Eagle Symbolism: 8 Meanings & Representations


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Eagles are majestic, large birds found worldwide, except in Antarctica. 

There are over 60 species of eagles, including the well-known bald eagle and golden eagle. Eagles are often found near open water with ample food supplies and trees for nesting.

The following meanings and representations are examples of what eagles symbolize in their personal lives or cultures. These are shared for your entertainment and speculation.

1. The Eagle Symbolizes Strength, Courage & Independence 

The bald eagle is a known beautiful symbol of the strength and freedom of America. 

It became a symbol of the United States starting in 1782. The bald eagle insignia is found on government and military institutions, official documents, flags, one-dollar bills, coins, and more.

The bald eagle is the only sea eagle found in North America, with a range including Canada, northern Mexico, and the United States. In other countries, such as Germany, Austria, and Mexico, the golden eagle is a national symbol.

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Nevertheless, worldwide, eagles are commonly thought of as symbols of strength, courage, and freedom.


2. It Is A Sign Of Wisdom & New Perspective

The eagle has a high viewpoint, capable of reaching heights of 10,000 feet in flight. It has excellent vision even from this broad perspective of the world below. 

Seeing a soaring eagle could mean that it is time to look at your life in new ways and make smart choices. 

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Perhaps it’s about using money wisely, choosing a new career path, or extending forgiveness to a friend after considering their viewpoint. Consider leaning on people that have made hard decisions before and can share their wisdom with you.


3. An Eagle Can Be A Sign Of Bossiness Or Arrogance

Eagles are fierce birds of prey without meekness, king of the sky. They are carnivores that forage and hunt birds, fish, and other small prey. They often fly alone.

The sight of an eagle could indicate that a person is bossy or arrogant and should self-reflect. It is okay to be a leader, but not at the expense of others.


4. Eagles Inspire Creativity

Eagles can soar and glide for hours with long and broad wings and streamlined feathers. They are stunning to look at against the backdrop of the sky. The sheer beauty of an eagle can inspire creativity in people.

Eagles are looking ahead as they fly, which can inspire us to see what opportunities lay ahead.

Use this inspiration to start a new hobby, finish a project with a different twist, take photographs, listen to music, write a poem, and more.  


5. They Remind Us To Work Efficiently 

Depending upon the species, eagles can often fly over 100 miles per hour. This allows them to not only catch prey but to gain incredible height in the sky. 

Once they reach higher altitudes, the eagles can use thermal currents to soar and glide for long periods, thus saving energy.  

This efficient way of using resources, such as the wind, to conserve energy is a good reminder for us to slow down and do what is essential.  

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Perhaps an eagle will remind a person to prioritize and do what is necessary to get the job done but also to just enjoy the ride.  

Take a look a this beautiful soaring bald eagle in this video:


6. Eagles Are Messengers

The eagle is considered by some cultures to be a messenger. 

Since it flies high and over waters, it can carry messages to and from the earth. It’s thought of as a carrier of prayers between the earth and the heavens. 

Many cultures, including biblical, Roman, Germanic, and Norse use the eagle as a way of communicating wisdom, heroics, power, strength, and so on.


7. Eagles Foster Hope & Perseverance

The Christian bible refers to eagles in the book of Isaiah. 

The quote refers to having hope in God for renewed strength, in which one can soar like an eagle. This is intended to inspire hope and perseverance.

Again, the sheer power and soaring ability of the eagle inspire hope that a person keeps going no matter what difficult circumstances might lie ahead.


8. Eagle’s Feathers Represent Honor

Eagle feathers were seen as a highly revered and honorable item to possess in indigenous cultures. 

Eagles were depicted on totem poles and tribal logos, and their feathers were used on tribal clothing and headgear. Receiving an eagle feather was the highest honor, and given the greatest of all respect.

Often the eagle’s feather represented all of what has been mentioned above: strength, courage, widow, freedom, and so on.

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Please note: It is illegal to capture, trade, kill, or harm eagles in any way today. Even a permit is required to possess an eagle feather. This law also demonstrates the honor with which all parts of eagles must be treated.


Conclusion

Eagles are reverent, majestic birds. 

They are often seen as symbols of strength, courage, independence, wisdom, hope, and perseverance. Their bold dominance of the sky can also remind a person not to be bossy or arrogant, and yet be a good leader. 

Overall, the eagle is a respected master of the sky.

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James Goodman

James is a native Texan with a love for birding and outdoor adventures. When he's not birdwatching, you can find him hiking, camping or playing the piano.

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