20+ Spiritual Meanings of Grey Feathers

Download Article

Discover what it means to find a grey feather

Explore this Article

IN THIS ARTICLE

1 Important Decisions

2 Transition

3 Compromise

4 Calmness

5 Freedom

6 Harmony

7 Neutrality

8 Stagnation

9 Codependency

10 Uncertainty

11 Empathy & Perspective

12 Maturity

13 Death & Rebirth

14 Sadness

15 Purity

16 Missed Messages

17 Divine Connection

18 Deepening Relationships

19 Meeting Twin Flames

20 Self Discovery

21 Fate

22 Karmic Completion

23 Perseverance

+ Show 20 more...

- Show less...

Other Sections

Related Articles

References

Co-authored by Carmine Shannon Reviewed by Stina Garbis

Last Updated: May 7, 2024 Fact Checked

Download Article

Grey feathers are considered spiritual symbols across cultures, so you may be receiving a divine message if these feathers keep crossing your path. Interpreting messages can be highly contextual, but we’ve got you covered. We’ve compiled a list of everything a grey feather can indicate, from spiritual awakenings to deepening relationships. Keep reading to decode what this symbol means for you.

Things You Should Know

• Grey feathers symbolize, peace, harmony, and compromise.
• Feathers that go from light to dark or dark to light are symbolic of transitions, messages from guardian angels, and rebirth.
• The mix of black and white can sometimes mean you’re in too deep in a situation and you need to break free.

Steps

1

Important Decisions

Download Article

1. 
   Seeing a grey feather can mean you need to make an important decision. Grey is the combination of two opposites, black and white. Because of this, grey feathers can indicate that you need to take a stance between two things. It doesn’t necessarily mean you need to pick one side or the other, but instead come to a nuanced conclusion between them.

   • For example, if two loved ones are fighting with each other, seeing a grey feather can mean you need to help them reconnect, instead of picking sides.
Advertisement

2

Transition

Download Article

1. 
   Black, white, and grey feathers can mean you’re about to transition. You may be coming into a new stage in your life if you see a grey feather, especially if the grey isn’t uniform. If the feather moves from light to dark (with dark at the tip), it can mean you’re entering a more difficult time. If it’s dark to light it can mean your life will get easier.

   • It can also mean you’re coming into a spiritual transition. You may be feeling more connected to a higher power when you see a grey feather.
   • Reflect on your standings whenever you see grey feathers. Are you about to start a new school, job, or project? If you are, prepare for a big change to come along for the ride.

3

Compromise

Download Article

1. 
   Grey feathers can symbolize a need for compromise. Grey is the midpoint between black and white, so it can indicate you need to find middle ground between you and someone else. If you’re in a conflict with someone when you see a grey feather, it might be time to try and find a resolution that works for both of you.

   • If you’re butting heads with someone on a project, for example, sit down with them and discuss your respective goals. When you know where both of you stand, you can find a way to meet in the middle.
Advertisement

4

Calmness

Download Article

1. 
   Grey is a neutral color, which can symbolize serenity and calm. If you’re experiencing a lot of turbulence in your life, seeing a grey feather can mean that calmer times are coming. As the dust settles, your life is becoming more peaceful.

   • Practice meditation and mindfulness to ground yourself in peace.

5

Freedom

Download Article

1. 
   Grey feathers can symbolize the nuance of freedom. You may have heard the phrase “free as a bird” at some point in your life. If you’re finding any sort of feather, it carries the freedom of birds. Grey feathers, however, can be more nuanced, due to the mix of black and white. Freedom comes with responsibilities, which can sometimes make you feel trapped.

   • If you’re feeling bogged down by your chores, think about why you have them. If you’re tired of constantly cleaning your home, think instead about the freedom that having a home comes with.
   • Seeing a grey feather doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re experiencing freedom. Instead, they can be an indication that you need to reflect on your life and see if you feel free or not.
Advertisement

6

Harmony

Download Article

1. 
   Grey feathers can indicate harmony between two opposing sides. When black and white come together to make grey, each color is yielding something to the other to create something new. Coming across a grey feather can mean that you’re in harmony with your surroundings or important people in your life.

   • If you’re not feeling especially harmonious, this can mean that you need to let up a little bit to find balance in your relationships. Think about what’s really important to you and what can go by the wayside.

7

Neutrality

Download Article

1. 
   Neutral colors, like grey, can mean you’re moving into a neutral state. Seeing a grey feather can mean that your slate is being cleaned, so to speak. If you feel like your life has been ruled by strong opinions, this could mean that you’re becoming more in tune with the neutral balance of the universe.

   • If you feel an old belief of yours slipping away, seeing grey feathers can mean that the change is for the best. When you’re neutral you have a new baseline to grow from.
     • Look into new spiritual practices, philosophies, and religions. You may be in the right place to open yourself to a different way of being.
Advertisement

8

Stagnation

Download Article

1. 
   Finding a grey feather can symbolize being stuck between two things. If you feel something in your life isn’t serving you, like a job, relationship, or set of beliefs, seeing a grey feather can be a reflection of that stagnation. If you resonate with this interpretation, it means you need to break out of whatever is holding you in place.

   • Stagnation can make you feel stuck, so you need to make major changes to break free. Take risks, do things you’ve only dreamed of, and leave behind what doesn’t serve you.
   • For example, if your job or studies don’t interest you anymore, it’s time to try something radically different. Have you always wanted to be a writer? Participate in National Write a Novel Month. Want to go to art school? Transfer!

9

Codependency

Download Article

1. 
   Grey feathers can mean you’re too identified with a relationship. When black and white mix they create an insoluble partnership—it’s difficult, or even impossible, to get them back to black and white again. If you’re finding grey feathers it may mean you need to create some space between yourself and a partner.

   • If you have difficulty saying no or bringing up conflicts to your partner, you may be in a codependent relationship.
   • It can be difficult to disengage from someone you’re codependent with. If you don’t want to cut them out of your life entirely, consider taking a long and mindful break before reconnecting.
Advertisement

10

Uncertainty

Download Article

1. 
   Grey symbolizes nuance between two things, which isn’t always stable. If you’re uncertain in your life—you don’t know what passion you want to pursue, you don’t know if a relationship is totally right for you, etc.—seeing a grey feather can mean need to come to terms with the uncertainty. Getting comfortable with the in-between will help you move forward.

   • If you’re struggling with uncertainty, it can be good to pinpoint the parts of your life that are stable. Think about the relationships you can rely on and the routines you enjoy as you move through uncharted waters.

11

Empathy & Perspective

Download Article

1. 
   Grey feathers can represent seeing two sides of a situation. Seeing a feather with a mix of black and white can mean you need to extend empathy to another person. By putting yourself in their shoes and taking a new perspective you can find the best situation for your conflict.

   • Don’t see people’s actions as direct attacks on you, see them as reflections of their experiences.
   • For example, someone who gets mad at you for throwing away leftovers may have experienced food insecurity and is trying to express that the best way they know how.
Advertisement

12

Maturity

Download Article

1. 
   Grey is a symbol of aging and gaining wisdom. As people mature, their hair turns grey. Grey feathers are sometimes thought to represent this maturity through aging, and the wisdom and perspective that comes with it. If you’re feeling a little over the hill, seeing a grey feather is reminding you’re just growing, and that age comes with its own benefits.

13

Death & Rebirth

Download Article

1. 
   Grey feathers can symbolize death—but also the rebirth that follows it. If you’re seeing grey feathers it can mean that you’re coming to the end of a cycle, a death, so to speak. While this can be scary or sad, it doesn’t have to be. For new things to grow old things have to die. If you feel like big things are ending, have hope that your future will have new life.

   • This is especially true for feathers that are black at the base and white at the tip.
   • Think of the old parts of your life as fertilizer for bigger and better things. If you lose a job, for example, take it as an opportunity to pursue your passions professionally.
Advertisement

14

Sadness

Download Article

1. 
   Seeing dark grey feathers can be a representation of sadness in your life. If you’ve been feeling especially down, seeing dark grey feathers can be a reflection of your internal life. If this is the case, take it as a sign to focus on improving your mental health.

   • Surrounding yourself with friends and family or talking to mental health professionals can help you transcend sadness.

15

Purity

Download Article

1. 
   Light grey feathers can symbolize a transition towards a more pure state. Finding light grey colored feathers can mean you’re on a journey that will lead you to becoming holier and more in tune with your spiritual powers. If you’re feeling especially aligned with your divinity and spirituality, this meaning might be for you.

   • For example, if you feel most in tune with the world in nature and keep finding grey feathers out on trails, that can be a sign you’re moving in the right direction.
   • Deepen your spiritual practices by enveloping them into your existing routines. For example, you could start drawing a tarot card every morning.
Advertisement

16

Missed Messages

Download Article

1. 
   Seeing a large grey feather can mean you’ve missed a spiritual message. Black, white, and grey feathers are thought to be messages from your guardian angel. If you’ve found a large one, it can mean that you’ve missed some of these messages, or that the message you’re receiving is particularly urgent.

   • A grey feather from a guardian angel usually just means that you’re being watched over, so feel confident that you’re not alone.
     • This interpretation is especially applicable if you’ve been finding grey and white feathers.
   • If you think this applies to you, pay more attention to your intuition. Keep track of your predictions and look for patterns in your life.
   • If you’re seeing smaller feathers, that means that the message isn’t so urgent.

17

Divine Connection

Download Article

1. 
   Small grey feathers can also be a symbol of divine encouragement. Small grey feathers can represent intuition and good judgment. If you see one before making a big decision, your guardian angel may have dropped it to tell you you’re on the right track.

   • Trust your gut when you have to make an important decision—what feels right usually is right. If your parents want you to be a lawyer but you think you’d be better of as a mechanic, this might be a sign to follow your intuition.
Advertisement

18

Deepening Relationships

Download Article

1. 
   The union of black and white can symbolize the union between two people. If you’re in a new relationship, seeing a grey feather can mean they’re really the one for you. Black and white mix together to create something new, so grey feathers can mean you and your partner’s relationship will deepen and evolve.

   • If you want to deepen your connection with your partner, share your vulnerabilities, treat obstacles as cooperative challenges, and spend quality time with them.

19

Meeting Twin Flames

Download Article

1. 
   Grey feathers symbolize the union in a twin flame relationship. Twin flames are two bodies that share one soul. If you think you’ve met your twin flame, seeing a grey feather can mean they’re thinking of you (and you should reach out!) If you’re not aware of one in your life, seeing a grey feather may mean that your current partner is actually your twin flame.

   • If you’ve met your twin flame, let them know that you’re thinking of them, too. Your connection transcends any physical distance, but it’s always nice to have a reminder that you’re cared for.
Advertisement

20

Self Discovery

Download Article

1. 
   If you’re single, grey feathers can mean you need to determine what you want. Seeing grey feathers when you’re single can mean you’re not entirely sure what you want or what you bring to the table in a partnership. If you want a relationship, take time to get to know yourself and see what traits would compliment yours.

   • Think about where you excel, where you fall short, and what kind of partner can balance those things for you.
   • For example, if being active is an important part of your life, look for someone who you can run, play games, and work out with.
   • If you’re not the best communicator, try to find someone who can help you open up.

21

Fate

Download Article

1. 
   Dreams about grey feathers symbolize the universe’s plan for you. If you’re dreaming about grey feathers, it can be a sign to accept things as they come and trust in a greater divine plan. Things always balance out in the end, and any negativity you’re experiencing now will be met with positivity in the future.

   • Practice acceptance by being genuine to yourself, not forcing things, and getting in touch with your motivations. The more you understand your place in the world, the easier it will be to let things unfold as they will.
Advertisement

22

Karmic Completion

Download Article

1. 
   A grey feather can be a symbol that a soul contract has ended. Some believe that all people’s souls enter into contracts to help them learn lessons in mortal life. A karmic contract is an especially difficult contract between two people, so once you complete one your guardian angel may send you a grey feather as a congratulations.

   • If you feel like you’ve resolved a major interpersonal conflict with someone, this might be what your feather means.

23

Perseverance

Download Article

1. 
   Grey feathers can mean you need to keep going in dark times. Grey can be a somber color, but it’s also proof of lightness in the dark. If you’re having a difficult time, the grey feather could be telling you that there are greener pastures ahead of you.

   • When you feel downtrodden or stuck in a rut, it can be helpful to work towards concrete goals and practice affirmations to keep yourself moving forward.
     • Tell yourself: “Anything is possible,” “all things pass,” or even something as simple as “it will get better.”
Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Advertisement

Tips

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Name

Please provide your name and last initial

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!