Blue Jay Symbolism & Meaning

Blue Jay symbolism and meaning proves one of the most complex and powerful among the powerful birds you may work with.

Need to pave a pathway to exceptional communication? Want to make the most of your potential? Blue Jay, as a Spirit, Totem, and Power Animal, can help! Delve deeply in Blue Jay symbolism and meaning to find out how this Animal Spirit Guide can inspire, encourage, and enlighten you!

Blue Jay Table of Contents

• Blue Jay Symbolism & Meaning
• Blue Jay Feather Meaning
• Blue Jay Spirit Animal
• Blue Jay Totem Animal
• Blue Jay Power Animal
• Blue Jay Native American Symbolism
• Blue Jay Christianity Symbolism
• Blue Jay Celtic Symbolism
• Blue Jay in Indian Folklore
• Blue Jay Dreams
• Blue Jay Tattoo Meaning
• Blue Jay Spiritual Meaning
• Back to all Birds
• Back to all Spirit Animal Meanings

Bluejay Symbolism & Meaning

“Now there is more to a Bluejay than any other animal. He has got more different kinds of feeling. Whatever a Bluejay feels he can put into language, and not mere commonplace language, but straight out and out book talk, and there is such a command of language. You never saw a Bluejay get stuck for a word. He is a vocabularized geyser. Now you must call a jay a bird, and so he is in a measure, because he wears feathers and don’t belong to any church, but otherwise he is just as human nature made him. A Bluejay hasn’t any more principle than an ex-congressman, and he will steal, deceive and betray four times out of five; and as for the sacredness of an obligation, you cannot scare him in the detail of principle. He talks the best grammar of all the animals. You may say a cat talks good grammar. Well, a cat does; but you let a cat get excited, you let a cat get at pulling fur with another cat on a shed at night, and you will hear grammar. A Bluejay is human; he has got all a man’s faculties and a man’s weakness. He likes especially scandal; he knows when he is an ass as well as you do.”
– Mark Twain

Blue Jay is known for being the ruffian and scalawag of the Animal Spirit world. These creatures are incredibly smart and focused, and they don’t tolerate nonsense. In the wild, Blue Jay attacks any enemy with bravery and assertiveness. This boldness expresses itself, even more, when the nest is in danger’ this Spirit Animal protects his home without reservation even in the face of a larger predator.

Jays mate for life, giving them the symbolism and meaning of faithfulness and accord. When you are thinking of an Animal Spirit who can represent lasting bonds between two or more people, Blue Jay is a perfect choice. Blue Jay Medicine resonates with loyalty, strength, solidarity, and patience.

Blue Jays symbolism has much in common with Raven Spirit and Magpies. They love to chatter and have a very intricate language. Jays have been known to mimic human speech, making them quite the impressionist.

This bird becomes an emblem of opportunity and expediency. They are not picky about where they build a nest. Rather they simply look for a functional location, including old mailboxes! Such resourcefulness is an attribute worthy of our attention. Blue Jay symbolism reminds us that if we LOOK closely, there are many possibilities around us daily.

There is no question that Blue Jay is a tad audacious, curious, and vigilant. They have a reputation as a trickster too. They are birds of action, determined to overcome any obstacle.
Surrender is not really in Blue Jay’s vocabulary. Many are comfortable in the company of humans, sometimes following a person that captures their interest. Wherever they travel, Blue Jays announce their presence with abandon.

Their vocalizations can be a double-edged sword. On the one hand, Blue Jays can annoy other birds, disrupting a peaceful afternoon with their raucous calls. On the other hand, their fellow birds will appreciate their loud nature as Blue Jays also announce the presence of danger.

Blue Jays are often confused with Red Tail Hawks, not by sight of course, but by their ability to mimic this bird’s call. Can you also mimic the voices of others? Can you use your voice to disguise some aspect of your identity when you need to?

If you are working with Blue Jays, you may have to call out what you see, even if doing so upsets or annoys others. Blue Jay meaning is as much about making sure your voice is heard as it is about warning of dangers to come.

Shakespeare and his contemporaries wrote about Blue Jay in an unfavorable way. In particular, the Blue Jay was associated with a woman whose refusal to follow patriarchal standards led to judgments about her having loose morals.

In this regard, Blue Jay meaning can both relate to debauchery or the concept that debauchery is in itself a judgment born of restrictive and patriarchal beliefs about women’s sexuality and freedom.

Blue Jay Feather Meaning

If you find a Blue Jay feather, it may have a variety of meanings. First, a Blue Jay feather meaning suggests a turnaround of some sort – things are about to get much better, so hang in there. Second, the feather represents healing. Whatever is happening you need time to restore your body, mind, and spirit. Remember the power of self-care (don’t skimp).

From a Shamanic perspective, the feather says pay attention to subtle hints people are giving you. Don’t be afraid, stand firm, and assert your talents so as to inspire others. Don’t spread yourself too thin, though. Work on one or two things and complete them brilliantly.

A Blue Jay feather’s meaning can remind you to pay attention to the subtle energies from your body and your surroundings. Thus, a Blue Jay meaning, spiritual as well as literal, can relate to your ability to sense energetic changes and prioritize self-care.

A Blue Jay feather also asks if you are holding back a discussion that needs to happen. The Blue hue is associated with your Throat Chakra. Embrace the boldness of Blue Jay, and temper that with wisdom.

Key characteristics of Blue Jay meaning includes boldness, vibrancy, comprehension, devotion, wonder, keen-mindedness, communication, protection, cleverness, and eloquence.

NOTE: Blue Jays are a protected Migratory Bird. It is illegal to possess any part without a valid Federal permit.

Blue Jay Spirit Animal

When Blue Jay starts chattering in your ear, listen closely. His is the secret of tapping your inner potential, imagination, and joy in making new discoveries about your true self. Blue Jay wants to teach you to trust in all the possibilities that can help you achieve your dreams.

As a Spirit Guide, you could not wish for a more faithful companion. Blue Jay will stay with you as long as necessary to see you complete your quest. Along the way, Blue Jay Spirit will make you aware of, and protect you from, negative energies that could derail your adventure. Better still, Blue Jay shows you how to use resourcefulness as an adaptive tool.

Hence, Blue Jay spiritual meaning has to do with loyalty, faithfulness and following your quest with devotion to your path. Blue Jay symbolism is at work when you open up to receiving guidance from a spiritual mentor who faithfully guides your path.

Blue Jay Medicine centers heavily on effective communication and using our minds. Have you been thinking through your conversations? Are you speaking in a way that people truly understand your intention? Words have power, and now is the time to harness them, own them. Speak your truth with confidence.

Another reason Blue Jay comes to people is when you’re ignoring your psychic vision. We need that gift as we fly through life, especially in moments when everything seems dark. You have more senses available to you than what the earthly realm offers. Open those eyes! There are wonders to see just beyond our normal perception.

Blue Jay spiritual meaning also extends to your limitations and knowing when to stand your ground and be ferocious, or when to back away. Blue Jay asks you to pick your battles.

Blue Jay Totem Animal

Those born with a Blue Jay Totem are charmingly curious about anything that’s bright, shiny, or glittery. In everyday life, this translates as being an ever-vigilant investigator. Jay likes to dabble in a lot of things, and they gather tidbits of information as they go. You will never get bored when conversing with Blue Jay people. They can tell you all kinds of trivia and facts on nearly anything.

If this is your Birth Totem, you are a very capable person who communicates your needs (and wants) to those in your circle. Sometimes you come off as a bit arrogant because of your confident core, but over time people will see the true you. Second, guessing yourself rarely happens even when there’s a risk involved. You want to “seize the day” and any adventure it offers.

Walking with Blue Jay gives you a different perspective on life. You can see the connections between everything clearly in your minds’ eye; this results in you having a strong spiritual nature that craves growth. The interesting thing here is that Blue Jay understands how to use their mind in mystical matters too.

At home, you are a fierce defender of those you love. If someone disrespects your space, they are not welcome back. If someone threatens your home or loved ones in some manner, you go on the warpath. Woe to that person as you are now on a mission. Just take care that your intense guardian nature doesn’t turn into possessiveness or misinterpreting someone’s intentions.

Blue Jay can help you fight to protect your home, family or business. You won’t be taken advantage of if your nature is connected to that of this powerful bird. You may be called to aggressively protect your boundaries and those you care about.

Blue Jay Power Animal

Look to Blue Jay as a Power Animal when you find yourself drawn to uncovering the lessons from your past lives, particularly mystical insights. In waking hours, these bits of wisdom turn ordinary life into something truly extraordinary. Expand those wings and embrace your individuality.

Blue Jay can also help people who are shy or don’t seem to know how to get their message across. Working with Blue Jay helps you in knowing when to express your power, and when it’s time to be silent and just listen. In turn, people really start paying attention; this builds respect and confidence.

Is there something you desire that you’ve hesitated about and held back? Blue Jay is a great ally for getting you going again. He has tons of vitality and enthusiasm. Time to put a fire under that passion and go for it! You cannot achieve if you never try; this is your next grand adventure. Use your vision, your imagination. Grab those opportunities and dare to dream.

Native American Blue Jay Symbolic Meanings

Among the Sioux, Blue Jay represents “double vision,” meaning greater clarity. They interpreted the Jay’s nesting space among the fir and oaks as symbolizing strength, long life, and endurance. While Blue Jay is noisy and aggressive, they also have a role as a trickster in stories who is very clever and helpful to humans in his own cheeky way.

Shamans teach that Blue Jay also represents our ego and pride. They have an arrogant Spirit and sometimes prey on other nests for their food. The balance to this is that Blue Jay is an opportunist. He reminds us to treasure what we have and to watch for those open doorways. You do not have to be a “victim” of the world. Blue Jay teaches us how to use our abilities with wisdom, remaining present, and attentive in our daily life.

Native stories tell us that Blue Jay once had a beautiful singing voice. People everywhere wanted him to sing for them; this made Blue Jay boastful and pretentious. The Earthmaker saw this and decided that Blue Jay needed a lesson in humility. Blue Jay woke one day to sing, but his voice came out rough and bristly, reflecting his true nature. Blue Jay’s song remains that way as a reminder to honor our gifts rather than exploiting them for our own hubris.

In the Winnebago Tribe, the name for Blue Jay, jejejiniga means lively or mischievous.

The Chinook and Coast Salish people of the Northwestern U.S. see the Blue Jay as a trickster. They see Blue Jay as being careless, arrogant and foolish but also of great help to humanity through folly.

One story tells of a group of men who, tired of Blue Jay’s boastful ways, threw him into a river after he lost at an archery competition. He was transformed into his present day bird form. In the process, he was cursed as an omen for all of time to come.

In this way, Blue Jay’s meaning is similar to the trickster archetype embodied by Raven and Coyote.

Slapstick humor, silliness and folly all relate back to the energy of the Blue Jay. In this context, Blue Jay may be a signal that you have been taking yourself too seriously.

Do you need to make more room for humor and playfulness in your life?

The Aztec God of Sun and War, Huitzilopochtl is associated with Hummingbird but in character is similar to the archetypal energy of Blue Jay. According to legend, this Deity used an unusual call, like that of a Blue Jay, to lead the Aztec people to Mexico.

The Haida people of the west coast of Canada believed that eating the tongues of specific animals would endow them with specific traits. To eat the tongues of Blue Jays, in this culture, is believed to help them climb and scale new heights.
To the Cherokee, the Blue Jay is associated with the wind and considered a predictor of changes in the weather.

In general, many Native cultures are leery of Blue Jay. It is considered an animal not to be trusted because of the link to trickster energy. Even when not fully trusting the unpredictable Blue Jay, we can still learn important lessons from them.

Blue Jay meaning can be significant for trickster energy you may not wish to take lightly. Blue Jay is also considered by some Native people to correspond to undesirable traits such as arrogance, pride and the tendency to gossip.

It is sometimes believed that a Blue Jay in the house suggests someone is gossiping or has ill will toward you, making this bird an omen of negativity projected from others.

Blue Jay Christianity Symbolism

In Christianity, Blue Jay meaning is associated with good omens. This is especially true if a Blue Jay is found in your home. Though not mentioned specifically in the Bible, Blue Jays are seen by some Christians as symbolic of faith in God.

Interestingly, whereas many cultures focus on the vocal nature of Blue Jays, to some Christians, the less assertive aspects of this bird are associated with faith and connection to God. To imagine the Blue Jay putting faith in God even while clutched in the talons of a Hawk, for example. Blue Jays are also known for storing acorns for food, so the Blue Jay meaning, spiritually speaking, can involve being prepared for changing circumstances.

Christians may see Blue Jays as a symbol of one who is vocal about their faith regardless of the repercussions. Finding your voice, showing your faith and protecting your values can all be considered Blue Jay meanings.

Blue Jay Celtic Symbolism

There are not a lot of writings that mention Blue Jays because they are not native to the region. We do find a few mentions of pale-colored Blue Jays being believed to house the spirits of Druids who, in this form, continue planting seeds in the sacred oak tree.

The Blue Jay’s habit of storing away Acorns for food also further aligns the Blue Jay spiritual meaning as representing the souls of Druids, to whom the Oak is sacred.

There is a God and Goddess also appearing to have Blue Jay Spirit Animals. One is Eir, the goddess of healing and mercy. Her Jay is gray, however. Od, the god of wishes and love, holds the Blue Jay sacred.

Blue Jay’s ability to avoid detection, using the call of Hawks to divert the attention of predators or their tendency to be secretive homemakers when it comes to tending to their nests, can be seen as related to figures from Celtic myth and lore who are likewise swift and stealthy.

Blue Jay in Indian Folklore

The following tale tells of the Princess and the Blue Jay (Jaybird). There was a charming princess who everyone thought was perfectly happy. After all, she had all a young girl could ask for – that is but one thing. She wanted the handsome Prince Rama, who, of course, paid her no mind. The princess thought her raspy voice kept the prince from truly noticing her.

One day she was sitting in her garden when a Blue Jay began singing. She adored his voice and said, “Oh, Blue Jay, if I could only have your voice, Prince Rama would love me.” She began to cry.

The Blue Jay came and joined her on the bench, saying, “Please don’t cry. I can grant your wish!”

Although a little startled by a talking bird, she replied, “But how can you do that?”

Blue Jay instructed the Princess to go to a nearby pond where magic lotus flowers bloom. There she was to pick a flower and voice her wish. “I wish I had the voice of the Blue Jay instead of my own.”

Suddenly the moon shone brighter, and the Princess felt her throat tingling. When she tried speaking, her words now sounded melodious and sweet. She was so happy and thanked Jay Bird profusely. He replied, “You’re welcome” in a very ragged voice.

“What happened to your lovely voice?”

“I now have your voice, and you have mine,” he replied.

The princess felt terrible. She had been so selfish. She thought of all the beautiful things she had and failed to appreciate until this moment. “I am sorry, Blue Jay, I should never have taken your voice.”

“I wanted you to have it.”

“But now you are just a plain brown bird with no beautiful song to sing.” She hung her head.

Blue Jay wisely replied, “I am still special, just as you have always been. We are special because of what we are inside!”

“I wish I had a gift for you. for your words and kindness.” She looked at herself and remembered the vibrant blue scarf on her shoulders. “Here take this. I wish you could have feathers this color for all eternity.” The Blue Jay’s feathers turned blue like the scarf. The Princess forgot she still had the magic lotus, and it granted her wish. While Jay’s harsh voice remained, so did his lovely color.

What about the Prince? Well, he finally noticed the princess, and they married. However, she never forgot Blue Jay’s lesson, which gave her great happiness for the rest of her days.

According to Hindu beliefs, a Blue Jay can portend wealth on the way. This is particularly true if you see a Blue Jay with food in his mouth, circling around a person.

Blue Jay Dreams

When a Blue Jay appears in our dreams, it may be a symbol that it’s time to act on something tied to your soul’s purpose on this earth. You may be trying to fool yourself, or are listening to the wrong advice. But in waking hours, you must live your truth and look within.

As a spirit tied to the Air Element, Blue Jay also represents your thoughts and intelligence. Has your mind been cluttered or unfocused? It’s time to clear that out, perhaps by meditating or taking a long walk.

Another meaning for Blue Jay in your dreams is a message of being humble. Don’t get so overconfident that you undermine your goal. Life, at the moment, is out of balance. Blue Jay recommends honorable living, solid foundations, and remaining attentive without becoming arrogant.

Blue Jay is known for their loud and incessant vocalization, so some believe a Blue Jay appearing in your dreams to be a warning. Are you listening to the incessant urgings of your intuition? Do you need to make your voice heard?

Blue Jay feather meanings can also hold great symbolism in your dreams. If you dream of encountering the notable bright blue feathers, you may need to take stock of the people you’ve let into your inner circle.

This could be a warning that others are not as trustworthy as you believed them to be. You may want to take note of who you share your secrets with. The Blue Jay feathers’ meaning in a dream can also convey a message about investing time and energy building solid allies and friendships.

Finally, Blue Jay may appear as a warning. There is some type of danger near, and you must proceed with caution. Manipulative energy is in the air. Keep your intuition tuned in to the high setting.

Blue Jay Tattoo Meaning

When you see a Blue Jay tattoo, the first thing you may notice is the striking color. This can be an attention getting symbol to permanently have placed on your body. Like the Blue Jay himself, bearing this beautiful bird or his feathers on any part of your body can make a statement.

On one level, you may feel drawn to getting a Blue Jay tattoo if you have an affinity for this bird’s telltale coloring. Yet all actions and interests have a deeper symbolic layer. Do you and Blue Jay have more in common than you realize? Are you being called to work with this sacred animal in your daily life? This tattoo can be a reminder of your quest to awaken to higher consciousness. Are you ready?

If so, a Blue Jay tattoo can serve as a reminder of Blue Jay meanings, for better or for worse. And like a married couple, a tattoo is for life and not to be chosen lightly.

When considering this tattoo, remember that Blue Jay symbolism and meaning is significant for communication, intuition, spiritual wisdom and the ability to keep secret about your private life, only trusting in those who deserve your confidence.

At the same time, Blue Jay symbolism can also speak to a tendency to be loud, brash, boisterous and arrogant. Are you working to contain these energies and use them productively?

If so, a Blue Jay tattoo can be a great way to honor this bird’s energy and remind yourself of your goals. Blue Jay’s markings on his chest are like his own tattoo of sorts and so this part of the body can be an ideal place to put a Blue Jay tattoo.

And of course, he appreciates mimicry!

Blue Jay Spiritual Meaning

A tale from American folklore from the Texas region tells of a Sparrow yoking a Blue Jay to a plow in a time in which Blue Jays were larger. According to this legend, the Blue Jay broke free and asked Great Spirit to be made smaller so as to ensure his freedom from this work. The black mark on his chest being a reminder of this prior work.

Perhaps this tale associates Blue Jay’s meaning, spiritually, with the ability to have a large, fierce and determined personality regardless of your size and stature.

Blue Jay spiritual meaning can further be linked with having a feisty personality which no one can contain or control.

Blue Jay also signifies the need to plan for the future. Though they are known for being aggressive and noisy, and in some cultures are seen as a trickster, there is a rhyme and reason for all that Blue Jay does. Can you currently say the same?

Blue Jay reminds us that the path to manifesting success and following our spiritual calling may not be all logic and rational decisions, that we can grow and learn, even from folly. Yet Blue Jay also has a knack for signaling needed warnings.

Are you closing yourself off to warnings and omens because you want to maintain a “positive” outlook only? This is not as “spiritual” as it sounds. You may instead consider taking a lesson from Blue Jay.

You can give yourself permission to use your voice, protect your home and those you love, and feel free to make a little noise. Balancing confidence and arrogance can help you follow the spiritual lessons of Blue Jay, avoiding the downfalls of Hubris while also making sure your voice is heard.

Similar to the Chinook deity Blue Jay, the God Mercury is similar to the Blue Jay and therefore corresponds to communication, adaptability and travel. Being swift, savvy and being able to outwit others, are all spiritual lessons from Blue Jay.

The Stellar’s Jay, a relative of the Blue Jay, makes his home in populated areas west of the Rocky Mountains. Blue Jays like to nest in Oak Trees, thus they are associated with strength and fertility. Blue Jays may help you attract abundance or connect to deities associated with fertility.

Blue Jays are loyal to family and can be clandestine. They are reminders of the importance of prioritizing family bonds. Blue Jay can also symbolize the importance of community in your spiritual growth and practice. Whether you are developing your psychic abilities or deepening your spiritual understanding, Blue Jay reminds you to develop in tandem with your “family” and not just open up your secret practices and traditions to strangers or the general public.

Blue Jay Symbolic Meanings Key

• Bold & Clever
• Comprehension
• Communication & Eloquence
• Devotion
• Faithfulness
• Keen Mindedness
• Protection
• Trickster
• Vibrancy
• Wonder