At a time of transition in my life, I had a dream about a red tailed hawk flying into the woods and becoming a great horned owl. I was curious to know if there was a message for me in this dream. I learned from Ted Andrews' book, Animal Speak, about the spiritual power of animals, as understood in Native American wisdom. This song emerged as a result of the specific knowledge I gained from Andrews' book, and from a sense of connection I began to feel with these two birds of prey. Interesting was the fact that red tailed hawks and great horned owls are matched in that they share the same territory for hunting prey. I learned that having owls appear in your life can signify a need to turn more inward, to do soul level work. This was meaningful to me at the time of the dream, because I'd just been offered a chance to live as artist in residence at a Quaker retreat center for nine months. A red tailed hawk can signify an alert to pay attention, because an important opportunity is near at hand. The dream actually played a part in my discernment, to accept the opportunity.
Here's some more information about these birds as animal totems:
"The owl spirit animal represents a deep connection with wisdom and intuitive knowledge. If you have the owl as totem or power animal, you’re likely to have the ability to see what’s usually hidden to most. When the spirit of the animal guides you, you can see the true reality, beyond illusion and deceit. The owl also offers for those who have it a personal totem the inspiration and guidance necessary to deeply explore the unknown…" "When you have the hawk as a spirit animal, you may have an inclination towards using the power of vision and intuition in your daily life. The hawk totem provides wisdom about seeing situations from a higher perspective, using the power of observation, and focusing on the task at hand. It’s a good companion to develop spiritual awareness." (From :http://www.spiritanimal.info/hawk-spirit-animal/)
Hawk and owl, two birds of prey One by night, and one by day. Make clear my vision, oh help me see. Guide me along my soul’s journey.
1. O great horned owl, you with your eyes so yellow, You can see what’s behind every shadow. You bring the sun into the night. And with your keen sight and your silent flight You obtain that which you need. Help me attain what I need.
2. O red tailed hawk, you with your rust red feathers, You connect earth and heaven together. You scan the ground from such great heights. And with your broad wing span and your agile flight You soar on the currents of life. Help me ride the currents of life.
Chorus
3. And great horned owl, you with your hidden ears, The slightest sound in the woods you can hear, You know the secrets of the dark. And with your wisdom and your listening heart, You discern what you must do. Help me discern what to do.
4. And red tailed hawk, you with your far reaching vision That holds you on course with your mission. You see ahead to what may come. And with your talons strong and your wings wide flung You see which way to go. Help me see the way to go.