Have you ever noticed how birds seem to appear at just the right moments in your life? Perhaps a hawk soared overhead during a difficult decision, or a crow cawed insistently when you were contemplating a new path. If so, you've already experienced a glimpse of what the ancient Romans called augury—the sacred art of reading divine messages through the behavior and flight patterns of birds.
This practice of interpreting bird behavior for spiritual guidance was called augury by the Romans and ornithomancy by the Greeks. In fact many pagan cultures practiced a form of bird divination. Both words refer to the same idea: watching birds, their flight patterns, calls, and movements to gain omens about the future or answers to pressing questions.
Today, many modern pagans are rediscovering this beautiful blend of nature observation and divination and using it to connect with the gods and goddesses. For many pagan pantheons, birds are messengers of the gods, their movements across the sky carrying divine approval or warning about proposed actions.
I will teach you what Augury is, how the ancients practiced, and how we can practice ornithomancy today.
A Roman Augur holding a Lituus, an augural wand, symbol of augurs and augury.
What Is Augury?
Augury was far more than telling the future. It was a sophisticated religious practice that formed the backbone of decision-making in ancient Rome, from personal choices to matters of state.
While augury in Rome was highly ritualized and formal, Greek bird divination could be more personal, practiced by priests at temples, but also by the working class and farmers who wanted to know the best time to act.
The central belief was that birds — as creatures of the sky who travel freely between earth and the heavens — could carry divine messages. By watching their flight direction, formation, species, and even their calls, the augur could interpret whether the gods favored a certain action.
The Seer's Toolkit: How Augury Worked
At its heart, augury was based on the belief that the gods communicated their will through natural phenomena, particularly the flight and behavior of birds. Unlike some divination techniques that attempt to predict the future, Roman augury was primarily about seeking divine approval for planned actions.
The question wasn't "What will happen?" but rather "Do the gods favor this course of action?"
This reflects a worldview where the divine and ordinary were intimately connected.
The practice involved careful observation of specific bird behaviors within designated sacred spaces. Augurs—the official practitioners—would establish a templum, a ritually defined area of sky and land where observations would take place. Within this sacred boundary, every bird movement carried potential meaning. The direction of flight, the species of bird, the sounds they made, and even their eating habits all formed part of an intricate symbolic language.
While there is nothing that states Odin was an Augur, his ravens were are known as "thought" (Huginn) and "memory" (Muninn). They fly around the world, gather information, and report back to Odin, acting as his messengers and advisors.
The Sacred Birds of Augury
Not all birds were considered equal messengers in the augural system. Both the Romans and Greeks carefully categorized birds based on their perceived connection to different deities and the types of omens they could provide.
Understanding these distinctions helps modern practitioners appreciate the nuanced symbolism embedded in this ancient practice.
However, its important to remember that these were birds local to the Mediterranean region. You may have very different local birds and that ok!
Meaning of Bird species
Doves – Linked to love and peace, sacred to Aphrodite (Greek) and Venus (Roman).
Eagles held the highest position in the augural hierarchy, Sacred to Zeus (Greek) and Jupiter (Roman). Their appearance was considered especially auspicious, often indicating divine approval for major undertakings. The Roman legions carried eagle standards for this very reason—the bird symbolized Jupiter's protection and favor in military endeavors.
Hawks and other raptors were also highly regarded, associated with clear vision and decisive action. Their hunting behavior and flight patterns were carefully observed, with different meanings attributed to whether they flew from left to right, circled overhead, or dove toward prey. Sacred to Horus (Egypt) and Freyja (Norse). Freyja has a cloak, called "Valshamr" that allows her to transform into a hawk, granting her the ability to fly across the realms.
Learn all about Athena and her Little Owl on my video
Owls – Associated with Athena (Greek) and Minerva (Roman), symbolizing wisdom, foresight, and sometimes warnings of hidden truths.
Barn owls are losing housing and adapt easily to urban areas. Put up a nest box like this one to help them meet housing needs!
Ravens and crows occupied a complex position in augural practice. These intelligent corvids were considered particularly reliable messengers. Their vocalizations were especially significant—the number, tone, and timing of their calls all carried specific meanings. Sacred to Apollo (Greek), Odin (Norse), The Morrigan (Celtic) and the Native American cultures Tahltan and Inuit see Raven as creator and messenger.
Vultures might seem like ominous messengers to modern minds, but Romans viewed them as sacred to Mars, god of war. Their presence could indicate favorable conditions for military action or protection during times of conflict. The direction from which vultures approached and their behavior while feeding provided important augural information. Also Nekhbet (Egypt) and Nasr (Middle East).
Woodpeckers held special significance because their rhythmic drumming is interpreted as divine communication. The intensity and duration of their pecking, as well as the type of tree they chose, all factored into augural readings. Sacred to Mars (Roman) Picus (Roman) and Thor (Norse)
Domesticated birds like chickens were used in a simplified form of augury called "tripudium solistimum." Sacred chickens were offered food, and their eating behavior indicated divine favor. If they ate eagerly, dropping food from their beaks, this was considered highly favorable. If they refused to eat or ate reluctantly, it suggested the gods did not favor the proposed action.
The Augur’s Role: Position, Clothing, and Rituals
In ancient Rome, an augur was not just a person with a knack for birdwatching. This was a highly respected priestly office. Augurs were trained in the complex system of interpreting bird signs, and they performed ceremonies called taking the auspices before important events.
Position and Tools
The augur would stand in a designated sacred space called a templum. This wasn’t a building, but an magical rectangle marked out on the ground, often oriented to the cardinal directions. Similar to how many witches draw a circle to define their spiritual working space.
Within this space, the augur would watch the sky for signs. They used a curved staff called a lituus to point out areas of the sky and to ritually mark divisions for observation.
Clothing
Augurs wore ceremonial robes — typically a white toga with a purple border in Rome — to mark their sacred status. The clothing symbolized purity and their role as a bridge between humans and the gods.
Procedure
The augur would perform a prayer and sometimes offer a sacrifice (often grain, wine, or incense) before observation. The augur would face south (the favorable direction) and use the lituus to mark out boundaries in the sky and on the ground, creating a sacred space where divine communication could occur.
They might wait quietly for hours until the right bird appeared. Every detail mattered: the species, number, flight path, calls, and behavior all contributed to the reading.
The Art of Interpretation: Reading the auspices required extensive training and deep knowledge of augural tradition. The augur had to consider multiple factors simultaneously: the species of bird, direction of flight, vocalizations, behavior, and the specific context of the inquiry. This wasn't a mechanical process but required wisdom, intuition, and thorough understanding of religious tradition.
My video on Augury and how we can practice it today
Bringing Augury into Modern Practice
Augury offers modern pagans a profound way to reconnect with the natural world while honoring ancient spiritual wisdom. In our increasingly digital age, the practice of quietly observing bird behavior provides a grounding connection to natural rhythms and cycles. It reminds us that divinity speaks through the everyday miracles surrounding us—if we take time to listen.
You can adapt the practice into your spiritual life in ways that are ethical, nature-friendly, and personally meaningful.
Creating Sacred Space: Like ancient augurs, modern practitioners benefit from establishing dedicated observation spaces. This doesn't require elaborate ritual—simply choose a location where you can observe the sky and bird activity relatively undisturbed. A backyard, local park, or even a window with a good view can serve as your modern templum. Take time to center yourself and clearly formulate your question or intention before beginning observation.
Developing Bird Knowledge: Successful modern augury requires familiarity with local bird species and their natural behaviors. Start by learning to identify common birds in your area and understanding their typical patterns. This baseline knowledge helps distinguish between ordinary behavior and potentially significant augural signs. Keep a bird identification guide handy and consider joining local birdwatching groups to deepen your understanding. The Audubon Society is a wonderful inclusive organization with chapters all over North America.
I have several bird feeders in my backyard which is a fun way to get to know the birds. You can check out my environmental site for several articles on feeding birds.
Timing and Approach: Traditional augury often took place at dawn when bird activity is naturally high. This remains excellent advice for modern practitioners. Early morning observations often provide the clearest signs, as birds are most active during feeding time. However, don't limit yourself to dawn—significant augural moments can occur throughout the day when you're properly attuned.
Recording and Reflection: Keep an augural journal to track your observations and their outcomes. Note the date, time, weather conditions, your question or intention, the birds observed, their behavior, and your interpretation. Over time, you'll begin to recognize patterns and develop your personal augural vocabulary. This practice also helps distinguish between genuine augural signs and random bird activity.
Integration with Other Practices: Augury works beautifully alongside other forms of divination and spiritual practice. You might combine bird observations with tarot readings, use augural signs to time magical workings, or incorporate bird symbolism into meditation practice. The key is developing a holistic approach that honors both ancient wisdom and your personal spiritual path.
Building Community: Consider connecting with other practitioners interested in augury or nature-based divination. Online forums, local pagan groups, and birdwatching communities can all provide support and shared learning opportunities. Teaching others what you've learned also deepens your own understanding and helps preserve these ancient practices for future generations.
Sibley’s bird guide is a classic for a reason but the quick visual guides are great!
Practicing Augury Today
Modern pagans don’t need to be Roman priests to explore augury. You can adapt the practice into your spiritual life in ways that are ethical, nature-friendly, and personally meaningful.
Here’s how you might approach it:
Create a Sacred Space
Choose a spot outdoors where you can observe birds clearly — a park bench, backyard garden, or clearing in the woods. You can spiritually “mark” your space by setting your intention, perhaps casting a small circle or simply acknowledging the four directions.Set Your Intention or Question
Ancient augurs often asked the gods specific questions — “Is this journey blessed?” “Should I plant today?” — rather than seeking vague answers. Clarity helps you interpret signs more meaningfully.Observe Mindfully
Watch for bird behavior: species, direction of flight, interactions, calls. Keep a nature journal to track what you see over time.Learn Local Bird Life
In ancient Rome, they read the species they knew. You can do the same by studying local bird guides, noting which birds are resident and which are seasonal migrants.Build Relationships with the Land
Offer birdseed, plant native trees, and create habitat. Respect for the creatures you’re working with strengthens the spiritual bond and ensures you’re practicing in harmony with nature.Interpret Symbolically
Draw on ancient correspondences, but also pay attention to your own associations. A cardinal might mean vitality to you, even if it had no Roman symbolism.A shrill cry might mean warning, while a melodious song may indicate good fortune or a blessing from the gods.
Ethics of Modern Augury
It’s worth remembering that augury is not about controlling birds or forcing signs — it’s about listening. Never bait or harass birds to get a reaction. Your role is as an observer and interpreter, not a manipulator.
Also, some species are protected by law, so avoid disturbing nests or getting too close. A pair of binoculars is your friend here!
Why Practice Augury Now?
In our fast-paced, digital world, augury offers a slow, grounded, and deeply connected form of divination. It draws your attention to subtle changes in nature, fosters awareness of the seasons, and reminds you that you’re part of a living, breathing ecosystem.
Many modern pagans also find that augury strengthens their relationships with deities connected to the sky, animals, or prophecy — gods like Apollo, Athena, Odin, or Morrigan.
Above all, augury rekindles the sense of wonder that the ancients must have felt: that the wind in a raven’s wing, the curve of a hawk’s flight, or the chatter of sparrows could be a message from the divine.
A Simple Augury Practice to Try
Here’s a beginner-friendly ritual you can do:
Choose Your Moment – Early morning is often best, when bird activity is high.
Set Your Question – Phrase it clearly in your mind.
Offer Respect – Pour a libation of water or scatter a few seeds as thanks to the land and the birds.
Observe for Nine Minutes – In Roman tradition, certain sacred numbers mattered, and nine was often considered auspicious. Watch quietly and take note of all bird activity.
Record and Reflect – Write down your observations. Later, meditate on the possible meanings.
Final Thoughts
Augury is more than just “watching birds.” It’s about opening yourself to the conversation between the human and the divine, using the wild messengers of the sky as translators. Whether you follow the old Roman formalities or create a more intuitive practice, the heart of augury is the same now as it was two thousand years ago — to pause, watch, and listen to what nature is telling you.
Birds still speak. The question is — are we listening?
Remember that mastering augury, like any spiritual practice, takes time and patience. Ancient augurs trained for years to develop their skills, and modern practitioners should approach the art with similar dedication and respect. Start simple, stay consistent, and allow your understanding to deepen gradually through regular practice and careful observation.
Ameya, aka Ame is the founder of CPH, an environmental educator, author and wildlife rehabilitator. She loves observing the birds in her backyard and going to the lake in winter to watch for birds of prey.
Have you ever noticed how birds seem to appear at just the right moments in your life? Perhaps a hawk soared overhead during a difficult decision, or a crow cawed insistently when you were contemplating a new path. If so, you've already experienced a glimpse of what the ancient Romans called augury—the sacred art of reading divine messages through the behavior and flight patterns of birds.