Buzzard Spirit

17-23 January 2022

The weekly astro-oracle is a theriomancic message:

Buzzard Spirit

Image Credit: 13. The Red-shoudered Buzzard (Buteo hyemalis) 14. The Golden Eagle (Aquila Chrysaëtos) illustration from Zoology of New York (1842–1844) by James Ellsworth De Kay. Original from The New York Public Library. Digitally enhanced by rawpixel.

What is theriomancy? Theriomancy or zoomancy is a form of divination that involves observation of the appearance and behavior of wild animals. Common forms of theriomancy include ailuromancy, the study of cat movements, and augury, the study of bird formations. While augury appears to be more fixed than other systems of divination, with some sources going as far as to interpret the direction of the birds’ flight, calls, and times of day, individual animal totem or spirit animals also have rich symbolism, which can be accessed by tuning into the oversoul of the animal.

I asked Spirit, what do all those who frequent this page need to know this week to stay in alignment with the highest good? Then I went out for a walk and rendezvoused with eight buzzards gliding gracefully overhead. When I went out to run errands the next day, I also noticed several more flying over the highway. Then, this morning, I drew Vulture Spirit from Hay House author Colette Baron-Reid’s spirit animal oracle deck, reminding us that “nothing is wasted.”

These large hawklike birds of prey, known as turkey vulture, turkey buzzard, or by some just as buzzard, are scavengers, meaning they prey on things dead or dying. While most traditions associate them with death and misery, these winged creatures are also clever and careful. Since they leave nothing behind, like decomposers, they are considered natural purifiers of the Earth. They have interesting and inspiring traits connecting them with spiritual energy and totemism; transmutation and alchemy!

Often depicted as messengers of the underworld, superstition about vultures is present in many cultures and traditions as a harbinger of death, disease, or foreboding some other kind of misfortune. While all traditional portrayals of vultures depict them as creatures of darkness and mystery, they have also been closely related to divine power and wisdom. According to Ancient Persian folklore, two great vultures guarded the entrance of Hell, while in Greek mythology, vultures were seen as keepers of secret lore about death and life. For Ancient Egyptians, vultures were birds of the gods and regarded as powerful and magical.

INTERPRETATION

As we start the week, we’re in the first full week of Mercury Retrograde and we’ve just had our Full Moon in Cancer. While we may not know what to expect with the current energy flow changing fluidly, Australian Cosmologist Elizabeth Peru and Buzzard Spirit remind us that it’s an opportune time for the “further release [of] any lingering grudges, fears, sadness or doubts that have built-up over the past 6 months.” A week of some other major cosmic happenings, with Uranus’ station direct and the Moon’s North Node also shifting signs, the source encourages us to slow down our activities to help our spiritual and physical bodies with the integration process.

Tuesday, January 18, we have one of the most important astrological events of the year—the North Node moves into Taurus and the South Node moves into Scorpio. Creating a subtle yet profound impact on our soul’s higher purpose and calling, Peru adds that with the nodal shift, “comes a fresh energy perspective and detailed outlook at your ever-unfolding destiny.” On a collective level, the emphasis will shift from the Gemini-Sagittarius themes of the past 20 months, i.e, movement, travel, education, laws, explains astrobutterfly.com to Taurus-Scorpio themes, i.e., values, finances, possessions. For more personal insight, the source advices us to look to the houses or sectors ruled by Taurus and Scorpio in our natal charts to understand which life areas will be impacted by this transit.

With the North Node in Taurus from now until mid 2023, Peru adds that as we slowly transition from the great Age of Pisces into the Aquarian Age, we can expect to see the globe’s attention turning towards the nurturing of efforts which serve to unite us, rather than to divide us. Individually, we’ll be focused on personal abundance, and working towards building up structures of worth that have longevity behind them. In addition, given that Taurus is ruled by Venus, and Venus is still in retrograde until January 29, the source and Buzzard Spirit remind us that reclaiming our self-worth will also be a core energetic theme throughout the month and beyond. Indeed, the lesson here is about building ourselves up, rather than to pulling ourselves down: “Hold empowered thoughts about your capabilities and your future. Live them today,” emphasizes Peru; “Charge forth, like the [Taurian] bull of power.”

Also on this day, Uranus goes direct in Taurus, and in the same sign as the North Node, no less! Since we now have an intensification of Uranian energy, sudden changes, announcements, revelations may turn our lives upside down. While some Uranian-driven changes may seem shocking, consider that these shake-ups may be a blessing in disguise. Sometimes it takes divine intervention “to get us unstuck from situations that we’ve been complacent with for too long," maintains astrobutterfly.com. Peru adds that during the planet’s five-month retrograde “indelible changes have occurred… quietly assisting you to think for yourself, increase your creativity levels, take supportive risks and to embrace abundant life opportunities that you may normally hold back on.” Gently nudging us to move past our comfort zone, the source and Buzzard Spirit remind us to give thanks today, honoring the sacred journey we’ve experienced during Uranus Retrograde: “As you now begin a new day, intend that you will initiate progressive change as necessary. You’ve learnt that being in the moment and self-responsible is often the best growth lesson to be on point with your life.”

The Sun enters freedom-loving Aquarius on Wednesday, January 19. When the Sun is in Aquarius, we feel lively and cheerful, helpful and optimistic in contrast to the hard-working if not somewhat serious tone of Capricorn, the sign from whence it came. That the rulers of Aquarius, Saturn and Uranus, have just come out of their third and final square, and Uranus has just gone direct, heightens the sense of levity and relief. Peru adds that the Sun is having a major impact on our elevated life flow. “Over the coming 24 hours, you could find that you’re excited about stepping into the next phase of your life. A definite inner shift has occurred and you’re reclaiming your original soul power.” The source and Buzzard Spirit encourage us to trust in ourselves and life’s natural processes. Everything that we need will come to us "organically” as we align with it vibrationally. Indeed, “being organic is being in the flow and that’s the way to move in 2022,” the source asserts.

Finally, on Sunday, January 23, the Sun is conjunct Retrograding Mercury in Aquarius. According to astrosofa.com, we have a good memory, concentration, and rhetorical skills today; an understanding of art, talent for languages, and a keen interest in literature. Also marking the start of a new Mercury-Sun cycle, it’s great time to start a new Mercury project. Since the conjunction occurs in Aquarius, astrobutterfly.com notes that this may celebrate communication, technology, social media, friends, networks and groups of people. Pay attention to any news, insights, or downloads that occur this weekend, the source and Buzzard Spirit messenger advice, for it may present relevant personal themes throughout the next three months while Mercury transits this sign.

Get Inspired

Does this message resonate? Tell us more in the comments below. To add more detail to your week, you can also try your own theriomancic draw. Set an intention or ask a question. Then let go, and see what animal comes shows up. Now research its animal spirit symbolism. How does the symbolism inform your question? Want help interpreting what you found? Book a reading with me now, www.readingsbytheladyofshalott.com/services.