Earlier this evening, I was in the backyard looking at the evening sky. It’s been our first really rainy day this winter (*yay) and the sky was an interestingly blotchy-yet-smooth palette of pinks and purples, and there were so many seagulls flying overhead (estimate: 100ish).
Firstly, I’m thinking: That probably means that another wave of the storm will come in the near future (I’ve heard that seagulls travel inland in poor weather).
Secondly, I’m thinking: This is a pretty rare sight. I don’t really see seagulls flying around very often here (Petaluma’s about 45 minutes from the ocean). I wonder what kind of symbolism it could have?
So, I went inside and looked it up. My favorite website for animal symbolism is authored by Avia Venefica, called whatsyoursign.com, which has the following to say about seagulls: “…the seagull reminds us to move where the best resources might be. Many of us deny ourselves opportunities because we feel safe in our comfort zone. Not so for the opportunistic seagull. These birds may be a sign to fly out of our realm of comfort, maybe take a risk, and do so with the goal of finding better conditions for our well-being.”
Chris and I are resonate with this so much right now. Additionally, the symbolism is all about finding one’s voice, to fly high/show one’s potential, and freedom. Exactly stuff that I’m working through currently, in my inward preparation for a huge new Chapter in Life.
Niiiiice! And another favorite, animalspirits.com, states that it’s about:
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Endurance
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Ability to remain in emotional situations for extended periods of time
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Awkward, but effective beginnings and endings
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Understands the effectiveness of extended parenting
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Stamina
This is all pretty spot-on for me, in terms of what I’m dealing with lately: preparation for the RV Life, stress dealing with downsizing, feeling in a limbo state through the process of selling our house, etc. After reading these, I feel confirmed in my path, and inspired (I also couldn’t help but be reminded of the symbolism of Our Crew and ship traveling out into the world, and the sea and water bird that so commonly accompanies water craft–the seagull)!
If you’re new to Animal Symbolism, give it a try someday: if, in the future, you’re conscious of having some kind of unusual or different encounter with an animal or insect (whether it be one-on-one/in person/from afar or through the written word/other medium, as well as through any of your senses); if you notice it and take note–look up the symbolism. You may very well be surprised with the resonance it may have with your Life!