its a metaphore. a metaphore is a sentence that contradicts its actual meaning.
Include more than just your story
Put your readers in your shoes
Showcase your personal growth
Include more than just your story
Create an emotional journey
Think of it like this
Internal: A force inside yourself
External: A force outside of yourself
So if there an external force, it’s a force from outside so an example would be bullying. You wouldn’t want to go where you are being bullied so that would be an outside force affecting you.
In the story the odyssey if that's what you are talking about then the sign was the two eagles dropping down on the congregation(group of people) fighting with their sharp talons ripping each other apart and its impending doom for them.
(delete the comment below your question i put it there because i thought i wasn't going to be able to comment the answer because 2 people were answering)
Leave a link to the article!