northern cardinals
Northern cardinals are one of God’s most recognized and adored creatures throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Whether they symbolize love, loyalty or are embraced as spiritual messengers from the spirit world, cardinals have played countless roles in mythology and literature through the centuries. Continue reading below to discover why a cardinal’s beauty extends far beyond its bold red feathers and unique crest.
BIBLICAL MEANING
In the Christian context, both the blood of Jesus and cardinals are used as the symbols of vitality, and that vitality is everlasting. Scripture clearly says “By His blood, we are freed from sin to serve the living God, to glorify Him, and to enjoy Him forever.” Red cardinals represent life, hope, and restoration.
CARDINAL EXPERIENCE
A Cardinal Experience is defined as the moment a red cardinal appears unexpectedly during a difficult time or even during a celebration. If you have experienced a loss and were blessed by a Cardinal Experience, please share your beautiful story with us via the form provided on our CONTACT Page. We will add your story to our collection of real-life Cardinal Experiences which will provide comfort and inspiration for many others who have also suffered a loss. Visit the Cardinals Page on our website to start reading our collection of heartwarming stories from men and women throughout the United States and Canada.
DREAMS
Most often when a cardinal appears in your dream, it is regarded as a very positive message, one that is urging you to follow your dreams and passions. When you see a cardinal in your dream, it can mean that you are finally being honest with yourself, and you have finally discovered who you really are. The red bird may be giving you a message that you should accept the flaws in yourself and love yourself exactly as God made you. A cardinal appearing in your dream can also mean that something unusual will happen in your life, or positive life changes are in your future.
ENERGY
Some theologians see the cardinal symbolizing the Holy Spirit, combining the fire element of the Spirit’s work with the energy and life found in the Spirit. Tied with the blood of Christ, the cardinal represents the eternal life-giving nature of Jesus and His ministry.
FEMALE CARDINALS
Seeing a female cardinal means that you will receive good news or something positive will happen for you in the future. The female cardinal is a sign of bright days ahead in which you can turn your dreams into a reality. Some experts believe that a female cardinal is also a spiritual messenger sent by your loved ones in Heaven to let you know they will always feel your love and will be nearby.
HOLIDAY SEASON
Northern cardinals have become a figure of many traditions and beliefs worldwide. With it's spectacular red color, the male cardinal has become a symbol of the beauty and warmth of the holiday season. They appear on countless items such as Christmas cards, figurines and ornaments for trees just to name a few. It is clear that the red cardinal is the most traditional subject used for holiday decorations.
NATIVE AMERICANS
Cardinals represent devotion, loving relationships, courtship, and monogamy above everything else in the Native American lore, which some tribes thought cardinals to be the harbinger of rain, other tribes, like the southeastern tribe, associated good fortune and sun with them. In fact, it is believed that if a red cardinal appears, that individual will have good luck within 12 days of the sighting.
NEW BEGINNINGS
Cardinals are highly associated with a ray of hope in the cluster of worries, a beginning of new beginnings in the spring after a cold, harsh winter, and a beam of light within the world itself. There is also a common rhythmic quotation: “Cardinals appear when Angels are near.” This quote, taken from a poem, relates to the Christian culture and faith. When you see a red cardinal near your home, it should also serve as a reminder to embrace the new beginnings ahead and have faith that they will comfort your soul.
RECONNECT
It is strongly believed that cardinals are birds sent from Heaven as spiritual messengers and carriers of the soul. You have an ability to see this connection by looking at the cardinal’s chest. When you see a red cardinal, think about slowing down, getting your energy back, and reconnecting with your soul to outcast any signs of depression. We are so busy that most people rarely take time to meditate. After seeing a red cardinal, you should consider this as a reminder to give some time to your soul.
SELF-CONFIDENCE
Cardinals are very vigilant, active, and confident, so they are also often associated with this concept. Mother nature has gifted cardinals so much that it instinctively knows its talents, and you cannot ever take it lightly. Whenever you see a cardinal, allow its song to soak into your soul for the better. When you listen intently to its song, think about self-sustainability, the power you possess in your own skills, and move forward no matter what obstacles may be in your path.
SPIRIT ANIMAL
People with the cardinal totem listen to their inner voice and intuition very well. They are capable of tremendous compassion and sensitivity. Redbird totem people possess great initiative and are often the first in line. Those with the cardinal as their spirit animal are focused and determined to make things happen. They also have a gift for self-promotion and enjoy taking a leadership role responsible for managing many projects. People with this totem also know where to start and end projects. They have excellent strategy skills and handle power extremely well. Those with this spirit animal also like new challenges in their lives and are eager to start and tackle new things. They are incredibly organized and detail oriented.
SPIRITUAL MESSENGERS
Symbolic signs appear in many forms, but the red cardinal has long been embraced as the most notable spiritual messenger who has been sent by our loved ones in Heaven to watch over us. To this day, red cardinals are one of the most common spiritual signs that people receive from Heaven. Cardinals also have a deep connection with lost souls. People have often reported that after the death of their loved ones, they begin to see cardinals frequently. Seeing a cardinal for the first time or more frequently than usual can be an indication from your loved one that they will always feel your love and will be near you.
STABILITY
Relating to yet another fantastic fact, cardinals also symbolize the power and stability of a strong family. The male cardinal is responsible for the healthy nurturing of the fledglings, while in other species, this is the female’s responsibility. When you see a cardinal, think of the stability you can bring into your life or love life as well as your family. This stability is also related to balance in career and opportunities.
WINTER SEASON
The red cardinal is the most common bird associated with the winter season. As cold weather approaches, the greenery and the exotic colors of nature often fade. However, when a red cardinal appears in the middle of a snowstorm, it serves as another reminder of its power of life and the winter season.