With Grace and Nobility

Even though Spring is springing it is still rather stark outside. The trees are still bare, the grass isn't quite green, the garden is toiled but lacks visual vitality......in some ways it's still lonesome outside. But, the sun is peaking it's beams a little today and the temperature is rising.

I was visited this morning by a male and female cardinal. They flew after each other and around each other and flirted on a tree branch. It was beautiful to watch them. Their red colors were vivid, particularly the male. Amidst the bleak and bare trees they shown brightly. These two lovebirds, as I imagined them to be, inspired me and this blog post. Time to find out why.......

"The symbolic meaning of cardinals deals with vibrancy and brilliance.

As we observe the cardinal – particularly against the backdrop of the stark winter months, we are reminded that even when things appear bleak or isolated, there is always the presence of beauty, hope, and love.

Cardinals encourage us to express our brilliance and reveal our truest selves. Their radiant red is a symbol for us to recognize the gifts in our hearts that we have to give to others in love and friendship.

Here is a quick summary of the attributes & symbolic meaning of cardinals:

•Sexuality
•Vibrancy
•Renewal
•Self-reflection
•Friendliness
•Vitality
•Goodwill
•Industry
•Brilliance

As we might guess, a large part of the animal symbolism of the cardinal comes from the brilliant red color of the males. This shock of red, especially against the stark backdrop of winter snow, is a magnificent sight. The male cardinal reminds us passion, warmth and vibrancy is available to us - even in under the cloak of winter's grey clouds. Interestingly, the more bold and bright his color is, the more successful the cardinal will be at prolonging his lineage. Dull colored male cardinals are less likely to mate successfully than bright ones.

True to the fire of his color, the crimson cardinal has got some major spunk. He will aggressively defend his territory, and fight attackers with ferocity. Indeed, they have been known to fight ghost males (their reflections) in mirrors for hours on end.

Both male and female give us glorious songs. Along with peeps and pips and warbles, the tuned ear can also hear "cheer, cheer, cheer!" Very appropriate to the animal symbolism of cardinals, because they are a delight to both eyes and ears.

The cardinal reminds us to hold ourselves with pride - not ego pride. Rather, the cardinal asks us to stand a little taller, be a bit more regal, step into our natural confidence as if we were born to lead with grace and nobility."