Feather Lore and Magickal Uses

     Birds Are Considered Magical Creatures In Many Cultures, So It Is No Surprise That Their Feathers Have Come To Have Special Meanings In Magickal Work And Lore. Many Pagans Use Feathers In Spells Or To Adorn Ritual Tools.
     Birds are considered magical creatures in many cultures, so it is no surprise that their feathers have come to have special meanings in magickal work and lore. Many Pagans use feathers in spells or to adorn ritual tools.
      Do be aware that most song birds and ALL raptors are protected under federal law. (Whole game birds can only be legally found in your possession during licensed seasons.) It is illegal to possess anything that comes from these birds including nests. Even if the feathers came from "road kill, " the results of natural shedding, legal taking during licensed hunting seasons or after the nests have been abandoned, you probably will not be able to prove that this is where you have obtained the materials.
Native Peoples are granted exceptions to this ruling in many cases. Articles made by registered Native Peoples can be purchased legally and usually come with a statement of authenticity. But be careful when traveling to festivals or circles if your tools have endangered or protected animal or bird elements on them. It is a rare occurrence, but some Pagans have experienced 'spot checks' by local police or game wardens.


BLACKBIRD: Teleportation and shamanic journeys. Dreamwork and visions.

CANARY: Song bird of music. Used to hang on instruments of music to bring lightness of spirit and happiness. Vocalists may carry or wear to aid in expression.

CROW: For shapeshifting and invisibility. Known as the Keeper of the Sacred Books of Truth. Highest form of justice and honesty. Truth comes in many forms. The CROW brings truth in its most blunt state, so be sure you really want to know. Crows issue warnings to those who know their voice. (Licensed season in some states, considered "vermin" in others)

DUCK: For general good luck. (Wild species in licensed season)

DOVE: White dove feathers are sacred to Venus and Aphrodite. Used in love spells and for peace and harmony. (Some wild species protected, others in licensed season only)

EAGLE: Helps to carry your prayers to the Great Spirit. Healing and cleansing. Represents Spirit. Knowledge of the Underworld and regeneration/reincarnation/past life regressions. (Protected/endangered)

GOOSE: White Snow Goose feathers are sacred to Venus. Used to heal broken hearts and repair relationships. (The goose takes only one mate for life.) Dark GOOSE feathers are sacred to Thor. Use to smudge away anger and hostile intentions. (Wild species in licensed season)

GROUSE: Useful in circle dances and meditation. Can be used to "swirl" energies in ritual. (Wild species in licensed season)

HAWK: Messenger of the Gods. Helps one to develop a keen eye and a bold heart. Sacred to the Egyptian Horus. The Celtic "Hawk of Achill" possessed knowledge that spanned the utmost limits of time itself. Ancestral lore and history. (Protected, some species endangered)

HUMMINGBIRD: Sacred to Venus. Highest form of love, beauty, joy and art. Used in love charms as it opens the heart chakra. (Protected)

OWL: Used in divinations to discern truth from lies. Bird of Wisdom, sacred to Athena. and the Celtic Blodeuwedd. Aid in legal matters or persecutions. (Protected)

PARROT: Sacred to Mayan Goddess, Teckicnaknick, patroness of wealth and prosperity. She wears a robe made from parrot feathers.

RAVEN: Bringer of Magical Arts. Helps you to face inner fears and overcome obstacles. Raven is guardian of the Void and Magical Practitioners. Carries spells over physical distance.

SWAN: Sacred to Venus. Represents grace. Used to aid in clairvoyance and divination. (Wild species protected)

TURKEY: Sacred to Native American Peoples. Denotes generosity and fosters a spirit of sharing. (Wild species in licensed season only)