Egret Symbolism & Meaning (+ Spirit, Totem & Omens)  

Are you interested in the Egret Spirit Animal? Then this guide is for you!

What does an egret symbolize as he interacts with his natural world? The natural characteristics of this bird tell us a lot about it as a spirit animal.

The egret strikes with lightning speed as it hunts for fish, insects, frogs, crustaceans, and a host of other small animals that make up its food.

Although to the human eye the egret’s capture of these foods may look instantaneous, the truth is that the egret is a very patient bird.

It waits for long periods for the right moment to strike its quarry.

This spirit animal teaches us to still our lives, to move away from all the noise and chaos so that we can listen to our inner beings.

When the egret spirit animal comes into your life, it is asking you to be patient. Real success takes time, patience, lots of hard work, and a positive attitude.

What’s the Egret Meaning and Symbolism?

Symbol of Vigilance and Alertness

Egrets walk with their heads extended – as if they are on the lookout for hidden danger. When it takes to the air, egrets flight is slow, and gives the impression of well-calculated moves.

We can borrow a leaf from this spirit guide by being more observant about our environment. Where our safety and security are concerned, we should not leave anything to chance.

Symbol of Diversity, Adaptation, and Balance

The egret has a close-knit relationship with the three elements of Water, Air, and Earth. It misses nothing as it interacts with these elements.

The fact that it prefers living in sunny, tropical regions indicates its close relationship with the Fire element.

This teaches us to be adaptable and diverse in our thinking. You can achieve this only if you create the right balance in your life.

Symbol of Stability and Security

Oftentimes, egrets are pictured with one foot on water and the other on land. It crosses this span with confidence and great stability.

This paints a picture of a bird that is sure of its actions; it has total faith in its skills and abilities. As your spirit animal, the egret asks you to put your skills and talents to good use.

Symbol of Patience and Determination

As this bird waits to capture its quarry, it often stands on one leg for long periods until it gets the perfect window to strike.

In its determination not to lose its dinner, it patiently focuses on the goal at hand. This tells us to be resolute and single-minded in the pursuit of our goals and dreams.

Symbolic Meaning of Egret Spirit Animal in Various Cultures

Egret Symbolism in Christian Culture

In Christianity, the egrets and the herons are seen as symbols of a long, happy life. These birds can thrive in the wilderness for well over 20 years, which is a no mean feat for any water bird.

Also, Christians look at the egret as a sign of prosperity and success. Whenever these birds go, they bring with them the positive energies of good fortune and growth.

Christians can relate to the long-suffering nature of egrets.

From their patience during hunts to the fact that they thrive in inhospitable conditions, these birds paint a picture of contentment and gratitude.

The egret teaches Christians the importance of counting one’s blessings, no matter how small they may be.

The white plumage of the egret reminds Christians to remain pious and pure regardless of the environment they find themselves in.

In other words, there’s nothing worth compromising your integrity over.

Egret Symbolism in African Culture

Africans believed that egrets were special messengers from the divine realm. Well, it’s not hard to understand their thinking when you look at the physical structure of this bird.

The egret stands at an imposing height of three feet, and this is complemented by a wingspan of about 60 inches.

Additionally, many African cultures believed that egrets carried the souls of their ancestors who wanted to keep an eye on their communities.

Myths and legends about the mystical powers of this bird are many.

For example, ancient Egyptian mythology links the egret to Bennu, an important being who played a central role in the creation of the world.

The myth says that Bennu was so important that he was trusted with carrying the soul of the Sun God, Amon-Ra.

Ancient Egyptians regarded Bennu as a symbol of immortality.

In 1999, Bennu found its way to NASA’s list of important celestial bodies, where it is associated with one of the most hazardous asteroids in the solar system.

Egret Symbolism in Native American Culture

Most Native American tribes had a lot of respect for the egret, because of the lessons they learned from it.

From its color to its conduct in nature, the egret was seen as a representation of peace, harmony, and balance.

The tribes around the northwestern coast considered the egret a good omen.

Spotting these birds while on hunting or fishing expeditions was considered good luck.

The Cherokee tribe looked at the egret as a sign of peace and balance. Feathers from this bird were won by representatives of the tribe during important negotiations.

These feathers were also a favorite with ballplayers.

However, not all Native American tribes had kind words for the egret. Some looked at these birds as loners and considered them to represent antisocial behavior.

This stems from the egret’s solitary nature.

Egret Symbolism in Celtic Culture

Tales and myths from the Celts indicate that the roles of the egret and the heron are interchangeable. The Celts used the term Creyr to refer to either.

According to Celtic history, Creyr has the power to give life – and to take it away. It’s for this reason Celtic warriors had symbols of the egret or herons on their shields.

The Celts regarded the egret as a symbol of peace and harmony – more like their version of the Yin Yang symbol.

Like in most other cultures, the Celts believed that the presence of egrets would attract wealth and prosperity.

They also thought that this bird could communicate directly to the gods.

In some Celtic tales, the egret is painted as a symbol of determination, patience, and immortality. It was believed that these birds were both calm and peace-loving.

The Celts believed that egrets and herons were the reincarnations of the goddess Rhiannon. This goddess was in charge of all the magical waters.

From her dominion, she offered protection to seafarers and fishermen.

Egret Symbolism in Eastern Culture

The Chinese regard egrets as sacred creatures. These birds had been sent to the world to teach us the importance of patience, strength, purity, and harmony.

According to the Chinese, the egret was a divine bird that conducted the souls of the dead through the treacherous path to the other side of the World.

According to the Japanese, the egrets symbolize longevity, dignity, and grace. These birds also showed the souls of the dead the way to Heaven.

The egrets are a common feature in Chinese and Japanese art. They are shown either in flight or standing patiently on one leg waiting to pounce on a quarry.

The nests of egrets and herons were used as presents during negotiations or in peace meetings.

According to Buddhist culture, one of the most famous followers of Buddha, Shariputra, is also called the ‘Son of the Egret’.

It is said that Shariputra’s mothers had the mystical powers of the egret.

In most eastern cultures, the egret is seen as a symbol of strength, immortality, endurance, and purity. It is also thought to be a noble bird, and its eggs were a befitting gift to the royalty.

When the Egret is Your Spirit Animal

As with all spirit animals, the egret chooses to come into your life to help you through a troubling phase.

It could be that you find yourself stuck in a place that robs you of the joy of living.

The egret spirit animal helps you to become aware of your surroundings so that you can extricate yourself to a better place.

Egrets guide us through our moments of doubt and uncertainty. This bird gives draws attention to your skills and talents so that you can take better care of yourself.

When this bird flies into your presence, it wants you to consider your position in life. You should realize that you are resourceful enough to handle the challenges that come your way.

With the egret spirit guide, you learn the importance of being self-reliant.

Although you may turn to your friends and relatives for help occasionally, it would be unwise to make it a habit.

This spirit animal calls on you to have more faith in your abilities.

Additionally, this bird locates you when you need help with your love relationship. You need to understand that you cannot run your relationship by yourself.

You need to involve your partner in all important decisions.

The Egret Power Animal

People with egret power animal are self-reliant. This totem helps you to recognize and use your skills and talents to create the life you want.

With this power animal, you learn that you should never swap your independence for anything else. Your freedom is your most important virtue.

When you are self-reliant, you don’t have to play second fiddle to anyone. Indeed, nobody will have to take advantage of your shortcomings and vulnerabilities.

This power guide also helps you to choose your friends accordingly. When you are self-reliant, you can tell who is genuine and who isn’t.

Additionally, the egret power animal comes to you when you seem to have forgotten about your home and loved ones.

Perhaps, you are spending too much time away from your family for no good reason.

Since this power guide is concerned with nesting, it shows you the importance of investing your time and energy in your family.

You have the resources to bring up your loved ones in a way that reflects your personality. Don’t spend these resources elsewhere.

The Egret Totem Animal

If you were born with the egret as your totem guide, it means you’ve learned to focus on the important things in your life.

The egret totem animal insists on getting your priorities right. Use your resources for the right purpose.

At the same time, don’t rely on others so much that your own skills and abilities fall into disuse. Although you need other human beings, you must know the extent to which you need them.

You can’t depend on others to do everything for you.

The solitary nature of the egret tells us not to be overly social. You must do everything in your power to preserve your identity and unique individuality.

In other words, the egret totem animal teaches you to stand out in any crowd.

Egret Encounters and Omens

Seeing an egret tells you to be quiet and still in your ways. You don’t have to, for example, announce to all and sundry your big plans.

Plan quietly and work patiently to get the results you desire.

An encounter with an egret serves as a call to awaken your intelligence and wisdom. This spirit guide urges you to use your wide array of abilities to solve your problems.

Many cultures across the world look at the egret in a favorable light.

For example, the Iroquois tribe of the Native Americans believed that the egret was a great omen, and that they would be very lucky if they encountered it.

This tribe also considered the egret a great hunter. They knew that things would go well for them if they encountered this bird while out on a hunt.

Seeing the egret spirit guide encourages you to contemplate your life. Embrace the power of meditation, for it will help you to tap into your greater consciousness.

Meeting this bird reminds you that your life is not an accident. You are where you are exactly meant to be.

And, more importantly, you have the resources to take you where you’d like to be. This should motivate you to keep working hard to change your life for the better.

Egret Tattoo Meaning

The egret tattoo has many facets that mostly depend on the inspiration of the wearer.

If you are the religious type, you may want to wear this tattoo as an outward show of your beliefs.

The Africans, Celts, Native Americans, and the Chinese believed that egrets were a communicator with the divine realm.

This means that an egret tattoo has a sacred meaning, and it makes your relationship with your Higher Power more profound.

All the same, you can wear an egret tattoo for purely non-religious reasons. For example, it could be that you want to express your faith in your abilities.

You want the world to know that you are not to be taken for granted or trifled with, and that you have the skills and abilities to assert your independence.

The egret tattoo has also come to be associated with patience, stillness, tranquility, and peace.

This tattoo tells people that you value your inner peace, and that you wouldn’t want anyone to interfere with it.

Since time immemorial, the egret has been associated with positive energy. If you see a tattoo of this bird on someone, it means this person is powered by a positive mindset.

The egret tattoo is an affirmation that you choose to focus on possibilities instead of impossibilities.

What’s the Meaning of Egret Dreams?

To dream of an egret swaying from side to side means you are doubtful about your capabilities. You tend to second guess yourself too much, and this is getting in the way of your productivity.

This egret dream tells you to be strong and have faith in yourself.

To dream of an egret watching the sunset means that your relationship is about to rise to the next level.

This is a perfect time to share your plans with your partner.

Dreaming of an egret waiting to catch fish or other quarry tells you to patiently wait for the success you desire to see.

This dream reminds you that true success does not happen without hard work, patience, and determination.

Dreaming of a flying egret means trouble. It indicates that something negative will affect your family. This dream could also mean that someone in your inner circle will betray you.

To see an egret standing on one leg in your dream indicates that your patience will eventually pay off handsomely. This should convince you not to give up in your quest to make your life better.

To dream of an egret landing in your yard indicates good tidings for the family. The days ahead will be marked with good fortune and prosperity.

Dreaming of an egret walking in the swamp shows you may be targeted by fraudsters. Likely, they will use your love for easy money or some other trap to ensnare you.

To see an egret swallowing food in your dream indicates a real threat to your business.

Likely, your competition has learned your secrets and they are planning to use them to throw you out of business.

Final Thoughts…

Egret symbolism is important because it teaches us to be still.

Humans often lose focus because they live in chaos, with little knowledge of where they are coming from or where they are headed.

How can we recognize opportunities if we don’t quiet our minds long enough to see the opportunities?

At the same time, the egret symbolism teaches us the importance of patience and determination.

We often have to wade through the ponds and marshes of life, and this can be frustrating if we are not well equipped for it.