Experts Explain What It Means When You See a Cardinal
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For even the most casual birdwatcher or nature lover, there's something so uplifting about seeing a male northern cardinal. The candy apple red birds with the short orange beaks and the adorable crest bring brightness to even the dreariest day, and their whistled song is just as sweet as their appearance. With a U.S. range that extends through much of the territory east of the Rockies as well as the Desert Southwest, these winged wonders are celebrated as the designated birds of a whopping seven states.
But did you know that the bird is noteworthy for more than just his pretty plumage and cheery cheeps? There is an important meaning and symbolism behind a cardinal, and when you see one it just might bring a message of hope, much like the angel numbers 11:11, 444, and 1212 do when they appear in your life.
Because cardinals are private birds that favor dense tangles and often fly low and close to the tree line, seeing one should be considered a gift, according to Janet Rae Orth, a clairvoyant, intuitive, and energy healer who can communicate with animals.
"They are thus a symbol of optimism," she says. "Some consider them a sign of divine intervention in your life...In many cultures throughout the world, the vibrant red color of the cardinal is a symbol of good luck and abundance. It is also said to represent vitality. If a cardinal crosses your path, it is meant to give you strength and hope."
Of course, depending on your situation, a cardinal might come bearing a more specific message, perhaps around grief, a romantic relationship or even matters of faith. To find out more, we checked in with a panel of expert spiritualists and animal communicators. Here's what they had to say.
What does a cardinal mean spiritually?
While most songbirds migrate, flying to and from Central and South America in the fall and spring, cardinals are permanent U.S. residents. Their beautiful red hue provides a much-needed burst of color on dull and drab winter days, and a reminder, notes Aycee Brown, psychic channel and medium, that "even in the bleakness of winter, beauty and song can persist. So, cardinals often represent hope, especially during tough times."
According to Brown, who says that cardinals come up "quite a bit" in her work, the birds may act as a kind of courier from the sweet hereafter, sent to bring tidings of comfort and guidance.
"During readings, if someone mentions a deceased loved one and a cardinal suddenly appears outside the window, it can be a way for that spirit to say hello or show they're listening," she says. "Sometimes, it's more of an intuitive nudge. I might be getting the feeling of strong, unwavering love for someone during a reading, and then a cardinal pops into my head. It's like a confirmation that this message of love is important for the person I'm working with."
Because cardinals are present in all seasons, from barren winter to fruitful summer, they may also represent renewal, transformation and manifestation, spiritual and otherwise. It's also a common belief that when one crosses your path, it signals a new beginning is ahead. In trying times or not, you should pay attention—you may need to think about making a change in your life.
Are cardinals messengers from heaven?
It shouldn't be a surprise that redbirds (as they're known in the South) are often associated with the spirit realm. After all, they're said to have been named after Roman Catholic Church cardinals, who wear scarlet-shaded robes and peaked caps, similar to the cute crest the feathered type of cardinals sport. But the link doesn't end there. A group of avian cardinals is sometimes called a Vatican, and some say the bird's crimson color signifies the blood of Christ, his salvation, and promise of eternal life.
Although cardinals aren't specifically mentioned by name in the Bible, birds in general sometimes act as messengers for God in the Old Testament, so it's not a big leap to believe they could be carrying a message of hope or comfort from spirits, angels, or even the Heavenly Father.
"But ultimately, the meaning of a cardinal sighting is a personal experience," Brown says. "If you see a cardinal and feel a sense of peace, a connection to a loved one, or a surge of hope, it could be interpreted as a message from your higher power or angels, depending on your individual beliefs."
What is the superstition behind cardinals?
Indigenous Americans have a rich tradition of folklore around the animal world, and the cheerful cardinal is no exception. Perhaps because they tend to mate for life, and males may even appear to kiss females when they feed them during courtship, the Choctaws have long associated the bird with romance. In one Choctaw myth, a clever cardinal acts as a matchmatcher, bringing together a virtuous maiden and a lonely brave.
Astrid Bly, premier advisor with California Psychics, says that while the Choctaws see "the cardinal as a positive sign that you may be getting closer to a healthy and happy relationship...in other Native American cultures, cardinals can predict weather changes and protect from illnesses." She adds, "The Cherokee people give the bird an association with femininity, being known as the daughter of the sun."
According to legend, the daughter of the sun was slain and the Cherokee people had to journey to Ghost Country and bring her back to restore light to their homeland. As they opened the box they carried her in, a beautiful redbird flew out and began singing. When the Sun smiled, they knew the cardinal was his daughter.
What does seeing a cardinal mean for my relationship?
When cardinals appear to you, it usually means nothing but goodness for you and your beloved, with their lifelong partnership suggesting a strong, unwavering bond. "They are a symbol of devotion and loyalty," Orth says of the bird. "This includes representing domestic harmony and new or renewed romance. So they may be a sign that you have a happy home life, with a devoted partner you can trust. Or if you're single, that new love is coming."
Not only are cardinals monogamous, but they are also usually territorial during breeding season, attacking other birds and even their own reflection. They live their entire lives in one area, with both males and females pitching in to raise the brood. Even after the chicks have matured, they stay with their parents, forming a family unit.
Their faithfulness and dedication to each other make "the cardinal a symbol meant to encourage us to trust more deeply," says Orth. "The cardinal is letting us know that our loved ones can be counted on. That things will be ok. They are encouraging us to be steadfast in our path and purpose."
What does seeing a cardinal mean if I'm mourning a loss?
Take solace if a cardinal appears to you while you are grieving, for many people believe they bring messages from loved ones who have crossed over to the other side, making us feel connected to them and comforted even in our sadness. Specifically, according to Brown, a cardinal's appearance is meant to show us that we are not alone, with their beautiful red feathers signifying enduring love. As a popular phrase says, "When cardinals appear, angels are near."
"Seeing a cardinal is a sign that your loved ones or angels are near," Orth confirms. "That they are there to protect, bless and guide you....They are offering you love and encouragement. If you see a cardinal right after the passing of a loved one, they are letting you know they made it home. Letting you know not to worry, you will be reunited again."
What are some other birds it might be a good omen to see?
As meaningful as cardinals are, they are not the only birds that portend happier times ahead. Doves are widely recognized as symbols of peace, love and new beginnings, Brown says, so seeing one could signify a calming of tensions, a blossoming relationship, or a fresh start. And spotting an eagle, which are associated with strength, leadership and freedom, might "be interpreted as a message to embrace your power, take charge, or pursue your goals with determination," she adds.
Meanwhile, the feisty blue jay symbolizes fearlessness and determination, with hummingbirds known "for bringing good energy, resilience, and happiness," says Bly.
How do I bring cardinals into my yard?
Happily, northern cardinals are a plentiful species in the U.S. and thrive in habitats where humans also dwell. With a still-increasing population of roughly 110 million individuals, provided you live within their range, it shouldn't be difficult to entice a few of these beauties into your yard by following these tips:
Put out platform or tray feeders filled with dark-colored berries, sunflower and safflower seeds and suet crumbles.
Provide fresh water in open basins filled a couple of inches deep.
Plant a mixture of dense, native shrubs, bushes and trees on your property, including pine and spruce, box elder, shrub roses and grapevine. Keep pruning to a minimum, so you maintain some cardinal-friendly thickets.
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