythology and the Heron

In Slavic mythology, the heron is tied in with the myth of a half-bird and half-human female creature known as Alkonost. The legend goes that this being could make such beautiful noises that anyone hearing it would become enthralled.

It is also believed that Alkonst would lay eggs and subsequently roll them into the sea. Then, once they had hatched, the clouds would gather, and a thunderstorm would begin.

16. Heron as a Spirit Animal

The heron as your spirit animal may signify that you have begun to reassert your independence. As part of this, you may also have regained your confidence and started to mix socially for the first time in a while. This is a positive step, and you should continue to move towards a good balance between socializing and having time for yourself.

In a relationship?

The heron may also be signaling that you need to be more cooperative with your current romantic partner. This might be because there is a possibility of children in your future. As such, you will need to cooperate and work together to produce a loving and secure environment for your family.

17. Heron as a Totem Animal

If the heron is your totem animal, it could be that you are a private person who enjoys solitude. You prefer to socialize with just a few friends, and you are very exclusive about whom you allow to enter your social circle. The friends you have, you repay with fierce loyalty, and they return the favor.

You have a wide range of interests and like to diversify and spend your time on lots of different hobbies and activities. From the outside, your life may appear to be unusual and chaotic. However, despite this, you have things nicely under control.

Although you are introverted and don’t like large crowds or groups of people, you still have a good social life. Just as importantly, you have plenty of time to be on your own. You make your qualities as an introvert work beautifully for you.

As we finish up on the spiritual meaning of herons…

Are you Enjoying Learning About Heron Symbolism?

If so, we invite you to read more about Hawk Symbolism, Red Bird Spiritual Meaning, Robin Symbolism, Bluebird Spiritual Meanings, Dove Meaning, Eagle Symbolism, Cardinal Meaning, and Blue Jay Spiritual Meaning.

And if you saw a heron in your dreams…

Please take a look at the meanings behind your Dream About Birds. Or just explore our comprehensive collection of dream interpretations about anything from Drawing Dream Meaning to Dreams About Ex-Boyfriends, a Dream About Flying to Broken Teeth Dream Interpretations.

We’re here to help you with any dream interpretations you might need in 2023.

Ok, back to today’s guidance…

Final Thoughts on the Spiritual Meaning Of Herons

So, there you have it. I genuinely hope you have learned more about these wonderful birds. I also hope that the different symbolisms around herons have helped you to better understand and connect more strongly to their spirit.

We could all do more to work towards spiritual enlightenment, and these birds are undoubtedly able to assist us in this desire. Finally, we could also do a lot worse than emulate some of the heron’s great qualities, like patience and wisdom.

Happy heron spotting!

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