Albatross Totem

Nicknames: King of the Ocean Waves, King of the Sea, Sacred Albatross

Albatross is a large seabird from the family Diomedeidae (full of other large sea birds). Their range is from the Southern Ocean and the North Pacific but there have been fossils of the bird's predecessors found at a winder range. The might albatross has the longest wingspans of any extant birds. Its magnificent wings stretch up to 3.7 meters (12 feet) tip to tip. They are one of the largest of flying birds. They are known for their famously beautiful ritual mating dances. Pair bonds form over years. Fish, krill and squid make up a good portion of their diet as they dive, scavenge and surface seize their food. They are long lived. A Laysan albatross, named Wisdom, was banded in 1956.

Albatross Totem: There will always be new pathways to take. New pathways will eventually take us where we want to go. Improved Relationship with others. Benefit when living hear coasts and islands. Because of the wandering nature and desire for monogamy, Albatross needs to be in love to be grounded in their relationship physically.

Albatross Energy and Totem Talents/Gifts: luck, grace, long distance travel, largeness/being big, longevity/long life, stamina, independence, monogamy, nonconformity, dancing, ritual, faithfulness, messenger, loyalty, calm, open minded, lenient, restless, forecasting weather, controlling winds and storms, working with the energy present to make what you want to happen, freedom of belief, freedom of adopting another culture, enlightenment, freedom of speech, guidance, value others, reuniting spouses, keeping spouses together, king of the sea, largest of birds, dealing with emotions, manage stress, excellent parenting, wandering spirit, may like long distance relationships, can break through self-imposed limits, messages from the spirit world, faithfulness, depressive, air-headed, restless, lazy, and lenient

Albatross Associations: Other sea birds

Primary Element: Air

Secondary Elements: Water, Earth

Opposing Element: Fire

Direction: South

Time of Day: Afternoon

Color: Pale White

Season: Autumn

Moon Phase: Crescent Moon

Common star signs: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius

The Albatross Challenges: The symbolism of an albatross bound around one's neck. This represents a physical burden that makes you feel as though you are cursed or carrying a burden. If you have albatross totem yet fear it, you may fear your emotions getting out of control. You may fear being overwhelmed. You may fear the internal currents of life.

Ancient Lore: Albatrosses are symbols of great luck. They were adored by sailors. It was said to communicate between earthly and heavenly realms. Sailors thought it was made of fog and a supernatural bird. Seeing an albatross die was a terrible omen. Oddly, tobacco pouches were made from their feet though.

Albatross in Love: Albatrosses only are on land to mate. They form large breeding colonies. At around 12 years old they lay one egg. Parents take turns keeping the egg warm. Baby albatrosses must be 3-10 months old depending on the species to fly. They dance all over looking for a mate. Albatrosses put a lot into their relationships and so do people with albatross totem.