There are many types of hawks found throughout the world, and each has medicine specific to their individual types. However, there are characteristics that apply to all hawks that will be addressed here. Red-tail Hawks are the most numerous of the hawk family. The color red symbolizes the “kundalini,” the seat of the primal life force, the root chakra (sexuality). Once activated the Hawk may enter and start to show you how to move toward your soul/life purpose more dynamically by empowering and fulfilling your visions.
Hawk teaches you how to soar to great heights while keeping your feet firmly on the ground, to grow spiritually, to live in this earth plane but not be a part of it but to expand to much greater dimensions. As smaller birds occasionally attack hawks, you are likely to be attacked by smaller people who do not understand your lofty beliefs or gifts. These people may try to impede your great ability to soar, to keep you grounded in their version of reality.
Because of this strong Hawk energy, this intensified life force activated by this totem, you must be careful how you express yourself. As the Hawk, you will develop the ability to use your words as he uses his beak and talons to rip the heads off snakes; i.e.,the enemies or disbelievers in your life. Be mindful of your words so as not to shred those who oppose you, but take the higher road and fly above them and their way of thinking. Deliver your messages with tact and patience.
The average life span of a hawk is up to 14 years. This is significant. The Temperance Card is Trumps 14 in the Major Arcana of the Tarot. This card represents balance and flow, a good mix or combination, and the teaching of higher expression of psychic abilities and vision. It is also tied to archetypal forces that teach beauty, harmony and moderation that hold the keys to a higher level of consciousness; to access the Christ within yourself and develop its energies in order to fulfill your soul purpose in this life time.
The sky is Hawk’s realm, and through its flight it communicates with Heaven and the Great Creator Spirit, and conveys that knowledge to Earth: Hawk medicine unites Heaven and Earth.

References include ANIMAL SPEAK by Ted Andrews