There are 37 species of falcon throughout the world. They all share the same basic meaning, but each one will differ a little bit. If Falcon has flown into your life, you’ll want to find out what species it is and research that species’ unique features.

Vision and Focus: Spirit of Higher Purpose

For now I’m going to concentrate on the Peregrine Falcon, since it is probably the most well-known. This is largely because it has an incredibly large range – one of the largest distributions of any bird. The name “peregrine” means “Wanderer.” This small raptor is found on every continent of the world except Antarctica. As the name implies, it will often migrate for incredibly long distances.

The Peregrine Falcon is quite possibly the fastest creature on record. Like all falcons, it has long, tapered wings for superior agility in flight. It uses its keen eyesight to locate its prey – typically songbirds, pigeons and even ducks. Once it spots its target it acts swiftly and decisively. The Falcon swoops and dives for its prey, which it slams into beak-first (unlike most raptors which grasp their prey with their feet.)

So, some of the important Falcon keywords are Vision (especially Higher Vision) and Focus. This makes Falcon an excellent life’s purpose totem. If Falcon appears to you, take note of any shift you may be experiencing in your life. Its appearance may be pointing the way for you towards following your dharma (harmonizing your life with your higher self.) Respect your deepest intuitions regarding which way Falcon is pointing you to go.

The Wisdom of Economy

It takes a lot of energy for a Falcon to pursue and catch its prey. As a result, it doesn’t waste its efforts. First, it has to make the executive decision whether a particular target is worth pursuing. Once it decides on its target, it doesn’t waste energy in indecision. Nor does it work harder than it has to. Instead, it aligns itself with the force of gravity to attain speeds of over 200 mph – faster than a bullet train at top operating speed.

Even when the hunt is over, the Peregrine Falcon reserves its power and energy for where it’s most needed. Rather than spend time and resources building nests, it lays its eggs in abandoned nests of other birds or in simple scrapes dug into the sides of cliff ledges. Peregrines are very adaptable and will also nest on skyscrapers in urban areas.

Falcon teaches us to choose our life’s goals wisely, to go with the flow in pursuing them, and to avoid distractions that may keep us from pursuing them effectively.

Symbol of Resilience and Hope

One last note about the Falcon: like all raptors, it is at the top of the food chain, which means that toxins in the prey can easily build up to dangerous levels in its system. In the 1970’s, DDT and other pesticides in the environment posed a serious threat to Peregrine Falcons. The toxin weakened their eggshells to the point where the birds had trouble reproducing. They even went locally extinct in many areas, including most of the U.S.

Fortunately, Peregrine Falcon populations are now rebounding due to recovery efforts including pesticide bans and breeding and reintroduction programs. This magnificent bird is once again a common sight. I believe that its comeback mirrors a major shift in planetary consciousness, in which humanity is beginning to recognize and honor its higher spiritual purpose.

What do you think?