My first impression and lesson of these birds is the ability to stand tall, on both feet and sometimes on just one; the ability to balance all that life throws at them and with grace. Grace is a major part of the medicine lesson here when they appear. If one were to fall, they would just take off in flight as if they meant to do that… Grace.
Now we think about their appearance, the long elongated necks, legs and body symbolize longevity in life, longevity reaching up into the heaven and the spiritual realms; all birds to me symbolize freedom and foresight as well.
Considering these birds live and nest in and around water would indicate they are deeply seeped in that of the emotions and the emotional state; generally not a healthy one if they show up in your dreams or cross your path. Take a good look at what is going on with you emotionally should this totem appear to you, whether in person, in your dream world, or in pictures.
All birds and their medicine amaze me. I feel their freedom and their connection to the heaven and that sense of higher wisdom. They have a “birds-eye view” observing from above, calling out and making beautiful music that floats through the air similar to their wings and bodies riding the currents. They do not resist the currents, they find the one that will carry them and the float along. We can take a good lesson from our aviary friends and float along life’s currents and discover where they will bring us, yet we humans always seem to go against the flow, against the current and make life a struggle; sounds stupid doesn’t it? They are beauty, grace and longevity, knowing when to take the high road and hold your head up high. Animal Totems always help us live from a higher perspective. Birds are pure magic they bring from straight from the Other Side; pay attention as your loved ones that have crossed over may be trying to get in touch!
Taken from www.spirit-animals.com and I thank them for their wisdom
If Heron has come wading across your path; It is time to look deeper into aspects of your life that will bring out innate wisdom and show you how to become self-reliant. Are you grounding yourself regularly? Heron teaches that grounding yourself in the earth and your spiritual beliefs will help you discover emotional insights more clearly and more quickly. Alternatively he could be teaching you how how to become comfortable in uncertain situations and to be watchful of opportunities to arise so that you can quickly grasp them and move on.