Great Blue Heron Animal Symbolism

Great blue herons fly over our property frequently because it’s bordered by the West Chickamauga Creek. We also have flooding occasionally that transforms the lowlands of our property into a lake. We basically have a moat that comes up a few times a year. In fact, our moat was up within the last week. Great blue herons love the water!

The great blue heron has some beautiful spiritual animal symbolism, but before we go into that, let’s look at some fun facts about the great blue/gray bird.

Fun Facts about Great Blue Heron

Great blue heron males and females look alike, but the male is slightly larger. These large, long-legged water-loving birds weigh between four and eight pounds and have a wingspan between 5 to 6.5 feet. Great blue herons stand around 4 feet high.  They are blue gray in color, and their beaks and legs turn a brighter yellow during breeding season.

Great blue heron females lay between 2-7 eggs and both parents incubate them. They nest on their eggs between 27-29 days. Within a couple months of hatching, the babies are out on their own. Great blue herons live throughout North and Central America around water areas. They have a dagger-like bill, long legs, and a shaggy look.

Great blue herons primarily eat fish. But, they also eat small mammals like field mice and rats. They will also eat amphibians, reptiles, and other birds… like baby ducks.

Great blue herons have a unique look as they fly. They tuck their necks into an S and extend their legs behind them. Their flight speed is unknown, but they can run at speeds between 20-30 mph.

You only see the Great Blue Heron with its mate while they’re tending babies in the nest. You usually see them flying alone, but they do nest in groups during breeding season.

Great Blue Heron Animal Symbolism

Across cultures and civilizations, great blue herons are believed to be spiritual messengers bringing deep wisdom from the Divine to mortals. The ancients believed if a great blue heron showed up on the shores of a village, it meant that the gods had come to visit the village.

Some cultures made sacrifices to great blue herons because they believed that the birds were direct representatives of the gods.

Many believe that the great blue heron holds deep power and that it can convey its power to those who open themselves up to receiving it.

In a nutshell, the great blue heron represents the presence of God. If you see a great blue heron in nature, in a dream, or flying over you, it’s reminding you that God is watching over you. You have angels nearby, ready to lead you into deep, spiritual enlightenment and Divine wisdom. Your intuition is being activated. The Great blue heron symbolizes courage. When you have God on your side, why should you fear – right?!

The great blue heron brings peace and stability. It represents psychic ability and the ability to communicate with the Divine. Great blue herons usually don’t come around people. Don’t bother one’s nest or its young. It won’t like that and can be incredibly protective.

They aren’t social with humans, so if a great blue heron comes near you, take note. You’re being given a message. If a Great Blue Heron shows up in your life, let it remind you that you have the ability to speak with God and to receive Divine guidance. There may be something you need to be asking God for wisdom about. Remember you can pray and get Divine inspiration for your life.

Great blue herons are always on the move… going for what they want. Let them remind you to follow your own path and purpose. Press into your fears and do what you feel called to do. Be willing to live your life the way God inspires you … and don’t worry about what others may think or say.

If you liked this post, you might also enjoy “A Lesson in Confidence from the Great Blue Heron.”

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