Totem of the day is Eagle! Rise above the regular routine of life to view your life with a wider perspective. There is an opportunity before you that, if taken, will aid in anew beginning in you life. You have worked hard and will reap the benefits of your stamina. This may also be a time of new beginning which will also include a spiritual awakening that will bring you closer to the divine. This deeper connection will aid you in receiving messages that will aid in your creative expressions. Be careful of what you put out right now in your behaviors because it will come back to you in turn. The Eagle spirit guide is known for it's connection to victory, spiritual achievement, quests, opportunity, and freedom. Eagle can come as a reminder that life is a journey and we must learn how to wisely choose our actions. Opportunities are all around us, but we must remember to conserve our energy for the appropriate time to strike. Eagle teaches us how to find our timing in manifesting our success and finding our personal freedom. Eagle urges us to dive deeper into our spiritual journey. Be proud, but have humility. The Bald Eagle is a strong sign of freedom, truth, honor, and justice. In Native American practices, Eagle feathers are used in head-dresses, ceremonies, and the trading and decorating of sacred objects. Eagles are medicine bids with powerful magical abilities and are seen in many major roles in Native American culture. The Zunis cave stone eagles for protection in healing and hunting while the Pueblo tribes see Eagle as one of the six directional guardians with symbolism of the upward direction, balance, and spirituality. The Eagle Dance is one of the most important traditional dances held by the Pueblo and Hopi tribes. Eagle often plays a leadership role or as a messenger between humans and the Creator. The Golden Eagle is seen as a symbol of warriors and courage in battle. People who connect with Eagle often need to lean how to conserve their energy for what is truly important to them. These individuals are old souls still going through rights of initiation and tough challenges until they reach spiritual achievement. At times, these spiritual types can be very passionate and must watch that they don't let their tempers get out of hand.

Eagles, Hieraatus Spilogaster, are omnivorous raptors that can live up to 15 to 30 yeas in the wild. There are 60 species of Eagle which can be found primarily throughout Eurasia and Africa. Only 14 Eagle species can be found outside of this range; 9 species being found in Central and South America, 3 in Australia, and 2 in North America. Eagles are grouped into 4 distinct types: Fish Eagles, Booted Eagles, Harpy Eagles, and Snake Eagles. Fishing eagles are those that consume primarily fish or aquatic carrion such as Steller's Sea-eagle which is one of the largest raptors in the world. Booted Eagles, or "true" eagles, are those with feathered lower legs such as Indian Black Eagle. Harpy Eagles, also known as giant forest eagles, are among the largest of all eagles and can be found primarily in Central and South America, New Guinea, and the Phillipines. Snake Eagles are those adapted to hunting primarily reptiles such as the Black-chested snake Eagle found in Africa. The Ornate Hawk-Eagle featured in this illustration is among those in the Booted Eagle family. This raptor is known for it's vivid coloration and feathered head crest and can be found throughout the tropical Americas from Mexico to Peru and Argentina. Eagles are generally large sized birds of prey, but their size depends highly on their species. The smallest Eagle is the South Nicobar Serpent Eagle which grows to barely a pound in weight and 16 inches in length. The largest eagle, as mentioned before, is the Steller's Sea Eagle weighing in at up to 20 lbs with a wing span of over 8 feet. On average, the wing span of an Eagle measures double the length of the bird's body. These wings possess feathers on the end which aid in moving up or down during flight. Their wings are often longer and broader than other birds in order to aid them in direct, faster flight. Eagles possess the strong, muscular legs, powerful talons, and large, hooked beaks of all birds of prey. However, their beaks are often heavier than other raptors. These beaks, made out of keratin, are constantly growing. Their large eyes enable them to have extremely sharp vision over 3 times as powerful as human sight. This vision allows them to see prey from a large distance. The diet of an Eagle differs depending on species, however, they all consume primarily meat such as medium sized vertebrates. Often, they will glide above searching for prey and conserving energy until diving. Their strong talons and legs allow them to catch prey on the ground as well as under water. Eagles are able to carry prey heavier than themselves. The Bald Eagle has been seen carrying the heaviest confirmed prey of any flying bird with a 15 lb mule deer fawn. However, Eagles will often avoid prey that is too large. At times, they will eat where they caught the prey, however, they will generally carry their prey back to the nest. The habitat of an Eagle depends on species. Some will prefer more open habitats such as grasslands while others will prefer living in forested areas. Each adapt to their habitat. In forested areas, Eagles such as Harpies will possess shorter wings for easier maneuvering in quick, short bursts around trees. Other Eagles such as those in more open habitats will possess longer wings for soaring. The nest of Eagles are built in tall trees or high cliffs in order to avoid other predators and to give them a better vantage point around their nest. These nests are built by both the male and female Eagles as a form of pair bonding. A nest can be as large as 5 feet in diameter and up to 4 feet deep. Each year, the pair bonded Eagles will add another couple of feet to the nest. This bonding experience creating the nest is a part of the breeding process and occurs 1 to 3 months before mating. Eagles will undergo dramatic courtship displays including cartwheeling, swooping flights, and aerial stick exchanges which test the agility and strength of the male. If accepted by the female, this pair will mate for life. Eagles will lay around 1 to 3 eggs in a single clutch and are incubated by both parents. Hatching after about a month, the chicks are protected and fed until ready to fly.