partridge symbolism & meaning 1200x630

Partridge Symbolism & Meaning

In Greek mythology, Athena, one of the most reposeful and cunning of the Olympian Deities, held the Partridge in favor. Her attributes include wisdom, courage, and the arts, all of which you can apply to Partridge symbolism. Because Athena held the Partridge as sacred, Her Sacred Feminine energies and fertility likewise add more depth to Partridge’s meaning.

To understand more about the connection between Athena and the Partridge, you can look at Peradix’s story as written by Ovid. Peradix had a tutor, his uncle, named Daedalus, who showed him mechanical arts. The boy showed himself as adept and ingenious, but Daedalus was jealous. The uncle pushed the boy off a cliff while walking together.

Partridge Table of Contents

Partridge Symbolism & Meaning

Athena saw the selfish deed and changed Peradix into a bird, the Partridge. The memory of Peradix’s fateful day remains in the Partridge who avoid heights–no nesting in the treetops, no flying toward the sky. Here you see one lesson from the Partridge, take caution where caution is due. For example, if you know, you are a weak swimmer, avoid deep water (both real and symbolic).

Alchemists, knowing the story, saw Partridge in a special light. The Partridge was a man turned bird. Peradix’s story is one of creation, transformation, and transmutation; all parts of the Alchemists work.

Partridges don’t just appear in Greek lore. Many cultures depict the bird in distinct ways. Some say the Partridge is careless because it leaves eggs in another bird’s nest, replacing one for one. But, as a bird producing one of the largest clutches among birds at once, Partridge provides you with two more positive emblems-proliferation and plenty.

There appears to be a love affair afoot between the Partridge and the moon. Some poems talk about how the moon gazes down on the Partridge longingly. Because of their love, the Partridge has access to all the moon’s forces in each of its phases and can apply them to specific traits. For example, if the moon is full, then Partridge energy offers similar fullness to a relationship. Should the moon wane, Partridge detracts advances from unwanted lovers.

Partridge in a Pear Tree

When you hear the word Partridge, you may automatically think of the song The Twelve Days of Christmas. The famous first verse goes, “On the first day of Christmas, my true love sent to me, a Partridge in a Pear Tree.” There is evidence suggesting the imagery in the song may have less to do with Christmas, and more to do with previous Pagan observations and celebration.

The Partridge begins courtship in late winter, including dramatic displays for each other. So, the Partridge could well be the Feminine aspect (Athena) and the tree the Male aspect in harmony. Slavic languages allude to the symbolism with the term for Partridge jarabica, which is a combination of two other words, the first meaning youth or fire, and the second meaning copulation. In other words, the Partridge is the Earth Mother in beautiful union with the Sky Father, creating all life for the year ahead.

In Croatia, there is another song about a wedding feast. The young groom brings his bride home for dinner. The entire menu is progressive, just like the 12 Days of Christmas. It is part of a ritual so the couple can experience joy and fertility.

Christianity has a different take on the song. Here, Jesus is the Partridge. Every other day has ties to unique aspects of the faith. Two Turtle Doves are the Old and New Testaments, for example. 6 Geese a Laying symbolizes the six days of creation, and ten Lords A-Leaping are the Ten Commandments.

Partridge Spirit Animal

partridge spirit animal 1200x630

One of the most persuasive messages coming through from the Partridge Spirit Animal focuses on fertility and love. Male Partridges are monogamous, but gives his mate wiggle room for ongoing breeding for survival. Perhaps it is time for questioning whether you are holding on to your partner too tightly out of fear, or not showing enough attention because you feel secure? Find a balance.

In terms of fertility, the Partridge Spirit Animal has it in abundance. But it is not speaking to you of just physical fertility. There are many matters in life where a little extra virility can’t hurt. Think abundance in all its forms-money, friendship, opportunities, etc.

The Partridge Spirit Animal appears to you if you need to keep your head down. Follow the Partridge’s mantra: Flying low and slow still gets you where you want to go! Your changed outlook doesn’t mean you’ll never achieve lofty ambitions. Just keep your goals realistic and know when to take cover. Don’t give your energy away without forethought. When you pause, you can nourish your whole BE-ing and foster peace of mind.

Partridge Totem Animal

partridge animal totem 1200x630

People born with a Partridge Totem Animal have a unique purpose. Their soul’s contract includes a clause about serving the Goddess. How they express their devotion varies from championing women’s causes to finding ways of healing the Earth.

If Partridge is your Birth Totem, you have a compelling vision for your path and a determination to reach all-elusive enlightenment, eventually. You have a knack for seeing pitfalls in any situation (people close to you should heed your warnings more often). Better still, you quickly respond to your insights. You will either speak, act, pray, or remain silent. Each has a function depending on the situation and the desired outcome. Challenges don’t phase you.

In relationships, you are a nurturing person, especially toward your inner circle. You have the heart of a romantic and show it with many thoughtful gestures. You seek centered and grounded partners who don’t mind a little fuss and fanfare in their “mating” process. When you are ready to attract someone, you take a cue from Partridge and drum out your sacred song vibrationally, where the birds use their wings. Your thoughtful wish moves out in waves, seeking the right recipient.

Partridge Power Animal

partridge power animal 1200x630

Invoke your inner Partridge Power Animal as a guide when considering having a child or when struggling with fertility. Embrace the Partridge’s loving compassion. Listen carefully to the advice you receive and internalize it. Remember to take action. Sound ideas do little good unless you execute them.

Call on your Partridge Power Animal when you know, without a doubt, there is danger or malicious mischief is afoot. Partridge illustrates not only caution but a graceful retreat when the situation calls for it. Look through Partridge’s eyes in determining the cause, then keep yourself well away.

Native American Partridge Symbolic Meanings

When Native American stories mention the Partridge, there is a strong chance they speak of a Grouse which are easily mistaken for one another. Nonetheless, Partridge (or Grouse) doesn’t appear much in Native American folklore. The tales in existence don’t paint the Partridge in a very good light, mostly. The Partridge portrays a foolish, gullible parent. On the other hand, the Mi’kmaq have a hero whose name, Pulowech, translates as Partridge. He is a brave and honorable bird warrior.

Partridge Dreams

When Partridge appears in your dream, particularly if it looks beautiful, it can represent your attraction to a person or thing. There are obstacles to getting either, but you have the fortitude and vision to ethically manifest your hopes. No amount of negativity can stop you.

A Partridge approaching you in your dream is an omen of good fortune. A happy surprise in on the horizon. Once it arrives, the changes created bring a sense of inner bliss.

Should the Partridge in your dream have a nest filled with eggs, you will find yourself filled with wonder. If you have been trying to have a child, the timing is right. If you already have children (including young ones who look to you), they will amaze you with wisdom and inspire your inner child.

Holding a Partridge close in your dream portends finding a loving partner. The commitment between you is unyielding. The person may bring unexpected wealth your way.

Seeing an entire flock of Partridges in your dream shows you have many options before you. Each one can bring you success but in distinct ways. Think about each, then focus on the one mirroring your soul’s purpose in some manner.

Partridge in Astrology & Zodiac Signs

The Incas noted various sky animals who walked the Milky Way. They called it Millka mayu, meaning sacred river. One of them is Partridge. In the star layout for the Milky Way, Partridge (Yutu) stays far away from the Snake in the east, and the Fox in the west-smart bird! You can see it at the base of the Southern Cross, looking like a kite.

Far Eastern Partridge Symbolic Meanings

In China, the Partridge is the bird of the Southern corner of creation. It represents mindful sympathy or attraction. Partridge chooses carefully. When depicted with Chrysanthemums, it symbolizes a wish for a long-lasting peaceful relationship between a couple, families, or villages.

Partridge Symbolic Meanings Key

  • Camouflage
  • Circumspection
  • Femininity
  • Grounding
  • Joy
  • Lunar Energy
  • Plenty
  • Union
  • Transmutation
  • Watchfulness

WIMSA Divider 800x47