Yesterday we had an outdoors memorial for my friend who passed away, during which a hawk flew overhead. One friend got very excited, saying predatory birds are a good sign according to Navajo custom. I later looked it up and found hawks symbolize a connection to the spirit world. I’ve become interested in Native American religions and their respect toward animals, so when I was at the Heard Museum last night for a member event, I bought this book, The Navajo and the Animal People, by Steve Pavlik. See the hawk in the bottom right corner of the cover 🙂 I will always remember my friend whenever I see one of these beautiful birds.