Inword Publishers is based in Alachua, Florida, surrounded by immense expanses of land in state preserves and nature trails. While canoeing on the Santa Fe River or taking secluded walks in Florida’s natural environment, one may see a great blue heron—not often—but if one goes out into nature often enough, he or she will one day encounter a great blue. On first sighting one may be surprised how large the great blue herons are—especially when they take to flight. Their wingspans can be as large as 6.5 feet!

Herons are at home in three elements: water, earth, and air. Their comfort in multiple elements is symbolic of easy transitions. Oftentimes, you can see them with one foot on land and another in the air. To us this symbolizes bhakti-yogis, who live honorably in this world while cultivating their inner life.

Various cultures have symbolized the heron in different ways. In China, the heron represents strength, purity, patience, and long life. In Africa, the heron was thought to communicate with the gods. Most Native American tribes took note of the heron’s inquisitiveness, curiosity, and determination. As such, this set the heron as a symbol of wisdom in that this creature seemed to have good judgment skills. As a water creature, the heron is also a symbol of going with the flow, and working with the elements of Mother Nature rather than struggling against her.