What Is the Spiritual Meaning of Seeing a Bald Eagle?

Bald eagle flying

What’s fierce, has a wing span up to eight feet and can reach speeds of 65 mph when it flies? If you guessed a bald eagle, you’re right! Anyone who has seen one of these majestic creatures in person can attest to their greatness. They are nothing short of spectacular, so it’s no wonder they were crowned the national bird of the United States in 1782.

But that’s not all they are known for. If you ever come across a bald eagle in the wild, you should consider yourself lucky because many believe a bald eagle's spiritual meanings are significant as well.

To find out more about what seeing a bald eagle symbolizes, Parade spoke to author and spiritual mentor, Lola Pickett of Wild Messengers. “Bald eagles are humbling to be in the presence of,” she explains. “They represent power, precision and intelligence. Plus, they are known to carry a variety of messages depending on what they are doing when you see them, among other things.”

To find out what some of those spiritual messages are, keep reading! You’re about to be swooped away into a world of feathering insights as Pickett breaks down a few of the things these giant birds symbolize.

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What Are the Spiritual Meanings of Seeing a Bald Eagle?

1. You Need To Gain Perspective

“With eyesight that is 4-7 times sharper than a human’s is, bald eagles are often messengers of taking a higher view of your situation,” Pickett reveals. “They are a reminder for you that there is likely more going on than you might initially think, so you should try to zoom out and look at your circumstances from other points of view.”

2. Remember That Wisdom Comes in Time

“Bald eagles only gain their white crown of feathers when they have reached full maturity. As such, they are messengers that gaining wisdom takes time and experience,” Pickett explains. “They serve as a reminder to be patient and accept where you are in your own growth process. Every challenge you face brings you that much more awareness, which benefits your own maturation and helps you better serve your community.”

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3. You Should Dive Headfirst Into What You Desire

“Once eagles have spotted their prey from high above, they dive toward it without hesitation; completely confident in their ability to capture their target,” Pickett says. “Because of this, seeing one can be an encouraging reminder to stop getting in your own way with doubts and fears.”

4. Try To Channel Any Unfair Advantages For Good

“Eagle chicks hatch over the course of several days, and the first-born has distinct advantages of size and strength over its siblings,” Pickett shares. “However, not every chick is born with the same opportunities. While this may seem unfair, the message this sends is to acknowledge your advantages and privileges without judgment, and to put them to use by uplifting those around you who don’t share your position of power.”

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What Does the Bald Eagle Symbol Represent?

“In the Wild Messengers Tarot, bald eagles represent the sun card, which means they are a messenger of power that gets unleashed when you no longer try to be anyone but your own authentic self,” Pickett explains. “Bald eagles serve as reminders that there is no one else alive who is quite like you. You have unique talents and gifts that only you can share, which is why you should embrace your uniqueness and dare to shine brightly. Your radiance is a light that nourishes the world around you.”

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What Does an Eagle Represent in Love?

If you’re seeing someone casually or you have a crush on someone, but aren’t sure what to do about it, Picket says seeing an eagle could be the sign you’ve been waiting on to help you know what to do.

“You can’t know where a relationship may take you, but when it comes to love, eagles represent taking the plunge, leaping into the unknown wilds of intimacy and opening your heart with trust,” she tells Parade.

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Is Seeing an Eagle Good Luck?

It’s not every day that a person encounters an eagle while they’re out and about. In fact, it’s very rare, which is why so many consider them to be lucky.

“Eagles are incredibly inspiring and powerful animals. They strike the heart with a sense of wonder and awe when you have the chance to observe one,” Picket says. “[The] bald eagle seems to say that it is safe to reveal yourself and good luck belongs to those who are willing to be seen for who they really are.”

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What Does It Mean To See an Eagle Flying?

Getting to see an eagle soar through the sky is magical and also has a special meaning. “A flying eagle may be showing you that it’s time to rise to a higher perspective, to get beyond your own limited beliefs and thoughts and consider the issue at hand from other points of view,” Pickett reveals.

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What Does It Mean To See an Eagle Sitting?

Pickett says the action of what a bald eagle is doing when you spot them actually has an effect on what message they are trying to get across to you.

“An eagle sitting on a branch carries a different message than one that is flying,” she explains. “A sitting eagle may be an invitation to meditate upon your dreams and visions, reminding you that it’s time to get quiet and check in with yourself before taking your next step.”

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Dreaming of an Eagle Spiritual Meaning

You can dream about pretty much anything when you drift off to sleep. However, if you dream about this particular bird, Pickett says it most likely has to do with a crossroad that you’re at in your life.

“Dreaming about a bald eagle often carries a message that you will soon be entering another phase in your journey of transformation, or that you’re gaining more maturity and insight as a result of personal growth,” she shares. However, that’s not a bad thing. Instead, she says seeing a bald eagle in your dreams is a good sign. “It’s a message to let you know that whatever challenges you are currently experiencing are happening to bring you wisdom and perspective,” Pickett explains.

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