Suddenly a neighbor I didn’t know appeared and scooped her up. I rolled down my other window to ask “is she wild or yours?” She was indeed his turkey, and had started wandering due to the loss of her male companion who had been killed by a fox.

Following a friendly and delightful exchange about this beautiful gal, I found myself wondering…

What message did this lovely lady have for me?

The turkey as a spirit totem is a reminder to nurture a harmonious relationship with nature. To honor the sources of our physical, emotional, and spiritual nourishment. To embrace the fullness of life–rather than attempt to seek happiness through the accumulation of things. It symbolizes generosity and the value of our connection with community and with Mother Earth.

And for me personally, a much-needed reminder of the value of taking pause. My attunement to nature convinced me to follow my curiosity and concern, and rewarded me with simple yet profound wonders.

With much gratitude to my feathered friend.