Why Bats Keep Flying Into My Story
As you’ve read in my article Blue Mansion, Penang: Bats, Spiritual Spanners and Scarves, I have a thing for Bats. Not in a batty way, my home isn’t littered with winged figurines and I don’t wear a mask and cape everyday, just on Sundays. But, they have been a companion of sorts over the years, and most definitely my travelling guide for the past two.
Not in the literal sense of course, that would be weird and most definitely a health violation. ‘Hey there, does your hotel have a Bat Cave?’
Answering the Bat call…Erm, Hello?
No, I mean metaphorically. Looking back at my timeline, Bat’s symbolic meaning of Transformation and Rebirth is apt as they first appeared around the time I realised I wanted something different, that I needed to get out of Australia.
Of course, I wasn’t conscious of their message at the time, I just got on with life and appreciated bats for what they were to me back then – weirdo flappy things that like to hang out on Sydney Harbour Bridge and in my friends attic.
But 6 months into our travels, I finally picked up the Bat phone and listened. Bat is my reminder to enjoy new experiences and to explore my senses. I know this because it turned up everywhere we went, especially when I was taking things for granted.
‘Pssst Heidi…you wanted change, here’s your opportunity, go explore…are you even listening?! Come on Heidi, waaaaake up!’
Bat turned up on shrines and temples, on packaging, posters, stunning pottery and even on a menu. Everywhere.
When we were a little over constantly moving, bats would entertain us with their nightly acrobatic pool dips, reminding us how lucky we were, and to enjoy our chosen path. How cute is that?!
Side note – I personally wouldn’t want to drink pool water but our villa bats and birds regularly dipped and sipped. We even found a tiny scorpion in the pool one morning!
One for your Bat Cave
If Bat hasn’t been hanging around you, I highly recommend reading “Life in Five Senses” by Gretchen Rubin. Fun, easy to read and inspirational in a non-woo-woo way.
Thanks to Gretchen I took myself off to do a perfume workshop in Bali. I learned so much and I now have my own signature perfume – Figgy Love. Yes, worst name ever but I was put on the spot.
Non-Woo-Woo-Way Eau de Parfum…I wonder what that would smell like.
Travel Tip
If you plan to review the books you read on your travels, label your photos clearly. Don’t waste 40 minutes trying to find them two years later.
Still Getting Bat Signals (And Loving It)
I love Bat Signals – they push me to look closer, to re-explore my senses, to find new adventures no matter how weird.
My unofficial photography project ‘Ugly Beauty’ for example brings me great joy, not just because taking photos of street trash reframes my perception of beauty, but because it makes my husband laugh. Finding a tiny Bat hidden on a piece of artwork – cartwheels!!!
Again, not obsessed with bats, just appreciative.
Anyways – much like my Tennis Court Dove, Bat has a message, and if you choose to be dense (like me) and ignore it, it will keep pestering you until you finally get the point. So with that in mind, let’s explore some cool real world facts about this misunderstood creature of the night, and of course, some symbolic meanings thrown in.
Animal Insights | Bat Facts
Physical Characteristics
The only mammal that can fly – except for Gold Coast bats (Aus), who fly like they’ve been on the grog all night.
Can be teeny tiny like the Bumblebee Bat (1.5″) or huge like the Australian megabat, Flying Fox, that has a 6-foot wingspan.
Uses echolocation to navigate and to hunt, hunt, hunt…hunt.
Habitat & Distribution
Found everywhere unless Penguins say otherwise (sorry, Antarctica)
Loves a Bat cave but will also roost under leaves, in tree hollows, under bridges and in your attic.
You will find them in huuuge numbers in West Africa, Southeast Asia, New Guinea, Australia, and certain Pacific islands.
They love a good hang!
Family/Diet/Lifespan
Not all bats are bloodthirsty vampires – most prefer insects, fruits, nectar, and fish.
Like the cast of Twilight, they like to hunt, erm…after dark. It’s just easier, their sight and hearing work better then.
Best birthday gift? A bunch of flowers, of course. Bats, like bees, are super pollinators!
Unique Adaptations
Some species power down for winter to conserve energy. Not all, but those in colder climates or who prefer mountain air might give it a try.
The Daubenton ‘Water’ Bat uses its tail and the ‘basket technique’ to scoop up insects near or on the surface of water
Their super flappy wings are the envy of Top Gun’s world over.
Bat | Colours
Bat Insights | Symbolism & Spiritual Meaning
Symbolic/Spiritual Meaning
Transformation & Rebirth
Intuition & Inner Exploration
Good luck / Fortune
Protection & Guardianship
Shadow work & Facing Fears
Resilience & Adaptability
Symbolic/Sacred Object
The Moon & Lunar Cycles
The Hanged Man (Tarot)
Plants like Deadly Nightshade, mandrake, belladonna, and mugwort are allies in ritual magick that share the ‘night’ energy of bats, They are used in protection and transformation rites.
Role in Mythology & Folklore
Mayan Bat God ‘Camazotz’ is a deity of the night, death and sacrifice. He decapitates intruders trying to get into the Underworld. Why anyone would want to break into there I have no idea.
In South American folklore, bats are known as Lunar Guides. Using the cycles of the moon, they help navigate us through spiritual darkness
Bat Insights | (Oracle) Associations
Fun Trivia
- The male Dyak Fruit Bat is the only mammal that can lactate and nurse its young.
- Vampire Bats will happily regurgitate blood to save a starving mate
Plant Wisdom
- Nightshade – Moon energy
- Mugwort – Shadow work
- Belladonna – Divination
- Rosemary – Purification
- Ivy – Hidden path
- Cypress – Death
Sacred Deities
- Lilth – Jewish Folklore
- Baron Samedi – Voodoo God of Death
- Persephone – underworld travel
- Hecate – witchcraft
- Camazotz – Bat god who decapitates heroes
- Kali – death & rebirth
Spirit Guides
- Thanks to their association with the Underworld, death, and, of course, vampires. I couldn’t find any obvious spirit friends.
Crystal Magic
- Obsidian – Protection
- Onyx – Grounding
- Moonstone – Intuition
- Labradorite – Transformation
- Jet – Death & Mourning
- Amethyst – Communication
Celestial Power
- Although not part of any astrology system (Eastern or Western), Bats are revered in Chinese cultures for their ability to bring good fortune and luck to individuals and families.
Animal Insights | Also Worth Knowing
Healing Power
Often used (symbolically) in Protection rituals
Associated with shadow work in psychological/spiritual healing
- In traditional Chinese symbolism, five bats represent the Five Blessings.
- – Longevity
- – Wealth
- – Health
- – Love or Virtue
- – A peaceful, natural death
Modern/Folk Medicine
Bat Saliva (Draculin) is capable of dissolving blood clots. It is now used to develop treatments for ischemic stroke.
Studies into echolocation have helped improve sonar tech and cochlear implants
Dried Bat powder is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat asthma. Bat is also used to treat eye disorders, and for expelling parasites
Commercial Impact
Bat faeces (guano) is extremely rich in nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium which makes it the perfect high quality organic fertilizer
Bat sanctuaries and cave tours are a valuable source of income for some communities, helping to support conservation projects.
Products
Bat themed products are popular in countries that celebrate the Chinese New Year (Spring) and Mid Autumn Festival
Bats are exceptionally good at keeping insects in check, so farmers will invite Bats to move into Bat Houses.
Art & Design
Our little and not-so-little creatures of the night have been given a bad rap over the years…
Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1897), I think we all know this one
What about the Bat poem by D.H Lawrence in 1923?
Cultural /Historical Significance
The Lost Boys (1987) – Jason Patric, a cute husky, saxophones, and Goonies styled antics. Oh and Vampires.
Batman – the comic, cartoon, films (meh)
Batfink cartoon – now you’re talking my language!
Check out this!
Today’s Cosmic Prod
Do you have an animal (real or not) that appears when you need it most?
Unexpectedly?
In a weird and wonderful fashion (item perhaps)?
How does it make you feel?
Magic Dust Tapping – Affirmations
I pay attention to signs and trust my gut
It’s fun to explore my senses and the world around me
I am okay with change, even when it feels messy
Want to improve your oracle card readings?
Then head over to my Etsy store to buy my Printable Oracle Worksheet – it comes with my Easy 7 Steps Oracle Card Process, which you can read about here.
