Bird Meaning: Vulture Meaning and Symbolism on Whats-Your-Sign.com

Last Updated on September 23, 2024 by Avia

Bird Meaning: Symbolic Vulture Meaning: Bird meaning, in general, deals with the element of air, and air is symbolic of the mind, thoughts, and intelligence. With this overarching them, we can now move forward and interpret details according to specific types of birds. When it comes to vulture meaning, we are dealing with an incredible array of symbolism.

Vulture image courtesy of photographer, Dave Crotty

Spirit Meaning of Vulture

That the vulture is a master navigator of the winds reminds us we might need to “go back to the mental drawing board” before acting in projects.

The vulture also asks us to be patient with ourselves, and think things through. They encourage us to be quite sure of how we feel before we enter the arena of our plans.

This symbolism is underscored by the magnificent level of patience the vulture exhibits. I’ve seen vultures coast air currents for hours, waiting for the perfect time to descend upon a tasty treat.

We all know vultures are scavengers. This holds keen symbolism for us, in that the vulture represents resourcefulness.

Contemplating bird meanings specific to the vulture can be quite eye-opening, and inspiring. Below listed are a few quick symbolic bullet-points for your contemplation.

“Death on one level means life on another.”
~ Avia

Quick-List of Vulture Keywords

Loyal
Serious
Patience
Tolerance
Renewal
Equalizing
Cleanliness
Perceptive
Protection
Impervious
Unconventional
Resourcefulness

We can take a cue from vulture meaning by being conscious and wise about the resources we have at hand. Rather than working hard, we can open our senses to the opportunities already available to us. The vulture does not hunt, it seizes the resources available to it.

Of course, this calls for a fair amount of flexibility and perception. The vulture is all about higher awareness. Those who are called to this bird are equally perceptive – maybe even coming into a time of higher awareness.

Vultures can spot fresh meat from miles away. In fact, its vision is vastly advanced. Vultures also have an uncanny sense of smell.

This kind of bird symbolism prompts us to use all of our senses to navigate in the pursuit of our highest benefit.

Bird symbolism of vultures also deals with renewal. Specifically, the solar aspect of the newness brought about by the dawning day.

vulture bird meaning — More about symbolic vulture meaning

Perhaps the most eerie image I have of the vulture was when I was a kid visiting my Uncle Dan in West Texas.

He lived on sprawling acres of sun-baked dirt with crazy craggy trees jutting wicked looking fingers into the cyanic skies.

It was here I saw dozens of vultures perched on these gnarly trees. Each bird had their wings spread wide open in the bright morning sun.

I asked my uncle why they did that. He told me they were welcoming the day with open arms.

I thought that was very cool (and even emulated them the following morning by opening up my own arms, greeting the day with as much mysterious reverence as those buzzards did).

Technically, they open their wings to the sun to dry evenings dampness from their feathers. The sun also cooks off any bacteria and guts lingering after eating – a natural cleansing process. Again, very resourceful and the vulture reminds us to call upon our natural resources to get the job done (don’t work hard, work smart and work with the elements).

One other observation… I noticed the buzzards at Uncle Dan’s peed on their feet. Later I learned this is a way for them to keep clean. Their excrement keeps acts like a bleach, and keeps bacteria on their feet at bay.

This is an unorthodox method that achieves remarkable results. In fact, if we think about it, bird symbolism theme of the vulture is all about opportunity and resourcefulness brought about through unusual and clever methods.

So, as it turns out, there are a myriad of reasons why the vulture presents itself proudly (and the do strike a regal figure. Observe them at rest – they’re kings and queens in their own right).

Independent and beautiful in exotic ways, the vulture is the spokes-bird for nonconformity and intelligent design.

My experiences observing and exploring vulture meanings are small chips compared to what our ancestors documented over centuries. Would you believe these birds were worshipped and honored by many different cultures in history? Yep. And there’s a good reason. From motherhood to intelligence, the vulture has been a highly respected and sacred symbol to many communities.

Historical and Cultural Views On Vulture Bird Meanings

Some cultures like the ancient Iranians, Zoroastrians and Tibetan Buddhists participated in “sky burials” in which they would leave their deceased to be picked over by vultures. This was an honorable process, as the vulture was a symbol of renewal and so, in a creative way, the deceased were given new life by their remains being consumed by the vulture.

Egyptians recognized vulture mothers as fiercely protective, and amazingly nurturing to their young. They also keep their babies much longer (about three months) than most birds.

So, the vulture is often seen depicted with Nekhbet the goddess of childbirth and feminine energies. Mother bird symbolism is also seen in the mother goddess Mut who claims the vulture as her familiar.

Both Nekhbet and Mut are protective figures (particularly protective of the young and innocent), so then, logically the vulture is a symbol of protection too.

In Roman mythology the vulture was the steed of the god Saturn (dominion over justice, agriculture, harvest and strength via control). The vulture was also associated with the god Mars (representative of strategy, military, masculinity, initiations, and protection).

The vulture was also sacred to Apollo, and picks up symbolism of higher knowing, prophecy and oracular understanding (which plays nicely into the bird symbolism linked to the mental element of air).

bird meaning vulture meanings — Cultural bird meaning and vulture meanings

In fact, Native American seers held the vultures flight pattern as an augury. Shamans of great skill could interpret the language of vulture flight to reveal important weather signs and omens.

Native Americans also deemed the vulture as a symbol of renewal and linked it with renewal themes seen in the rising of a new sun every day . Solar renewal symbolism is due to the same reasons my Uncle Dan cited (opening their wing to greet the new day).

The Mayans had their ideas about bird symbolism. To the Mayan mind the vulture was observed as a death eater.

As a consumer of death, the Mayan felt the vulture could also convert death to life. So, the vulture was considered a symbol of cleansing , renewal and transformation. It’s also associated with water and the vulture controls the rain.

This connects the theme of spinning the revolving wheel of life. In their region, droughts were death and water meant life. Vultures were viewed as fearless of death – they stared it in the face and ate death for breakfast (literally).

FAQs About Spiritual Vulture Meanings & Symbolism

What does the vulture symbolize?

In many cultures, the vulture symbolizes renewal. This has to do with their ability to consume decay and convert it into energy for their bodies. They also symbolize other attributes such as sensitivity, awareness, royalty, intelligence, community and more. In fact, the ancient Egyptians were impressed with how vultures were extraordinary mothers, so they also symbolize motherhood.

What type of person is a vulture (or has a vulture for a spirit guide)

If you are extremely resourceful, the vulture is a great spirit guide for you. Also, if you are a nurturer and care for those who can’t care for themselves, you are a warrior vulture person. You might also relate to vulture spirit energy if you are great at getting what you need and want in unique ways. If you excel at solving problems creatively, the vulture is a great spirit guide for you.

Does the vulture symbolize death?

Well, because they eat dead stuff, you could say yes – but they are not an omen of death. Vultures are associated with death because they scavenge on carnage. However, vultures are honored in many cultures for converting death into life.

Are vultures sacred?

In some cultures vultures are considered sacred, honored and even worshipped. This is because many ancient cultures saw they do not kill other animals for food. This made the vulture a pacifist, and respected in many communities. So, yes, the vulture is sacred to many cultures. In fact, the vulture is still sacred in Tibet because of its passive, non-violent, non-killing ways.

These are just a few thoughts about vulture meaning. I hope you have enjoyed it!

If you liked this page, be sure to check out more articles about bird meaning, animal totems, and symbolic meanings via the links listed at the end of this page.

Thanks for reading…and remember…life is symbolic…keep interpreting!

May all your vulture encounters be inspirational and inspiring.

Mighty brightly,