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The resourceful vulture has been a symbol of death and rebirth for centuries. Seeing a vulture or a buzzard in your waking life can be a sign to let go of negativity and seize opportunities, but it can also serve as a guide when making difficult decisions. In this article, we explore the many different interpretations of vulture encounters and dreams, including what they symbolize and how they might give meaning to your life.
Vultures are symbols of death, rebirth, purification, patience, protection and new beginnings. Seeing a vulture is a sign to let go of things that no longer serve you and embrace change. Vultures are considered a positive sign of new beginnings.
Death and rebirth Vultures feed on carrion (decomposing flesh of dead animals), so most people associate them with death. In the spiritual realm, however, death is closely associated with rebirth, so seeing a vulture doesn’t necessarily mean something negative – it could be a sign of spiritual transformation, allowing you to discover your authentic self and realize your full potential.
Purification Although vultures are considered “dirty” animals, they play an important role in cleaning up our ecosystem. Vultures eat the flesh of dead animals, preventing the spread of disease.[1]
Because of their scavenger behavior, they are associated with purification and cleansing, and many people refer to them as “Nature’s Cleanup Team.”[2]Patience When vultures spot a dead animal, they don’t automatically swoop in to feed — they wait for the eagles to attack the carcass first to make it easier to eat.[3]
Vultures are patient creatures who respect the cycle of life, so they could be a reminder to be patient and trust the universe. Good things take time, and as long as you stay focused on your goals, you will be able to achieve them![4]Protection Black vultures sleep in family units and feed their young for up to 8 months after fledging.[5]
Since they are family-oriented birds, seeing a black vulture can be a sign that you are protected by God (or whatever higher power you believe in) and that you have all the skills and resources to overcome adversity.[6]- Alternatively, seeing a black vulture could mean that you need to set boundaries and protect your well-being.
New beginnings Because of their ability to soar, vultures are said to be messengers between the spiritual and material worlds. They can tell you when you need to move forward or let go of things that no longer serve you. In other words, seeing a vulture in person can be a reminder to embrace change and take advantage of new opportunities.[7]
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