by Angela Sanford
Anyone who is even slightly superstitious is likely familiar with the belief that a black cat crossing your path brings bad luck. Across various cultures—Native American traditions, Ancient Egyptian beliefs, and Celtic mythology—the hawk is seen as a symbol of intuition, wisdom, and perception.
The practice of interpreting animal behavior as omens or messages is known as zoomancy, a tradition found in many cultures that believe animals carry signs from spiritual or natural realms. Even if you don’t subscribe to these beliefs, noticing an animal crossing your path can be fascinating.
As a literature enthusiast, symbolism has always intrigued me. I often find myself drawing connections between the symbols in books and those in my own life. I believe that everything happens for a reason, and when an animal crosses my path, I see it as a message—whether from nature, fate, or something greater. These encounters speak to me on multiple levels, from the simple awe of seeing the animal in its environment to the deeper meaning of why I encountered it at that exact moment.
This brings me to three recent experiences, all occurring within a single week:
1. The Coyotes
One morning, on my way to work, I was driving over Courthouse Hill when I had to come to a complete stop. Not one, but two coyotes were casually crossing the road in front of me. Since coyotes are often seen as tricksters, they symbolize lessons disguised as challenges and the potential for new beginnings. The fact that there were two only seemed to double the significance.
2. The Junco
Later that week, while delivering bulletins en route to Walton, I encountered a gathering of small birds—dark-eyed junkos—huddled in the middle of the road. Expecting them to scatter as I approached, I continued driving, slowing only slightly. But they didn’t move. I was directly above them when they finally took flight, and unfortunately, I struck one.
Junkos symbolize embracing simplicity and preparing for change. However, I can’t help but wonder—what does it mean when you actually hit the animal that crosses your path?
3. The Bobcat
Mere minutes after the junko incident, I witnessed a bobcat cross the road. And no, this isn’t the setup for a bad joke. Much like the coyotes, it moved with an unhurried confidence, forcing me to slow down. Seeing a bobcat in the wild is rare, so I looked up its symbolism and they are said to represent embracing change and seizing opportunity.
Symbolism isn’t always straightforward, and meanings can vary depending on context. These are just brief reflections on the significance of my encounters, but given the rarity of these sightings—especially in such a short span of time—I can’t help but feel they are connected.
Now, I wait to see if any parallels emerge in my life. As someone who believes in fate and spiritual encounters, I’m eager to discover what change and opportunity the coyotes, junco, and bobcat may have foretold.
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