Ornithomancy is the interpretation of bird calls, numbers, behaviors, and flight patterns for divination purposes. It was practiced in ancient times, but we, unfortunately, have very little information about the techniques used.
I recently started learning ornithomancy, but again, there are minimal resources, so I have put together a guide for learning.
Disclaimer: This is by no means the only way to practice and I would love to hear your takes! I'm also very much a beginner, so this is also a step-by-step plan for me to follow.
Step One: Identify the birds in your area.
Start with getting outside and watching/listening to the birds around you. I recommend downloading a bird identification app like Merlin (it's free!) to identify birds by their songs, calls, and appearances. Take notes about what birds you see/hear most commonly. I'd recommend getting binoculars, but you can absolutely do this without them.
Note: You do not have to be able to identify a bird without an app, but definitely start trying to! Listen to what calls you hear most frequently or what species you see often.
Step Two: Learn about the birds in your area
After you have your list of local birds, take to the internet (or guidebook) to do some research. I'm starting with the birds I can easily identify without an app, like blue jays, goldfinches, crows, ducks, etc. Research the birds' behaviors, habits, habitats, migratory patterns, and whatever else you find important.
Note: Go at your own pace; don't feel like you have to learn every single bird in a week. Let it take months or years! Revel in the joy of learning!
Step Three: Assigning meanings to the birds
Ornithomancy is a highly personal divination technique; there are no guidebooks to tell us what each bird means. You can assign meanings based on your research, deity associations, or personal experiences with the birds. Some birds, like crows, have folklore already tied to them, but absolutely put your own UPGs in there!!
Examples: Blue jays alert birds in their areas to predators with their calls. For this reason, I associate blue jays with warnings or alarms.
I grew up hearing chickadees everywhere, so I associate them with childhood, innocence, or youth.
Crows are often associated with the god Apollo.
In folklore, cardinals are seen as visitors from heaven or the souls of deceased loved ones.
Note: While going through these steps, continue to get outside and watch/listen to the birds! Keep a running list of birds to learn about.
Step Four: Figure out how you want to read the birds
I've said it before and I'll say it again, we don't know much about how birds were read in ancient times. From what I could find, seers would face north and read birds on the east side. But again, do what feels right for you. You can read birds directly in front of you, flying, just the calls, a combination, or however you feel is right!
I'm still developing how I want to read birds, but I'll update as I go!!
Step Five (optional): Learn basic numerology
If you're going the route of counting birds for certain messages, it may help to know basic numerology! Of course, do what resonates and feel free to assign your own meanings to different numbers.
Note: There are tons of resources online about numerology, but I have found some of the associations are vague or redundant of each other. Use your intuition to determine what is best for your practice.
Step Six (optional): Learn about flight patterns/behaviors
Pay attention to how birds around you are flying. How much are they flapping their wings? What direction are they flying in? Do they land? For how long? Where do they land? Do they take off again? Are they migrating? Learn the terminology for these behaviors. Determine how you want to read these behaviors and assign meaning where you see fit.
Step Seven: Honing your craft
Try to identify birds on your own, either by call, appearance, or both. This process will take time, and that's totally okay!
Practice, practice, practice your method of reading birds and become more confident in your skills. Tweak your methods when necessary and take notes about what works for you and what doesn't.
Note: One of the best things you can do is simply pay attention to the world around you. Become an observer of the natural world and learn from it what you can!
That's all I have for the time being! Thanks for reading!
