It’s that time of year again. Around February, Harvey the Peacock starts gearing up to woo the ladies. Mating season will commence soon. He has grown his fabulous plumage back (after running around all summer, fall and winter in shorts!). His long, graceful, iridescent feathers look like a stunning Oriental silk robe. He now has a whole pride of females plus another younger male. I suspect that the younger male is his son! Anyway, when he is on deck, the spectacle is awesome. The females, though not as colorful, are very attractive too. He starts his early courtship with these females by parading, stamping his feet, shimmying and cawing out loud! What a racket when he starts to chase them around. (My plants and cat food bowls sometime get blown away!) I can’t believe that we now have a large peacock family to care for: Five females and two males…wow! They truly are enchanting creatures.

She has grown into a fine young lady. Sasha has the most beautiful luminous green eyes in a jet black face. She looks like an Egyptian statue. Her coat is like black silk – and she acts like a princess! I have a pink jeweled collar for her which gives her a royal look. Her white diamond crystal collar against her jet black coat is striking! She also loves to run like the wind and launch herself into space. I wouldn’t be surprised if she could fly. Sasha is also affectionate and purrs loudly when we cuddle in bed. This is a cat full of charm and luck. We are so grateful and lucky that the other person never showed up to claim her. It doesn’t get any better than a gorgeous, green-eyed feline. I know she used her magical powers to become a member of our family! She is truly an enchanted cat!

Here is some cat lore:

The early Egyptians believed the cat to be a sacred animal and erected bejeweled statues of cats in their temples. (No wonder Sasha likes jewels!)

They believed cats were endowed with magical powers and keen intuition.

Cats are a protection against snakes and rodents! (How true!)

The Celtic people believed the cat brought good luck, comfort and protection.

That cats are graceful, mysterious, mystical and sensual!

The Charmed One!

Princess Sasha

Sasha with her Charm and Luck purse

Sash with her ball

One sunny spring day a couple of years ago, Harvey flew into our lives. Apparently, as the story goes, a number of peacocks escaped from a neighboring farm some miles away. Apparently, our area appealed to them and they settled on our block. Harvey came to our house and claimed our backyard as his territory. He already had grown his tail which, when opened, displayed a magnificent array of iridescent colors! Wonderful jewel-like hues would sparkle off his tail in the sunlight. What a sight! Harvey would strut up and down on our porch calling loudly for a mate. (There were peahens that also came with the group) First thing in the early morning and throughout the day he would strut and call. It did get a little nerve wracking after awhile. But Harvey was persistent and attained a mate who in time produced three chicks. We called her Lulu and the chickens! The females are very aggressive and will attack other creatures to protect their offspring. My poor cats were run off the back deck when she arrived.

In the late summer, Harvey would shed his long tail and proceed to walk about with his shorts. (What a collection of peacock tail feathers I have!) A lot more comfortable in the heat of August! Harvey stayed with us through the next winter, spring, summer and fall. We have seen many babies populate our area. Harvey is so used to being with us that he has become part of our family of animals. He comes and goes on his peacock errands, but is always back in time for dinner or breakfast. If he sees our curtains open on our deck, he will peck at the sliding glass door until we come out with his food! It’s amazing. Sometimes, while I sit reading on my lounge, Harvey will fly in and sit down with me on the porch. He is not afraid to sit close to me in companionable silence. (Do not attempt to pet peacocks as they have dangerous claws and sharp beaks!) Harvey has brought magic into our lives; we are blessed to have such a magnificent creature in our midst!

Here is a little peacock lore:

The peacock is considered sacred in many cultures because it destroys poisonous snakes and has great wisdom and vision because of its many tail “eyes.”

The blue-green iridescence of its feathers is associated with royalty. Many kings and queens have had peacocks on their lands. (The Malfoys of Harry Potter fame own pure-white peacocks!)

The peacock resembles his cousin the “Phoenix”, legendary bird of resurrection who perishes in fire and resurrects itself from ashes. (Harry Potter wizard Dumbledore has a phoenix named Fawkes)

In China, the harmony of sound comes from the blending of the peacock’s five main colors creating a kind of celestial music.

In Egypt, it represents the sun god Ra.

And in Christianity, the death and resurrection of Jesus

Beautiful Harvey in our backyard!

Harvey at our back door

Harvey on the roof

Lulu and Harvey on the roof

Pet mice, cats, dogs, weasels, birds of all feather, fish, turtles, rabbits, horses and exotic creatures like snakes and reptiles.  All have special functions when they appear in our lives.  The Indians have always believed that animals hold a special place in the natural world and have great wisdom.  They are our teachers and we have much to learn from them. 

So, let’s go journey into their world and see what happens…

Coming soon:
Harvey, the Enchanted Peacock