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The Hummingbird: A symbol of joy and resilience in Hopi culture

Writer's picture: LorraineLorraine

During an apprentice diet, deep in the Peruvian Amazon jungle, I experienced something that profoundly touched my heart. Isolated for more than a month, I often felt on the verge of despair. The days were long, filled with internal struggles where my fears and doubts seemed stronger than ever. But whenever I wanted to give up, a hummingbird would appear, like a divine messenger.


An artwork of a magnificent hummingbird in the Amazon jungle, symbolizing faith and the joy of living.
Hummingbird, the messenger of joy

This tiny bird would appear out of nowhere, vibrant with colors and energy. Its presence was a reminder that the Creator is always near. Each time it appeared, I found strength and courage, and I understood that the joy of living is never far away; it resides within each of us, even in the darkest moments. These encounters were the universe's winks, indicating that I was on the right path, the path of faith and resilience.

 

The Hopi and their relationship with nature

 

The Hopi, a Native American tribe primarily living in Arizona, share this deep connection with nature. For them, every aspect of the natural world is sacred and intimately linked to our existence. Animals are spiritual guides and messengers, and among them, the hummingbird holds a special place.

 

The Hummingbird in Hopi culture

 

The hummingbird, with its small size and speed, is a powerful symbol among the Hopi. Considered the bird of the shaman in South America, it embodies the joy of living and resilience. It is a messenger of happiness, bringing positive and vibrant energy to those lucky enough to encounter it.

 

In a Hopi myth, the hummingbird appears as a heroic intercessor, saving humanity from famine by intervening with the god of germination and growth. This crucial role illustrates the symbolic power of this bird, capable of transforming desperate situations into sources of abundance and life.

 

The Medicine of the Hummingbird

 

The hummingbird may be the smallest of birds, but it is also the most fascinating. Its English name, "hummingbird," comes from the vibration of its wings when it flies or hovers. Humming produces an internal massage effect, restoring health and balance. The hummingbird reminds us to find joy in what we do and to express it through song.

 

Hummingbirds know how to use flowers to heal, integrating their fragrances, colors, and botanical qualities to create medicinal treatments. They can teach us how to use flowers for healing, particularly the use of flower essences.


An art drawing of a magnificent hummingbird feeding on an exquisite flower in the Amazon jungle.
Hummingbird and the song of flowers

The Hummingbird as a totem: A spiritual guide of joy and resilience

 

Those who have the hummingbird as a totem or power animal are invited to enjoy the sweetness of life, lighten negativity, and express more love in their daily lives. This fascinating little bird is capable of astonishing feats despite its small size, covering great distances and even flying backward. By affinity with the hummingbird, those who feel close to its spirit may be encouraged to develop their adaptability and resilience while maintaining a playful and optimistic perspective.

 

The hummingbird symbolizes joy, playfulness, and adaptability. Its symbolic meanings include lightness of being, joy of living, presence in the moment, independence, and playfulness. If the hummingbird appears in your life as a totem animal, it reminds you to enjoy the simple pleasures of life and to take time to have more fun. The wisdom of the hummingbird is an invitation to savor the sweetness of life, to drink the nectar of your own flower. It will guide you to open yourself to love and lightness in your emotional life.

 

Master of flight and symbol of flexibility

 

The hummingbird is also a master of flight, capable of impressive maneuvers and rapid, fluid changes of direction. By drawing inspiration from this totem animal, you can learn to be more flexible and adapt your actions according to life's circumstances. The wisdom message carried by the hummingbird highlights flexibility and lightness in your approach to the unexpected, inviting you to see challenges in a positive and optimistic light.

 

A model of resilience and endurance

 

Despite its small size, the hummingbird is a model of resilience and endurance. Those who have this bird as a totem are characterized by their ability to perform tedious tasks tirelessly. Inspired by this totem, you will be inclined to achieve what seems impossible to others while maintaining a light and pleasant pace. The wisdom of the hummingbird is a valuable ally to brighten your mood and infuse more joy into your daily life. In times of challenges or negativity, the hummingbird helps you bring a positive perspective to the situation and find your way with optimism.

 

The Hummingbird and the Rain

 

Due to its iridescent colors, the hummingbird has also been associated with rain. More specifically, it is often associated with the "rainbow of promises" that follows the rain. For the Pueblo Indians, the rainbow coloration of the hummingbird, its great power in flight, and its omnipresence around flowers led to associations of the hummingbird with various ritual practices. Prayer sticks and ceremonies were used to bring rain and to stimulate endurance.

A drawing depicting a shaman whose song brings forth beautiful hummingbirds and lovely flowers.
The sacred song of the hummingbrid

 

The song of the Hummingbird

 

Oh, beautiful medicine of the Hummingbird 

Bird of the shaman 

I call your vitality, 

I call your joy, 

I call your lightness, 

I call your light, 

Hummingbird, healer, messenger of the air. 

Through this song,

 Spirit opens your beautiful medicine.

 

Hummingbird, by your grace,

Spirit invokes your medicine, 

Your vibrant flight, your divine dance, 

You teach us to find our song, 

To find beauty in every moment.

 

Oh, beautiful medicine of the Hummingbird 

Bird of the shaman 

I call your vitality, 

I call your joy, 

I call your lightness, 

I call your light, 

Hummingbird, healer, messenger of the air. 

Through this song,

Spirit opens your beautiful medicine.

 

From the nectar of bright flowers, 

You draw your strength, oh healer of broken hearts, 

Bring your peace, extinguish our flames, 

Soothe our sorrows, free our suffering.

 

The humming of your wings, 

Opens the wind of the Holy Spirit. 

With your song of joy, 

You open our hearts. 

Your gentle breeze, calling faith, 

Shows us the way, 

In each breath, a transformation.

 

Oh, beautiful medicine of the Hummingbird 

Bird of the shaman 

I call your vitality, 

I call your joy, 

I call your lightness, 

I call your light, 

Hummingbird, healer, messenger of the air. 

Through this song,

 Spirit opens your beautiful medicine.

 

Little bird, great traveler, 

Crossing the skies without fear, 

In you, we find endurance, 

The courage to move forward, the confidence.

 

Your song is a hymn to life, 

A reminder that joy is infinite, 

Vibrating through the wind, 

Lifting our souls at every moment.

 

Hummingbird, luminous guide, 

Light our shadowy paths, 

Through your medicine, we are reborn, 

With you, life is a song, a blessing.

 

Oh, beautiful medicine of the Hummingbird 

Bird of the shaman 

I call your vitality, 

I call your joy, 

I call your lightness, 

I call your light, 

Hummingbird, healer, messenger of the air. 

Through this song,

Spirit opens your beautiful medicine.

 

Hummingbird, by your magic, 

Grant us your sweet harmony, 

May your song heal our hearts, 

And guide us to better days.

 

Oh, Hummingbird, winged spirit, 

In your dance, we want to vibrate, 

Teach us joy, love, 

At every moment, every day.

 

Meditation to connect with the Hummingbird

 

Close your eyes and take a deep breath. Feel the fresh air entering your lungs and spreading throughout your body. Exhale gently, releasing all tensions. Repeat this a few times until you feel completely relaxed.

 

Visualize yourself in a lush garden filled with colorful, fragrant flowers. Feel the softness of the grass under your feet and the warmth of the sun on your skin. Listen to the soothing sounds of nature around you, the birds singing, the whisper of the wind in the trees.

 

In this garden, find a quiet spot where you can sit. Imagine a beautiful flower right in front of you, its petals vibrant with life and color. Focus on this flower and feel the peace it emanates.

 

Suddenly, a hummingbird appears, flitting around the flower. Watch its graceful movements, its wings beating so rapidly they become a blur. Feel the joy and energy it brings with it. Let this energy fill your body, filling your heart with light and happiness.

 

The hummingbird approaches you, its eyes sparkling with wisdom and kindness. Welcome its presence with gratitude. Feel a connection forming between you and this magnificent being. The hummingbird is here to guide you, to bring you the lightness and resilience you need.

 

Ask it to show you how to find joy in each moment, how to stay flexible and adaptable in the face of life's challenges. Listen to the messages it has for you, feel its healing medicine working within you.

 

Stay in this state of communion with the hummingbird for as long as you wish, absorbing all the wisdom and positivity it shares with you.

 

When you are ready, thank the hummingbird for its presence and teachings. Slowly, begin to bring your awareness back to the present moment. Gently move your fingers and toes, then open your eyes.

 

Feel revitalized, filled with the joy and lightness of the hummingbird. Carry this energy with you in your

 daily life, knowing that the hummingbird is always there to guide and inspire you.

 

The Hummingbird: Messenger of joy and resilience

 

The hummingbird, with its rich and inspiring symbolism, offers us beautiful medicine. It reminds us to always keep faith, to take care of ourselves, and to never give up. By showing us the path of joy and resilience, the hummingbird guides us towards a fuller life, connected to the beauty of the world around us. Whether we are in the heart of the Amazon jungle or on the arid plateaus of Arizona, the message of the hummingbird resonates within us all: the joy of living is within us, and we are always on the path of faith.

 

If you are inspired by the medicine of the hummingbird and wish to explore further the spiritual path of the Hopi, I invite you to visit our teachings page, book a drum healing session, or become a member of our community where we share these values and spiritual practices with respect and kindness.

Together, let's honor ancient wisdom and journey towards a life enriched by sharing and gratitude.

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