What It Means If You Keep Seeing Red Cardinals Everywhere You Go

From reminding you of a loved one who's passed to inspiring change and transformation, seeing a red cardinal is nothing short of striking. And their bold appearance catches your eye for a reason, as these birds have a deep spiritual significance.

You may have heard that cardinals are a sign that a loved one who's passed is near, letting you know they're with you. This is one of the most well-known interpretations of the cardinal, though their meaning is ultimately up to context and your own interpretation.

As spiritual teacher Alyson Charles tells mindbodygreen, cardinals can also relate to strength, transformation, and even manifestation.

With its attention-grabbing red color, this bird also relates to the root chakra, particularly when it comes to changes you're going through.

"Any time we are going through potent transformations—which also usually involve an urging to rise and expand in consciousness—it's extra important to stay in your body, stay connected with your breath, and be grounded," Charles explains.

When you think cardinal, you think bold—and that's exactly what this bird wants you to become. According to Charles, seeing a cardinal is a reminder not to withdraw but rather to express yourself and open up.

Lastly, as aforementioned, cardinals are often thought of as messengers from the spirit realm, either connecting you with guides or loved ones who have passed on.

As aforementioned, cardinals relate to themes of loyalty, as well as change and transformation. So if you're seeing cardinals upon meeting a new love interest, that's a good sign that they're going to be a loyal partner or change your life for the better.

And not only that, but if you're already going steady with someone and you're ready to take it to the next level, the cardinal offers a promising sign that you should trust your gut and make the best decisions for you in your relationship.

Sometimes we don't receive animal wisdom in real life, but in our dreams. And according to animal spiritualist Jordana Van, "Dreams are much more personal than we realize, in which case, the symbol is supposed to get us to look at what is going on in our life, and ask ourselves if it mirrors what happened in our lives the last time we experienced that animal in the aforementioned fashion."

In this case, she says, think about a time when cardinals seemed to be appearing a lot to you. What issues from that time might still need to be resolved today? That is likely the message here.

If cardinals keep appearing, there is likely a message there for you. As Charles explains, with any power animal, they like to get an invitation from you first in order to work with you.

"So, if it's resonating to work with cardinal, you can call upon it in meditation, shamanic journey, or before you go to bed to enter during dreamtime and help support with providing any messages, medicines, or guidance that will further empower you at this time," she tells mindbodygreen.

Seeing a cardinal out your window isn't uncommon and may have a special meaning, depending on what you're going through. Any of the aforementioned meanings may still apply, but the window is unique in that the cardinal is appearing to you in your home.

Our homes are our safe spaces and our havens from the world. For a cardinal to show up there for you can indicate a need to tap into your own energy and power to keep your home (and subsequently, your own aura) safe and secure.

Perhaps that means setting firmer boundaries, working with your root chakra as previously mentioned, or facing any fears you've been avoiding.