The Owl

Throughout the history of mankind, the owl has featured significantly in mythology & folklore. In ancient cultures, the symbolic meaning of the owl has revolved around guardianship of the underworlds, and the protection of the dead. Naturally, with these connotations, the owl has been associated as the ruler of the night and seer of souls. A misunderstanding of this necessary relationship gave the owl some negative associations with death.¹

The owl is sacred to the Greek Goddess Athena. Because of such association, the owl — often referred to as the “owl of Athena” or the “owl of Minerva” — has been used as a symbol of knowledge, wisdom, perspicacity and erudition.² In ancient Greece, owls were often seen as a symbol of good fortune. In contrast, the Romans saw owls as omens of calamity and disaster. Most ancient cultures viewed the owl as omens harbingers of bad luck, ill-health, or death. The belief is widespread even today.

According to Wilda B. Tanner in her book “The Mystical Magical Marvelous World of Dream’s”, to dream of an owl, “usually symbolizes wisdom, knowledge, intelligence, and the ability to remain silent”. The owl sees in the dark: As a spirit animal, the owl guides you to see beyond the veil of deception and illusion; it helps see what’s kept hidden.³ If you have the owl as totem or power animal, you’re likely to have the ability to see what’s usually hidden to most.