Avian Intermediaries
Suzanne E. Greco
Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought 2025 DOI: 10.5406/15549399.58.4.06 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that birds hold rich symbolic meanings across cultures and time, serving as mediators between life and death, omens, angels, and spiritual guides, and often as carriers or embodiments of departed souls. Cites Adam McLean's claim that birds' essential quality is their domain over the air element, mediating between the earthly realm and the heaven world. |
Abstract
Content warning: This essay discusses sexual violence. Birds, across cultures and time, hold a rich tapestry of symbolic meanings, entwining life and death, omens and auguries, angels and spiritual guides. They are often seen as carriers of the departed souls, and at times, they are believed to embody those spirits. Adam McLean, a Scottish writer on alchemical texts, notes, “The essential thing about birds is that they have as their domain the air element, mediating between the earthly realm and the heaven world.”