Actually, I am being really unreasonable. However I would like to ask those who have experienced Angel Feathers to....

[DioneTheDiabolist]

...answer a few questions that I have.

1). What does it feel like when you see that feather?

2). What are your thoughts when this happens?

And

3). What would you say are the long term (if any) effects that you would attribute to these encounters.

I understand that this belief has been the subject of some ridicule here. I have no intention of ridiculing anyone. This thread has been inspired by a previous AIBU thread, but is not a thread about a thread. I am not a journalist. I am not seeking results to use in an academic submission or publication. What I am seeking is knowledge and understanding in the hope that I can use it to help others.

IABU for the following reasons:
I only posted in AIBU for the traffic. If MN rule that I have breached guidelines, can it be moved and not deleted.

And I ask the skeptics not to put people off answering honestly. If you think it necessary, I can start another thread for all your thoughts to be discussed. Perhaps the scientifically minded of you could look at this as an information gathering excersise.

To clarify, magic feathers are better for comforting and meaning-giving than horseshit - as a rule

You do indeed Quint

Not long after my mum died, me and my sister were at her favourite spot by the sea and on our walk along the shore we seemed to be followed by a white feather. My sis is convinced it was mum. I don't believe in this stuff but it was quite comforting and a nice thought.

It's like butterflies though isn't it, when you are going through bad times you notice anything that is nice and takes you back to childhood. Butterflies/rainbows/feathers/songs - it's the mind making connections to pull you out of crapness, a self protecting mechanism.

Pacific, what do you think is wrong with finding "meaning or comfort themselves"?

Pacific, what do you think is wrong with finding "meaning or comfort themselves"?

Nothing at all - the world could do with more comfort and meaning.

I am not sure it should be limited to or associated with, of all things, feathers - angelic or otherwise .

Why did you start this thread?

what pogosticks said ^^.

I don't think the feathers that are being referred to are meant to come from Angels wings but more that when you ask a question or feel you need reassurance then a feather will appear where you least expect it.

Sorry Deep.. Your story about birds being harbingers of death reminds me of similar stories I heard in my youth.

Thank you for reminding me.

Serious question re long term effects of angel feathers - can you develop psittacosis

and if so what do you call it? Angel believers lung?
does it count as a zoonosis? angels presumably being a different species to us?

Enquiring minds want to know

Do people who believe that feathers are from angels also believe that the dust that shows up on the cameras in programmes about ghosts are actually "orbs"??
And that magpies congregate to tell you something?
Puuuurrrrrllleeaassseee.....

Pacific, I do not mean to limit anyone's sources of comfort. My OP concerns this one because it was discussed recently. I started this thread in the hope of gaining knowledge and understanding.

Would it be good if I started a Skeptic's thread?

Look online Dione. Plenty of sites that will tell you all about Angels sending feathers.

You're not 'better' asking this kind of thing on any board - the same people take the p wherever it's posted. So you just have to ignore.

Yes. Maybe you should ask to get it moved to bereavement. Whether people believe in it or not, theres no doubt that many bereaved people do get some comfort from the idea of white feathers being a sign. Anything that helps, even a little, is a good thing. It seems a little sad to watch this be torn apart on aibu and be the focus of such ridicule.

I love seeing feathers, white ones, grey ones, seagull ones, crow ones, any sort. Feathers are amazing, they are light, insulating, waterproof. They can be shaped for soaring flight or for incredible acrobatic manouvring. Birds can lose their tails to predators and recover.

Very few things give me more contentment than watching birds going about their daily life, whether at the bird feeder or at a nature reserve.

I don't believe in "traditional" angels, like wot school taught me! I do believe in the wonderful power of nature and the universe to adapt, develop, evolve and survive.

Feathers bring comfort to me because they remind me of a living thing that makes me happy. They remind me of the ultimate goal of the Earth - to survive, and give me hope that, whatever we do to the planet, it will recover.

Dione there's a, probably a myth, and that is probably all it is, but as much as people understand, if they have heard it, if a white feather passes their path it's the spirit of a loved one giving you a sign they are around. That's what I know of it. And from my experience a catholic thing.

When I see one, it gives me a bit of hope, momentarily. I do pick it up and wish it was all true. If only. I wish it was. But it is momentarily comforting.

I've lost my faith haven't I?

See, sorry I shared my experience. It cheered up my sister who is really struggling with mum's death in a big way. Taking the piss out of berieved people.

Thank you Lunatic and Brian.

You are probably right. But I knew that this would be a contentious issue for some, hence the bits at the end of my OP. But I will not ask for this to be moved to Bereavement. I do not wish for those already hurt by bereavement to be hurt by this thread.

Do you not think that people who have suffered bereavement may also read and post in aibu op?