Astrologer Laura Craig

The Hummingbird

(Mercury + Sun in Taurus, Venus in Gemini, Mars in Aquarius)


The hummingbird is a wonder of evolution. The smallest and lightest of the bird species, it is capable of flying at incredible speed, as well as flying backwards, up and down, and hovering indefinitely. Its flight is studied by aeronautical engineers and its unusual beak and tongue are the subject of much scientific research. But its speed is the result of necessity: the hummingbird must continually seek food to supply its energy, and is therefore in almost constant motion. It may look blithe and carefree to us, but in fact, it is a persistent, hard-working and fastidious creature. Other fun facts about this little powerhouse: it has a huge heart (proportionally speaking), its diet is mostly pure sugar, it hibernates, is curious, inquisitive and unafraid of humans. The hummingbird is also pugnacious and territorial. Unaware that it has shrunken considerably since its days as a dinosaur, it still sees itself as the “jabbing, terrifying monster” of the D.H. Lawrence poem. 

The hummingbird is found all throughout the mythology of the Americas and the Caribbean, where is it native. To the Aztecs, he was the image of the Sun God. It was believed that the souls of warriors transformed into hummingbirds when they died. In many Native American cultures, the hummingbird was an ally to humans, bringing rain, or the art of weaving, or the cultivation of crops. It was also a messenger from the Otherworld. And almost unanimously, it was seen as a symbol of joy, beauty and good luck.

Based on all of this, I’d say it’s also a pretty good emblem of the current transits going into May. What can the hummingbird teach us over the next couple of weeks? Adaptability, efficiency and persistence. Protecting your heart and using your energy wisely. Finding enjoyment from moment to moment. Go where you fit. Find beauty in small things. Let curiosity and instinct guide you. Guard your resources with survival in mind (but let it be in the spirit of cooperation, not competition). And finally, celebrate your uniqueness! What is special, if different, about you? Find that thing, nurture it, and it will lead you to the nectar. 


Using Format