SANCTUARY

Today is June 18, 2012. Three Days before the Summer Solstice. The day of most light.

These photos were taken a few weeks ago up Provo Canyon. Last time I went up there I had company as I sat along the bank of the river:  a hawk, a golden warbler and a robin. While not the best of pictures, I post them as a reminder.  

Birds find sanctuary high in the trees usually in peaceful and serene places. A sanctuary is defined in the 1828 dictionary as a place consecrated to the worship of God, a place where divine service is performed. It is a place of protection.

Here is some interesting things I learned about the robin:

Robins have a powerful significance in ancient myth and lore. One tale has its origins in European mythology, in which the bird of Spring is linked with the New Year and symbolises divine sacrifice and the rebirth of the spirit.

Medieval Europe lore often depicted the robin attending the Christ child, an emblem of the Passion to come. The tiny robin flew to Jesus' Crown of Thorns, striving bravely to pluck the thorns away with his beak. Unfortunately, the bird only tore his own breast on the thorns. Since then it was thought that robins wore red feathers on their chests as a badge of honour.


Robins are good parents like many birds are. One facet of this power animal their ability to nurture themselves into true adulthood. This is signified by the robin's red breast - it symbolizes the activation of creative energy, inciting growth. This is also linked with the Robin's traditional connection to spring - the season of renewal. When we let go of our past - a lot of which stems from childhood experiences - we are refreshed and renewed, thus unburdened and free to nurture and serve ourselves as well as others.
If there is an abundant food supply, robins will live the year-round in an area. This can show us that when our heart and soul feels gloomy and cold, we are able to thrive if we possess sufficient inner strength, courage and trust. Therefore, the robin is an especially good ally to have through the winter months.

One part of growth is learning how to deal with conflict in a mature manner. Male robins immersed in territorial disputes sing to each other.  Their song is a happy one, reminding you to let go of your personal drama and learn to laugh with life.