Discover 5 Meanings and Signs of Seeing a Bald Eagle

Written by Patrick Sather
Updated: June 20, 2023
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The bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is the national bird of the United States. On June 20, 1782, delegates at the Continental Congress chose the bald eagle to depict the Great Seal of the United States. Since then, this majestic bird has come to symbolize important American values, such as freedom, strength, and courage. That said, what are some of the meanings and signs of seeing a bald eagle?

The bald eagle means different things to different people. To some Native American cultures, the bald eagle possesses important and unique spiritual significance. Similarly, the bald eagle often acts as a surrogate for modern American values. If you want to learn more about bald eagle symbolism and spiritual meaning, then you’re in the right place. Read on to discover 5 meanings and signs of seeing a bald eagle. 

Bald Eagle Meaning for Native American Cultures

For centuries, various Native American cultures have revered bald eagles. Numerous tribes used (and continue to use) bald eagle feathers in religious and cultural ceremonies. Eagle feathers often adorn traditional fans, headdresses, bustles, and other garments. 

The meaning of bald eagles varied from tribe to tribe and from context to context. For example, the Lakota people would give someone an eagle feather when they achieved a task worthy of honor. Similarly, the Navajo people used feathers as protection charms or for creating medicinal tools. 

In many Native American myths, bald eagles act as messengers between humans and gods or other spirits. As such, eagles often take on mystical qualities and stand closer to the divine than humans. Bald eagles also sometimes symbolized peace or fertility, and people would offer prayers to eagles to aid in the recovery of a sick or injured family member or friend. 

Bald Eagle as Your Spirit Animal

Bald Eagle in Binghamton, New York

Having the bald eagle as a spirit animal can mean you are an influential person.

©Marcy Herrick/Shutterstock.com

Many people believe in the concept of a spirit animal. A spirit animal acts as a guide or protector that embodies certain characteristics or traits that people admire. If you believe in spirit animals, then you likely have a spirit animal to which you feel especially connected. 

If the bald eagle is your spirit animal, then you may be an influential person! At the very least, you possess a strong spirit. Perhaps you believe in the importance of taking responsibility for your actions and standing up for what you believe in. 

Eagles possess keen perception, and this eagle eye translates to your own drive to seek out the truth. Rely on your vision and remain perceptive to your environment to ensure you maintain balance. 

Meanings and Signs of Seeing a Bald Eagle

Seeing a bald eagle in any context imparts a certain amount of symbolic significance.

At face value, seeing a bald eagle might appear like a non-consequential event. However, under the right circumstances, a bald eagle can help you sort through the chaos in your life to find clarity and guidance. 

The meanings and signs of seeing a bald eagle in your path vary highly depending on the person, place, and context of the occurrence. For example, encountering a bald eagle in the zoo versus in the wild will equate to a very different experience. 

Regardless, seeing a bald eagle in any context imparts a certain amount of symbolic significance. Here are 5 meanings and signs of seeing a bald eagle. 

5. Try Something New

A Bald Eagle flying with the backdrop of one of Alaska's glacier's Grewingk.

If you see a bald eagle don’t be afraid to try something new.

©iStock.com/Kandfoto

Bald eagles evolved several adaptations to help them survive. Their strong beaks excel at tearing flesh, while their sharp, powerful talons help them to hold onto prey. They possess a unique toe structure that allows them to grasp fish, one of their favorite foods. Bald eagles have also adapted to modern living by learning to scavenge for food and find an easy meal.  

Like the bald eagle, you may need to adapt to a new situation, environment, or life event. Alternatively, maybe you need to make a change in your life to fix a persistent problem. Maybe you’re in a job you don’t like, a bad relationship, or addicted to an unhealthy substance or lifestyle. When you see a bald eagle, stop and consider if there is something in your life that you should change.

Seeing a bald eagle might be a hint that it’s time to try something new. That might mean doing something simple, like forgoing sugar in your coffee, or something extreme, like making a significant career change. Just remember to have courage like the bald eagle and prepare yourself for significant change. 

4. You Might Need Balance in Your Life

Bald eagles can catch fish with one hand while flying through the air. They also possess enough strength to carry objects that weigh at least as much as they do. Such feats of strength require an incredible amount of balance and poise.  

In a spiritual sense, bald eagles symbolize equilibrium and stability. Sighting a bald eagle represents a chance for you to self-reflect and figure out ways to bring stability back to your life. 

If you see a bald eagle, consider whether you need balance in your own life. Perhaps you are working long hours, and this is causing your social or home life to suffer. On the other hand, maybe you went through an emotionally grueling ordeal and need time to heal. Either way, seeing a bald eagle should encourage you to find those areas in your life that feel out of sync.

3. Seek Out Ancient Knowledge and Wisdom

Bald eagles can be a reminder to seek out ancient wisdom

Seeing a bald eagle can serve as a reminder to seek out ancient wisdom.

©iStock.com/hsun337 – License

Bald eagles are equipped with keen eyesight. They possess 20/5 or 20/4 vision, meaning they can see 4 to 5 times better than even the most keen-eyed human. Their incredible eyesight equates to amazing perception and the ability to quickly spot both predators and prey

This sense of perception likely explains why people often equate eagles with knowledge and wisdom. In this modern age, we’re constantly bombarded with new information. Sometimes it can prove difficult to sort fact from fiction and to filter through the latest trends, hacks, and tips to figure out what’s true and what’s not.

Spotting an eagle can serve as a clue that you need to seek out ancient knowledge and wisdom. Consider consulting with your elders, a mentor, or a trusted confidant to gain insight and feedback on your day-to-day habits and activities. Not every ancient piece of wisdom holds true to this day. However, seeing a bald eagle should give you a hint to keep a look out for potential pitfalls in your path or bits of knowledge that seem too good to be true. 

2. Refocus on Your Goals

Bald eagles possess an innate desire to survive and thrive. They build nests that can measure nearly 8 feet wide and weigh over 2 tons. A single nest can take up to 3 months to build and a bald eagle pair may maintain and add to the same nest for several years. 

For many people, bald eagles represent determination, grit, and the strength to forge ahead when the going gets tough. Sometimes life can get in the way and cause us to lose sight of what’s important. Maybe you went through a difficult breakup and haven’t had the energy to go to the gym, or perhaps you’ve been spending a lot of time playing a new video game when you should be studying for your math final. 

When you see a bald eagle, take a moment to remind yourself of your current and long-term goals. Use this as an opportunity to recommit yourself to your plans and get back on track to achieving your goals. 

1. Get in Tune With Your Spiritual Self

When bald eagles soar through the sky, they remind us of our connection to powers beyond our comprehension

Use your encounter with a bald eagle as an opportunity to get in touch with your spiritual self.

©iStock.com/Karel Bock

Although they spend most of their time lower to the ground, bald eagles soar to incredible heights. When riding thermal vents, they can reach heights over 10,000 feet above the ground. 

When bald eagles soar through the sky, they remind us of our connection to powers beyond our comprehension. They serve as a connection to higher powers and symbolize the spirit’s desire to soar and find peace and self-satisfaction.

Seeing a bald eagle grants you the chance to get in touch with your spiritual side. With so many distractions in modern life, it’s easy to forget to connect with ourselves. It’s important to practice self-care, whether that’s meditating, going for a walk outside, praying (if you’re religious), or even just socializing with friends. Use your encounter with a bald eagle as an opportunity to connect with your spirit and practice a little self-love. 

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/Schaef1


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