The Robin: A Spiritual Messenger

In many shamanic cultures, the bird is believed to function as a psychopomp - a guide that assists souls to their next life after death. Among the birds that symbolise death in Irish folklore is the robin. The robin, however, is just as much seen as a spiritual messenger, as well as a loved one returning to wish us well. This gives us a glimpse into our inherent understanding of the eternal destiny of the soul.

This little fellow landed right above my head in a holly tree, just as I had spread some of Rufino’s ashes underneath it. I had been crying, but the sight of him distracted me as I rummaged for seeds to give him. As quickly as he arrived, he flew off, leaving me alone to once more sink into my emotions. As I began to cry again, he returned and sat in the tree next to me, watching me intently. I understood the message this time. I was not to distract myself from death, but be comfortable in its presence. The robin bounced along the bare branches, branches that would soon grow buds and be reborn, becoming a tree rich with life. This little bird with a big spirit was a reminder of the seasons and cycles of life, of the souls within us all that cannot be destroyed but can only change form. If this bird symbolises death, then he too symbolises rebirth. As he took flight, I did not see his departure as an ending, but as a journey to a new destination.