The Power of Feathers...

Here are the Medicine Feathers of the Four Quarters:

A feather is consciously selected for a particular purpose, depending on its specific magical properties, which are embodied by the bird from which it was taken. Can be placed on poles in Sweat Lodges, used to adorn Medicine Wheels or DreamCatchers, worn or simply carried. These feathers correlate with the symbolic qualities of the 4 quarters, creating a precisely orchestrated mixture of energy that helps make the place or tool a powerhouse of purification and "prayer".

East (Air): Eagle Feather...clear sight & flies to great heights, carrying "prayers" upward to the Spirits. Wabun, Spirit Keeper of the East is represented by a Golden Eagle. Represent light of dawn & wisdom that every day is a new beginning.

South (Fire): Owl Feather...teaches perception and discernment. Powerful bringers of dreams & wisdom. Their "medicine" is very strong and not to be used irresponsibly or mixed with other energies. Can be wrapped in a red cloth to contain it's power & away from others. And is secret because it relates to ancient feminine mysteries. Represents mystery, life & death, the feminine, the dark & the unknown.

West (Water): Raven Feather...is depicted by the Native American people as good & bad. The Raven began as white in color and was changed to black as punishment for a wrong doing or as the result of some danger. In most stories, the color changed while the Raven was trying to help humanity. To some, they are bringers of dark rain clouds, to others they keep them away. Considered "Birds of the balance" between humanity & nature. The feathers can be used to help achieve a more integrated relationship with the natural world.

North (Earth): Hawk Feathers...known as "Messenger of Spirit". Used in healing ceremonies and to bring rain. Hawk medicine teaches adaptibility, clear vision, far-sightnedness, leadership, deliberation and optimism. Red-tailed Hawks are especially important to Native Americans...calling them "Red Eagles".

Spiritual Qualities of Other Feathers

Loon: associated with the moon, brings creative inspiration & madness. They mate for life, & are used as a fidelity symbol.

Condor: scavenger, removes negative energies.

Crow: confers magikal powers.

Swan: brings gentle feminine energy.

Turkey: "Earth Eagle", "Giver of Gifts". Increases material abundance.

Hummingbird (my favorite): clarity and "getting to the heart of things". "Doctoring Bird". Feathers can be used to clear out old wounds & bring new light to old problems. Teacher of grace & tenacity.

Flicker: drummer. Teaches music, joy, nurturing, courage & protection.

Some ways to incorporate Feathers into our daily doings

Hanging a hawk or buzzard feather in the windshield of a car will improve vision & give protection.

For spiritual insight and use in rituals, meditate on an eagle feather.

For practical assistance, carry a turkey feather.

Whenever we take something from, we leave an offering to honor the help received. When we pick a flower or tomato or take up a piece of wood for our fire, leave a feather to say Thank You. Tie them to a tree or leave lying in a bush. It's important to "give back".