magpie by darc

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MAGPIE Magpies...a story of seven by Lynx

Magpie Land by Lance Oller 2003 ( full size 264 Kb)

Part 1 NATURAL HISTORY

Genus

There are 20 species of Magpie and Treepie in the world and they are all confined to an areafrom India, then over the Himalayas to China and down through SE Asia except for

Pica pica, the Common Magpie whose distribution stretches from Europe toChina and on to Canada and W. USA, the

Cyanopica cyana, the Azure-winged Magpie, which has a patchy distributionwith an isolated population in Spain, and the

http://www.druidry.org/obod/lore/images/MagpieLand_lg.jpg

http://www.druidry.org/obod/lore/images/MagpieLand_lg.jpg

http://www.druidry.org/obod/eisteddfod/prose/magpies.html





Pica nuttall i, the Yellow-billed Magpie, of California. The yellow-billedmagpie holds the honours for being the only bird found exclusively withinCalifornia's borders. Bird watchers from around the world travel to the CentralValley and south coast ranges to see this flashy native. (By Bob Garrison,Outdoor California, July/August 1994)

The Australian Magpie is of a different Genus and is a Shrike rather than of theCrow, or Corvid, family.

Habitat

Breeds and winters in open areas with trees or bushes, in woods, parks, gardens andhedgerows.

A very common resident throughout most of Britain, although more local in northernScotland. Becoming

increasingly common in urban areas. One of the commonest birds of Europe.

Appearance

Magpies are believed to have evolved from a Jay-like ancestor and the 'pie' in Magpie and

Treepie refers to the black and white or pied plumage of many of them. The commonMagpie was originally known simply as 'the Pie', but in the 16th century the prefix Mag wasadded meaning 'chatterer'.

The Magpie with its immaculate black and white plumage and green and blue gloss, is anunmistakable bird. In flight it can be easily distinguished by its long-tailed profile.

In the open it flies, rising awkwardly, with quick flaps and glides - like a ragged kite.Among trees the species moves confidently, reflecting its agility. On the ground the tail isoften held high as the bird 'kangaroo-hops' along.

Young Magpies have a washed-out appearance and short, stubby tails.





Voice

All are likely to be heard mimicking other birds. The raucous, cackling, 'caw, caw, caw' callis given frequently, reflecting the intensely competitive and social nature of this species.They can be trained to talk.

Breeding

All breed between March and July and most build relatively flimsy nests. The EuropeanMagpie, however, builds a relatively strong, dome roofed nest and the Green Magpie buildsvery large solid nests. Magpies nest in trees and tall bushes, using sticks and mud asbuilding materials. The domed nest has a side entrance hole.

Between five and eight eggs is a typical brood; they are pale blue-green with brownspeckles and usually hatch in April or early May. If the first clutch is lost, a substitute oneis laid.

The common Magpie is known for it's life long pairings.

Habits

Both the European Magpies are highly social and tend to be found in small flocks outsidethe breeding season. Other species are usually found in pairs, or in small groups of 3 to 4.This applies to the Treepies as well.

Large numbers of magpies gather in 'parliaments'. No one is entirely sure why, during thewinter, these birds can gather in groups of up to 100. Gatherings possibly occur when a pairof magpies try to invade another pair's territory; the ensuing competition for breeding spacemay attract large numbers of magpie onlookers.

Lifespan

Magpies live for an average of two and a half years and the adults live in pairs during muchof the year, meeting in the winter to fly in groups and spend the night in dense bushes..

Diet

All species are omnivorous taking insects, small birds eggs, small mammals, tree frogs andsmall reptiles as well as a variety of fruits.

The Common Magpie population increase may also be attributed to an increase in road kills(as a result of increased traffic), which provides carrion for the magpies

Enemies

For many people the Magpie is a villain, responsible for the widespread decline of songbirds. Research examining the question of whether Magpies have been responsible for

songbird decline has failed to find any evidence to support the notion that they are to blame.It is true that while Magpie numbers have tended to increase, those of many of our songbird





species have declined. These increases and decreases have occurred over different timeperiods and in different parts of the country, which suggests that the general patterns are acoincidence and not cause-and-effect.

At a local level, Magpies can sometimes be a problem for nesting birds; in fact in manygardens they are probably the second most important predator after the domestic cat. Mindyou, in the absence of wild mammals like the Weasel, many garden birds probably may still

suffer less predation than they would experience in natural woodlands and farmlandhedgerows.

Intelligence

Like other members of the Crow family, Magpies can be very interesting to watch. They aresocial birds with a degree of intelligence that has enabled them to adapt to a changingenvironment.

In common with jackdaws, magpies are attracted to shiny objects and are notorious forstealing rings and other jewellery left on windowsills or tables out of doors.

Part Two FOLKLORE

China

The Chinese traditionally see the magpie as a bird of good fortune, except if you kill onewhen misfortune will arrive. Magpie is a symbol of happiness in Chinese culture. Thesinging of a magpie foretells happiness and good luck. That's why it is called 'HappyMagpie' by Chinese people. The Manchu minority in Northeast China even regards magpiesas sacred birds. . Under the Manchu dynasty it also represented imperial rule. Legends

concerning magpies are found in the historical records about Manchu. (By Ye Qinfa, ChinaOnline)

In both Chinese and Korean myths the Magpie Bridge joins the 3 bright stars of Aquila inthe night sky, called the Cowherd, to Lyra, or the Spinning Damsel, across the river that is

the Milky Way. This happens on the 7th night of the 7th moon.

Korea

Koreans believed that magpies delivered good news and invited good people.The mostfamous painting related to a magpie is the one with striped tiger (ggach'i wha horangi

minhwa): the magpie is happily chirping to a tiger. The magpie represented good news andthe tiger symbolised good luck, since its pronunciation in Chinese sounds similar to goodluck (bok).Another interpretation states that the magpie is the village spirit that announces

good omens, and the tiger is the servant that does his bidding; another that the tiger is a

yangban (aristocrat) and the magpie is the representative of the common people, scolding

him for his insensitivity to their plight.

(Korean Symbolism of Animals & Birds)

Mongolia

The Magpie is a clever creature with control of the weather.

Germany





In Germany the number of birds, according to tradition, indicated forthcoming events. Oneis viewed as unlucky; two brings merriment or marriage; three is a successful journey; fouris good news and five indicates you should expect company.

France

In Poitou there still lingers a trace of pie-worship; viz. a bunch of heath and laurel is tied tothe top of a high tree in honour of the magpie, because her chatter warns the people of thewolf's approach: 'porter la crêpe (pancake) a la pie,' Mém. des antiq. 8, 451.

Scandinavia

Under Christianity the same shift of superstition from lucky to unlucky occurred in Norsecountries as across the rest of Europe. In old Norse mythology, Skadi (the daughter of agiant) was a priestess of the magpie clan. The black and white markings of the magpie wereseen to represents sexual union, as well as male and female energies kept in balance. Lateron in time, Scandinavians thought that magpies were sorcerers flying to unholy gatherings,

and yet the nesting magpie was once considered a sign of luck in those countries.

Italy

The Magpie features in a Rossini opera, The Thieving Magpie, or La gazza ladra. This operatells the story of a pet magpie that steals shiny objects, resulting in an innocent servantalmost being sent to the gallows after being accused of the magpie's crimes. The storyechoes the common belief that magpies steal and hide shiny objects. In some countries it isthought to chatter in a way that sounds like human speech. For example, in Italy it is knownas gazza, and has given its name to gazetta, the Italian for newspaper.

Greece

It was sacred to Bacchus, the God of wine, so it became associated with intoxication.

Britain

An old English tradition notes that if one magpie flies by, you should take your hat off andbow repeating this line :

"Morning/Afternoon Mr Magpie. How's Mrs Magpie and all the littleMagpies?"

This will help assure your good luck throughout the day.

One seen flying or croaking around a house or sitting alone symbolises that misfortune ispresent. Should a flock of magpies suddenly abandon a nesting area then, like the crow androok, death is present and hard times are ahead. To avoid bad luck it is said that taking yourhat off to the passing birds will act as protection against darker forces. Perhaps theseassociations stem from the fact that it was the only bird that would not enter the Arkpreferring to stay outside. It is one of the very birds that also has black and white plumage,a combination of the sacred or holy colour (white) and of evil (black).

To have one perch on your roof though is supposed to indicate that the house will never falldown. According to tradition it would be best to rearrange a journey if you see just one. If





one is seen on the way to church it signifies that death is present, hence some believe that itis best to cross yourself to ward off evil or negative energies whilst saying 'Devil, Devil, I

defy thee'.

In Somerset, England it was once thought that to carry an onion at all times would provideprotection against magpies.

In Scotland the magpie was once believed to carry a drop of the Devil's blood under itstongue which perhaps stems from another belief that the magpie was the only bird not towear full mourning at the Crucifixion.

The following rhyme was popularised by a children's TV programme of the same name

"One for sorrow, two for joy, three for a girl, four for a boy, five for silver, sixfor gold and seven for a secret never to be told."

Legend also has it that when a magpie's mate dies it summons an assembly of other magpiesat which the dead bird is honoured before a new mate is selected.

In Celtic lore the bird was sacred to 'MAGOG.'

Australia

The magpie is seen in a negative, aggressive light. This may be because the AustralianMagpie is of the Shrike (an aggressive hunter) family rather than the Crow family.

Native American

In general in Native American myth the Magpie is seen as the ally and helper of humans.

They feature in legends from the Navaho, Blackfoot and Cheyenne

Part Three MAGIC

Magpie: "one of those clever birds that has shamanic qualities"

Symbolism

Related to the crow the magpie is an intelligent and adaptable bird. Ancient folkloreassociated with the magpie suggests that when two or more fly into ones life good fortune iscoming soon. Since magpies are opportunists and seldom miss a chance to get somethingfor nothing those with this medicine should pay attention to subtle omens that appear intheir life then act accordingly so opportunities are not missed. The magpie asks us to wakeup and be conscious in every area of our life.

Magpies are curious and have a reputation for stealing anything that they can carry away.They use whatever they find and teach us how to be resourceful. Magpie medicine peoplehave the ability to succeed in life. Those with this totem are usually eclectic and able todraw on a variety of resources to assist them in their pursuits. Being able to adapt todifferent situations in a spontaneous way is one of the magpies strongest attributes. Thosewith this totem often find that their interests are varied which make master ship of any one

thing difficult although not impossible.





Magpies are extremely vocal especially in groups. They help those with this medicine learnhow to use their voice to attract attention, attain desired goals as well as acquire respectfrom others. This applies only if this medicine is developed sufficiently. Otherwise the voiceand its expression may need improvement for positive results to be obtained. Propercommunication is one of the lessons that needs to be learned by magpie medicine people .

Although many in the Norse tradition associate the Magpie with Skadi, because of the

similarity of the name, I associate the Magpie with Loki's daughter Hel. Hel is described ashaving a face that is 'half blue-black and half flesh (or white) coloured' - like the Magpie'scolouring. She rules the lowest of the Nine Worlds, at the base of Yggdrasil, as mistress of the chthonic mysteries. Like Asgardhr, Helheim (Hel's home) cannot be reached directlyfrom Midgardhr - one must "ride over a bridge", or travel between worlds with the aid of one´s fylgia (usually a totem or sacred animal or Soul Companion and Guide). The bridgeto Helheim crosses the river Gjoll and its guarded by the giant Maiden Modgudh. As Bifrostis fiery and narrow, the bridge to Helheim is icy and wide.

Helheim is also called Niflhel, meaning Misty Hel or Dark Hel, which refers to the Goddess´ primary aspect of concealment. Hel borders very closely on the world Nifheimr; it islocated down and to the North, and it is the implied location of the venom-filled halls, onNa Strand, and home of the dragon Niddhogg, embodiment of the concealed powers of destruction/transformation. Hel is the hidden root to which all things sink, as all the waterswend their way to Hvergelmir, and from which all things rise again.

Although the realm of Hel is described as horrible in parts - the lifeless, lightless, joylessdwelling of the dead. It is written elsewhere that Hel is brightly bedecked and hospitable.She welcomes those who die of sickness, famine or old-age and even Balder resides thereafter his death. This dual nature can be seen in the figure of the goddess Hel herself: She ishalf a beautiful woman and half a corpse, her concealment both that of the womb and that of

the tomb. Hel receives those souls who cannot struggle through to Valhalla, but in time, asher name Mother Holle suggests, she bears them forth again.

All of this tells us that the Magpie can be a double-edged sword. It requires mastery of yourmagpie spirit to achieve things, unmastered it will be self-destructive. Gossip, oruncontrolled chatter, and an unreasoning attraction to shiny things - be it materialisticobjects, people or an inability to concentrate - spells danger just as oratory, or controlledchatter, concentration and the quick opportunistic observation can be used to devastatingeffect.

Naming

Name Meaning Language

Mo'e'ha Magpie Cheyenne

Maggie Chattering female Old English

Magpie Piebald chatterer English





skað i [[skathe,]]

skata,

skade,

scado

harm, damage; loss; death -which may be referred tothe abstract notion of damnum

Old Norse (ON),

Swedish (Swed)

Danish (Dan)

Old High German (OHG)

pioghaid Piebald? Or pighead Gaelic

Pia, pioden piebald Welsh

Tokens and Artwork:

The Magpie is difficult to find - both in the wild and your local shop! In Korea they appearin artwork and there is Monet's picture 'Magpie in winter' but other than that they are fewand far between. Your best bet is to try and find a feather and wear it as a token just as theCheyenne do.

The Tao Ying yang amulet would also be a good token as the Ying-yang symbolises theblack and white of the Magpie and it's the sort of bright thing that would attract them. Thenumber 7 is a significant number for Magpie people.

Sacred Times

Spring and Autumn - the black and white colour of the Magpie represents the balancebetween light and dark that occurs around the equinoxes. Also the high winds andchangeable weather reminds us of the stormy change that the Magpie can bring into life.Dusk and dawn are the times to see Magpies and much like the equinoxes they are timeswhen the balance between light and dark is equal.

The other time is dawn and dusk - a time when you are likely to see Magpie's cleaning theroad.

Astral Travel

The Magpie

By Robert S. Warshow, '33

I walked one day In the Garden of Wasted Things,

And there I found The bitter ghosts of all that had been spent unwisely,

Or lost through brutal circumstance. I found the childhood





That some labourer's child had never known; I found the youth that some young man had squandered;

There I found some poet's geniusThat had gone unrecognised.

I saw the ghosts of idle words, And small talk,

That men had used to waste away the hours.

I saw the hopes that had been smothered, And all the dreams

That never had come true, And Laughter that had died for lack of bread.

I met with all the lives that had been misdirected, And spoke with dreary shadesOf loves that might have been,

And songs that never had been sung. I met with all these ghosts,

And many more;

And each of themSat silently in the shadows,

Brooding over quirks of mad Creation, And puppets' dreams.

Once again there aren't many traditional songs or chants that can be used to invoke Magpie.I often use the trance method (as mentioned below) to fly across the otherworld.

Prophecy and Divination

You can use the traditional nursery rhyme:

One for sorrow, Two for joy,

Three for a girl, Four for a boy,

Five for Silver, Six for Gold

Seven for a secret never to be told

Or

One for sorrow, Two for mirth,Three for a wedding, Four for a birth.

Five for rich, Six for poor,

Seven for a witch -- I can tell you no more.

For other tools things like mirrors that contain both dark and light, or other shiny objectswould attract the Magpie spirit.

Dreamwork

In dreams the Magpie will signify opportunities coming into your life. The number seen willhelp signify what you should expect.





Magic Circles

When drawing the circle dress yourself in black and white and try alternate leg hopping (orvisualisations as mentioned in trance below). You can dress in formal wear, a black bowlerhat and tailcoat, with your thumbs in your waistcoat (just like in the old films), then bendyourself double, spread your arms out, spread your fingers wide and swoop round the circleto get that magpie feeling.

Trance:

I find that visualising the Magpie's movement, the way it hops, flexes it's tail and flies is thekey to trance work. The brightness of it's beady eye will draw you in…

If you have a magpie spirit guide, once you get used to the visualisation, it becomes a hop,hop, fly to shift into the magpie.

Healing

FAIRY OF THE MAGPIE BRIDGE

Poem by Qin GuanTranslation by Kylie Hsu

Among the beautiful clouds, Over the heavenly river,

Crosses the weaving maiden.

A night of rendezvous, Across the autumn sky, Surpasses joy on earth.

Moments of tender love and dream, So sad to leave the magpie bridge.

Eternal love between us two, Shall withstand the time apart.

The Magpie is a strong healer for relationships, particularly those emotional hurts. InChinese legend a bridge of Magpie's is used for two star-crossed lovers to meet. It is themagpie's faithfulness to their partners and families which you can invoke to send a messageto the Gods.

Try burning this poem or a drawing of the magpie with incense to speed the message on it'sway.

Protection

Magpie meal awaits:

http://www.calstatela.edu/faculty/khsu2/poetry3.html





http://www.northvegr.org/lore/grimmst/021_05.html

Magpie Symbolism

About Magpie, The Bird (Argonne National Laboratory)(Review of Bird Brains: The Intelligence of Crows, Ravens, Magpies and Jays byCandace Savage)

Australian Magpie: Black Back, White Back, and Western(Sassy's Unique Australian Animals)

New Zealand Birds: Magpie(Narena Olliver's New Zealand Birds)

Formosan Blue Magpie Urocissa caerulea

(Wayne Hsu's homage to the Formosan Blue Magpie or Taiwan Magpie)

http://www.sayahda.com/cyc3.html

Gerald Durrell 'My Family and Other Animals' Penguin Books; ISBN:0140282599

Back Home

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0140282599/obodA

http://www.sayahda.com/cyc3.html

http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/9003/FBMdesc.htm

http://www.nzbirds.com/Magpie.html

http://home.mira.net/~areadman/magpie.htm

http://www-fp.mcs.anl.gov/~gaasterland/magpie_bird.html

http://www.northvegr.org/lore/grimmst/021_05.html

magpie by darc

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