Me and Apollo, from the Association of Hellenic Falconry.
A few days ago, I met two hawks, Apollo and Artemis. I have been fascinated with birds my entire life. As a teenager, I had an Amazon parrot as a pet. I would let my parrot fly in my room, peck my hardcover books, gnaw my hair, and sleep with me.
It is another thing observing animals in zoos and another coming into direct contact with them. These hawks were amazing creatures. Interacting with them produced a feeling of awe and humility. And a profound connection with an unfamiliar, wild part of my nature.
Humans have always felt a special kinship with these creatures. Hence the symbolism that is attached to them. The hawk was associated with the god Apollo, and there was also the ancient city Hierakonpolis in Egypt. The hawk also had a prophetic significance depending on the direction it was flying, if it had prey in its beak or not, etc. For example, it was considered a good omen when a hawk was flying from east to west. Interestingly, there is a distinction in the English language between the hawk and the falcon, which does not exist in Greek.
I wish I could have these opportunities more often.
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