Mystical World Wide Web
Birds
DOVE : Seen by many as a sacred bird since ancient times as the dove is the one bird into which the Devil cannot transform. The messenger of 'Venus', Goddess of Love, the dove is associated with lovers. For Indians the dove is traditionally believed to contain the soul of a lover, and that to kill one would bring misfortune. Miners though see the bird as one of ill omen and it is reputedly too dangerous to go underground after seeing this bird near a pitshaft. To have one tapping on the window or flying near the room of a sick person is also believed by some to be an omen of death, as is to see one circling a house. Today the dove is an international symbol of peace and also a Christian symbol of the 'Holy Spirit'. The dove is one bird into which reputedly a witch cannot transform. (See Mystical WWW Mystical Birds Introduction).
DUCK : If this bird hisses or quacks more than normal it is said that rain is on the way. If the bird lays any dun-coloured eggs it should be destroyed, along with the eggs, according to a traditional English (UK) belief that indicates that misfortune will follow should this event happen. At this and any time hanging a duck upside down is asserted to assure that negative energies and spirits can fall from it.
This page was brought to you by Mystical World Wide Web
http://www.mystical-www.co.uk