Starling spiritual meaning is all about change and transformation. If you see a starling somewhere you wouldn’t expect one, or it feels like they are intentionally trying to grab your attention, then you can expect your life to soon be different in some way. Fortunately, spotting starlings generally means good news, as starlings themselves are closely associated with being adaptable and resilient – when change comes their way, they are able to accommodate those changes and thrive.
European starlings are found just about everywhere in the world except the Neotropics and Antarctica. Commonly found in Europe and Asia, they are a truly global species, which means good news for anyone wishing to travel the world or soon find themselves in a new environment.
I mentioned starlings in passing in our main article on symbolism and spiritual meanings. They are the creatures that made me want to learn more about what different things symbolize and seeing an entire flock when I’d barely seen them individually ensured that I was hooked on investigating further. For the record, the change I experienced soon after was taking on a full-time contract for the first time in ten years, and I’m happy to report that I’m still there now and absolutely loving it!
It also marked something of a change for the Widibi project. I’d focused on the law of attraction and vision boards for so long that I’d perhaps not looked as closely at the spiritual meaning behind things that can serve as incredible guidance and inspiration. That starling symbolism enabled me to refocus on more of the things that matter to those that want to get in touch with their spiritual side.
After all, while the law of attraction was the reason why I started this website, I firmly believe that it is a two-way conversation. Just as angel numbers can represent a message from the universe, the same can be said of the things we encounter in nature. The meaning of starling sightings is just the tip of the iceberg, and if you see something frequently enough, it’s probably not a coincidence – it’s a synchronicity.
In This Article
The Starling Bird Represents Change, Transformation, and Connection
As noted, if you see a flock of starlings, or even just one starling alone, you can expect to experience change and transformation. This can mean a lot of different things. For me, it meant a different job, and for someone that was self-employed as a freelance writer for well over a decade, I’d consider that quite the transformation. However, while I tend to link many things to work and careers, that’s certainly not all that a starling can represent.
Think about what might change in your life or what you’re trying to change. You might be:
- Trying to lose weight or hitting the gym to lose muscle
- You’re considering moving to a different city, state, or even country
- You’re facing a big decision that could change your life, and you’re not sure of the correct course of action
According to starling symbolism and meaning, you’re encouraged to take the plunge. It indicates that whatever you plan to do is the correct course of action, and the universe is with you in making it happen. You’re on the right track, and there’s no need to be afraid, as the upcoming transformation in your life is the right thing to do.
Furthermore, the starling is a symbol of greater social connection. This is drawn from the fact that while they are resilient and adaptable, starlings are also known for traveling in flocks. They work well with others and take comfort in being part of a larger society. If you feel that you don’t have the right people around you to support you in some way, whether that’s friends, colleagues, mentors, or anyone else, it’s a sign from the universe that those people are out there and open to making that connection with you to get you to where you want to be.
Also, consider that, like most birds, starlings may mean a direct message from the spirit world. In my article on the spiritual meaning of falcons, I discussed how numerous cultures throughout history have entrusted those birds to bring messages from the spirit world. The starling is a small bird relative to the falcon, but it can enhance your spiritual connection by continuing that two-way conversation.
Starling Meaning and Symbolism in Culture and History
There are an estimated 1.3 billion starlings in the world, and they have been around for centuries (although interestingly, only in the US since the early 1890s). Unsurprisingly, they have influenced cultures in various ways – typically those closely associated with Europe and Asia. Rather than being linked with transformation and connection as they are today, the symbolism of the starling was often closely associated with the beginning of the universe. I’m not sure they’ve been around quite that long, but it’s interesting to see how their interpretation has evolved over time.
Starling symbolism in different cultures can almost always be traced back to the concept of change in some way.
Native American cultures believe the starling represents transformation, in line with the modern symbolic meaning, and also healing. That makes sense – the transformation someone might seek could easily involve going from unwell to perfectly fine. Even if the ailment in question cannot be fully recovered, starlings are considered an inspiration for adapting to different circumstances.
This ties into the renowned starling ability to mimic others. They whistle and chirp just like any other little bird, but the starling can also impersonate people and objects, including car horns and dog barks!
Many cultures in Asia also valued the power of the starling in healing and resilience.
The spiritual meaning of starlings also ties into Hindu mythology, where the bird’s association with Vishnu inspired people to believe that the birds were capable of granting wishes. Meanwhile, in Celtic mythology, the starling is closely associated with the sun and is further linked to rebirth. Again, that leads nicely into the idea of change and transformation that the modern spiritual meaning of the starling entails.
The Starling Spirit Animal
The starling might not initially be at the top of anyone’s list as a spirit animal. However, in a world where everyone wants to be a lion, there is nothing wrong with having the starling as a spirit animal, especially when you understand what that entails.
For those that haven’t explored spirit animals before, they can be likened to star signs and astrology. The belief is that everyone is born with such an animal, and it guides them on their spiritual journey while also influencing their characteristics, traits, and personalities.
Unsurprisingly given the nature of the spiritual realm, someone with this amazing bird as their spirit animal will demonstrate characteristics that are closely related to standard starling bird symbolism.
People with starlings as spirit animals typically have the following traits:
Ease of Adaptability
If there’s one thing that people with a starling as a spirit guide are not, it’s resistant to change. They embrace doing things differently and are always the first to suggest trying something new or getting outside their comfort zone.
This beautiful bird is commonly associated with good luck and fortune, especially throughout history, but that might be due to the fact that someone’s ease of adaptability might appear ‘lucky’ to those that don’t enjoy the same good luck or fortune.
‘You moved to another country and fit in so well – you’re so lucky!’
Sure, there might have been an element of luck. But those with a starling as a spirit animal make their own good luck and prosperity because they are destined to adapt to their surroundings, no matter what life throws at them.
Destined for Self-Improvement
Starlings are seen as a sign of transformation, and while they make it easier for people to adapt, this particular spirit animal may also ease the process of personal changes.
Those that believe that starlings are their spirit animals can make the wrong decisions and fall into bad habits, just like anyone else. However, they will have an easier time getting out of those habits, essentially transforming their own existence. This means that they can stop doing the things that don’t yield results, and they are unlikely to get caught up in opportunity cost – they’re not the kinds of people that keep on doing something because they’ve already invested a huge amount of time in it.
They are also more likely to embrace new opportunities as they appear. This, combined with their adaptability, means that they have an easier time than most maintaining an upward trajectory in their lives.
Great at Working Together or Growing an Audience
When looking at the starling for spiritual purposes, it’s impossible to ignore their desire to be part of a larger group. Starlings are known for flying in a murmuration, and the fact that you only have a murmuration when there are 500 or more of them shows just how collaborative and group-focused these birds can be!
Of course, humans don’t need to hit the same numbers. Even if you work in a company with thousands of employees, the chances are you only work closely with a relative handful. Nevertheless, with starlings in your life, physically, spiritually, or both, you appreciate the value of working together to achieve a common goal. You’re the kind of person who happily recites that “a problem shared is a problem halved,” and while you’re confident in your abilities, you’re quick to recognize when others are better suited to a particular task.
The Starling Totem and Power Animals
The starling can also be a totem animal, with many believing that spirit animals and totem animals are the same things. I like to differentiate them slightly, with spirit animals being more passive and totem animals being active. Essentially, your spirit animal is always there and always has been. Your totem animal is most engaged when you dream of starlings or when you find a starling in your house.
Furthermore, we also have to consider the starling as a power animal. These are actively invoked, and you don’t need to wait to find a starling in your home – you can merely ask for the starling’s guidance, and it will use its characteristics to guide you from the spirit world.
As an animal totem, it once again draws on what the starling is associated with. Spiritual messengers will inform you that there will be an upcoming change in your life and to be prepared. They also bring confidence, as while not everyone is accustomed to change, the starling is a sign that you will handle it effectively and positively. The transformation is happening for the right reasons.
Power animals are there when you need them, and you can ask them for advice and guidance when you need it. The starling is a powerful symbol of change and a worthy supporter when you want to make that change seamless and easy. The starling reminds people that a group of people is typically more capable than an individual, just as a group of starlings is more likely to thrive in the wild. Suppose you’re trying to accomplish a goal, renew your focus, or even grow your followers on Instagram. In that case, the starling is a popular means of putting your efforts in the right direction while looking after your spiritual well-being.
What’s the Starling Dream Meaning?
One of the most exciting things about spiritual meanings is that they can happen at any time and are particularly relevant in dreams. In the waking world, we might be busy, distracted, or potentially even too headstrong to accept an omen or message when it arrives. Not everyone is open to the spiritual meaning, and the starling may be ignored, even when it has something to share. Fortunately, dreams allow the starling to deliver its message when our subconscious is in charge, and we’re relatively distraction-free.
Once again, the spiritual messages are based on the same meanings – it all comes back to change, transformation, and community. It could be a message about an upcoming change in your life or a symbol of good luck whereby the change that is about to happen will be highly beneficial. When this particular bird appears in your life, know that you are being well looked after and that while something may soon take you by surprise, it is an important and successful part of your spiritual journey.
The spirit world has sent the starling to reassure you that you have the courage, skills, and adaptability to handle even the biggest changes in your existence. You can rest assured that in a world of symbolism, that common starling hasn’t appeared by accident.
Dead Starling Spiritual Meaning
While never pleasant to think about – and why I prefer to cover this topic as part of dreams rather than the waking world – when a dead starling appears to you, you should take notice. It links back to change and transformation once more, but it adds to that by stating that the change in question might be the end of something.
Something in your life to which you are accustomed is no longer going to be there, at least in the form you’re used to. That might mean a dramatic career change or a long-distance move.
Fortunately, the positivity around this remains. The fact that a starling comes to you, even in death, means that you have the skills and adaptability to handle these changes, and they are far more likely than not to represent a positive step in your spiritual journey.
Starling Spiritual Meaning – In Summary
You should be prepared for change if you notice a starling often enough or in an unusual enough place to catch your eye. The starling is one of the best signs, whether you see starlings flying, feeding, or moving in groups, because starlings symbolize not only change but an inherent ability to deal positively with that change when it happens.
The species of starlings do not matter – the fact that starlings are a positive sign means you have something to look forward to in your life, and it may be dramatically different from what you’re accustomed to.
While starlings do mean transformation and collaboration, they are inherently associated with good luck, too, so you can expect a positive change that enables you to thrive, even if it’s something you might never have considered doing before.
