You’re cruising down the road, singing along to your favorite tunes, when suddenly, a feathered creature darts out in front of your vehicle. Before you have time to react, you hear a thud as the bird collides with your car.
You can’t help but feel a pang of guilt, even though you know it was unavoidable. Still, in the back of your mind, you start to worry if this random event could be a sign of bad luck heading your way.
The Superstitions Around Hitting Birds While Driving
Hitting a bird while driving is thought by some to be a sign of bad luck. In spiritual symbolism, birds are spiritual creatures, so harming one – even by accident – can bring misfortune.
This idea has been around for centuries and spans many cultures. Some say it dates back to a time when birds were revered for their ability to fly and connect the earthly and spiritual realms. Killing one, even unintentionally, disrupted that connection and angered the gods.
Others believe that birds are messengers from beyond, so harming a bird is the same as harming the message or messenger it carries. Still, others view birds as guardians or guides, and to hit one signals that you have lost your way and fallen out of favor with your guardians.
Of course, there are many who consider this just an old wives’ tale. After all, birds can be struck by vehicles purely by chance. However, some motorists remain wary, especially if crows or owls are involved. Crows, in particular, are seen as an omen of misfortune, and to hit one may bring bad luck for years to come.
Does It Have Any Spiritual Meaning?
Hitting a bird while driving can feel like an ominous sign to some. After all, birds are free spirits that soar high up in the sky – a collision seems improbable.
While skeptics will say it’s simply an accident, others believe everything happens for a reason. Some cultures view birds as spiritual messengers, so a run-in with one may signal an important life change ahead or a reminder to spread your wings.
If the bird suddenly appeared out of nowhere, it may be telling you to focus on what really matters. You seem stuck and not moving ahead like you want. Just like hitting the bird stops its movement and freedom, something must be holding you back in life.
On the other hand, the color or type of bird may provide further clues. A red cardinal, for example, is said to represent vitality or courage. So, hitting a cardinal with your car could be a sign to focus on taking better care of yourself.
A crow, however, may indicate wisdom or signify the end of something in your life that is no longer serving you. If you hit a crow with your car, it may be telling you to stop holding onto something that isn’t good for you anymore. This could be a person, a feeling, an object, an addiction – anything you need to release.
Of course, there’s no “right” way to interpret such an unusual encounter. The meaning, if any, depends on your own beliefs and situation. At the very least, hitting a bird while driving reminds us to slow down and be more mindful of our impact and connection with nature.
Do Not Feel Guilty
Accidents happen, and hitting a bird with your vehicle was not intentional. Do not beat yourself up over something that was out of your control. However, do try to be more aware of your surroundings and watch for wildlife crossing the road to avoid similar collisions in the future.
Some people believe that hitting a bird will cause bad luck. If you’re superstitious and think something bad will happen as a result, take a breath. Superstitions are called “super” because they go beyond logic. So don’t feel bad or guilty about it. Accidents happen, so don’t stress yourself out with unfounded fears. Just go about your day.
Final Words
After reading this, you may be wondering if hitting that feathered friend really was just an unfortunate accident or an omen of misfortune to come. The truth is, there’s no way to know for sure. But try not to stress over it too much. These kinds of random events happen, and there’s nothing you can do to change what occurred.
Keep driving safely, follow the speed limit, and watch the road. Also, if spiritual things are important to you, remember to do what you really love and care about most. Don’t let anything hold you back from living life to the fullest and being free like a bird. Now, keep moving forward in a good way.