Messengers

4 crows – coated copper wire, black star dioptase stone, treated crow feathers 2 magpies- coated copper wire, labradorite stone, treated magpie feathers 1 jay – copper wire, rainbow moonstone, treated jay feathers Size – all aprox. 55cmx35cm depending on installation Flight has always represented freedom from the physical restrictions of earthbound life and the ascent of the soul to the goods either through m mystical experience or through death Birds share something of the same symbolic meaning, but because they come from the skies they can also assume the role of messengers from higher powers whether, whether for good or ill. In Kabbalah, Renaissance magic, and alchemy, the language of the birds was considered a secret and perfect language and the key to perfect knowledge. In and many cultures across the world, the language of birds is a mystical language of angels. The English word angel comes from the biblical Greek word angelos which also means the messengers, the messengers of truth. Crows, magpies, and jay are all members of the corvid family and they are found worldwide. They are highly intelligent adaptable and omnivorous. They can be tough to communicate with people and count. Both crows and magpies are mischievous and curious in nature. In mythology and superstition crows and magpies have always been associated with bad omen, bad luck or as the messengers of death. This maybe because of the black colour in their feathers – black and their nature (feeding on carrion). The exception to the negative symbolism associated with the corvid family is the Jay. Jay symbolism resonates truth, faithfulness, and solidarity. In the spiritual realm, the jay speaks of clarity and vision. In Native American symbolism the azure of the jay against the blue sky indicated a “double vision” or double clarity. This visual/spiritual “blue on blue” concept speaks of purity of the soul, truth of the heart, and clarity of thought.