Turkey Vulture in Horaltic Pose
by Judy Kennedy
Title
Turkey Vulture in Horaltic Pose
Artist
Judy Kennedy
Medium
Photograph - Photo
Description
The Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura) often perches in a spread-winged stance called the "horaltic pose.” Scientists say this pose has multiple functions: to dry off the wings, to keep warm for energy efficiency, and to kill off bacteria from the dead animals they eat. This bird is one of two turkey vultures I’ve had the pleasure of filming lately. I haven’t finished the video yet, but this is one of several stills I’ve taken. Like most raptors, they like to perch on utility poles for the view provided.
From a shamanic perspective, the Turkey Vulture represents Purification, Death and Rebirth, and New Vision. Turkey Vulture is the avenger of the nature spirits. Often maligned and and certainly misunderstood, these servants of the Great Mother do not kill. They eat the left-overs, cleaning her body for us. They have no real voice because it’s better to do than to talk about doing. In flight their wings don’t move much reflecting that the power does not come from them. They simply use what’s available. They represent the alchemical stage of sublimation establishing a new relationship between the volatile and the fixed, the psychic energies and the cosmic forces, the beauty and the beast, for as above, so below. Turkey vulture is the promise that suffering is temporary and necessary for a higher purpose, even if not fully understood.
All in all, turkey vultures are fascinating and surprisingly friendly, and we should give them the honor and respect they deserve.
Uploaded
July 15th, 2019
Embed
Share