What does it mean when someone gives you an eagle feather?

The wings of an Eagle represent the balance needed between male and female, each one dependent upon the strengths and abilities of the other. When one receives an Eagle feather, that person is being acknowledged with gratitude, love and ultimate respect.

Can you be gifted an eagle feather?

Native Americans cannot convey eagle feathers or parts to non-Native Americans as gifts, but they can be passed on to family members, from generation to generation, or from one Native American to another for religious purposes. Not even Native Americans can collect their own eagle feathers, according to the law.

Why are eagle feathers sacred?

The Lipan Apaches — and many other Native American religions — hold eagles to be sacred because of their physical and spiritual closeness to God. Eagle feathers and parts are considered sacred objects that are used in prayer, worship and for ceremonial cleansing.

Why is it illegal to keep eagle feathers?

Because of the religious and cultural significance of eagle feathers, the law makes an exception that allows members of federally recognized tribes to own eagle feathers. Eligible Native Americans must first get a permit to own and receive eagle feathers. However, they cannot give the feathers to non-Native Americans.

What do I do if I find an eagle feather?

I found an eagle feather – what should I do with it? If you find eagle feathers out in nature, enjoy, appreciate, study, and photograph them, them but leave them where you found it. It is illegal to keep eagle feathers or parts without a permit. Information is available if you find dead or injured eagles.

What does seeing an eagle mean spiritually?

Eagle conveys the powers and messages of the spirit; it is man’s connection to the divine because it flies higher than any other bird. If eagle has appeared, it bestows freedom and courage to look ahead. The eagle is symbolic of the importance of honesty and truthful principles.

Are blue jay feathers illegal?

According to the Migratory Birds Treaty Act, it is illegal to own native bird feathers or bits of egg shells, even if you found them in your yard. Technically, a child with a collection of colorful cardinal and blue jay feathers would indeed be considered a lawbreaker.

How can you tell if a feather is real?

Feathers Are Almost Always Real. Feathers have such a complex and microscopic level of detail that there’s no way humans could even begin to approach the level of detail found in the simplest of feathers. If it looks, feels, and moves like a feather, it’s a feather.

What should I do if I find an eagle feather?

Who can have eagle feathers?

Under the current language of the eagle feather law, individuals of certifiable American Indian ancestry enrolled in a federally recognized tribe are legally authorized to obtain eagle feathers. Unauthorized persons found with an eagle or its parts in their possession can be fined up to $250,000.