Both "green language" and the "language of the Birds" refer to the oblique writing styles used by alchemists, magicians, and other mystical initiates to communicate with one another publicly while 'concealing' the information from the hostile or unworthy.

In short, it is a method of symbolic writing which appears opaque or unintelligible unless one has the necessary understanding of its symbolism to interpret it.

The names given both refer to nature, and refer to a concept similar to that of the logos- a stream of uncorrupted information transmitted mystically through the workings of the natural universe. The "language of the birds" is so called because it was believed that a gifted magician or holy man was able to converse with birds, and therefore learn mystical secrets of God. Sages believed to possess this gift include St. Francis of Assisi, the biblical King Solomon, and the the Northern mythical hero Siegfried. The god Odin receives iunformation on human affairs from his twin ravens Hugin and Munin. Many early gods and godesses were depicted in the form of birds, and even today, the bird is symbolic of the shaman's flight into the spirit world.

Birds have also been viewed historically as psychopomps, guides who escort souls through the land of the spirits.

The Egyptians credited the origin of their hieroglyphic language to the movements of birds; the Egyptian god of writing and magick is the bird-headed Thoth. This belief may bew rooted in the idea that ancient cuneiform writing originated as bird-tracks.

St. Francis preaching to the birds

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