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Decryption of the symbolism of the owl

By : Veronique - Categories : All about symbols

Owls, with their big, piercing eyes and mysterious nocturnal hooting, have long captivated our imagination. Beyond their presence in the wild, owls have a rich heritage of symbolism that crosses cultural boundaries and eras.

In this article, we dive into the fascinating world of owl symbolism, discovering the multiple meanings this enigmatic bird has taken on through the ages. From ancient gods and goddesses to indigenous cultures and modern psychoanalysis, we'll explore the many facets of the owl as symbol, revealing the profound teachings it offers on wisdom, clairvoyance and much more.

Join us on this adventure to discover the owl's nocturnal secrets.

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Owl: a universal symbol of wisdom

The owl in Greek mythology

In Greek mythology, the owl was closely associated with Athena, the goddess of wisdom, military strategy, justice and the arts. Athena was often depicted with an owl perched on or near her shoulder. This association between Athena and the owl was profound and significant.

Athena, protector of the city of Athens

Athena was particularly venerated in Athens, the famous Greek city that bore her name. According to legend, Athena and Poseidon disputed sovereignty over the city. A contest was organized to determine which of the two gods was more deserving of being the protector of Athens. Poseidon conjured up a spring of salt water, while Athena raised an olive tree. The citizens of Athens chose the olive tree as a symbol of peace and prosperity, and Athena became the city's protector. The owl, being a bird associated with Athena, also became a symbol of Athens.

The Owl, symbol of Wisdom

The owl was considered a symbol of wisdom due to its reputation for clairvoyance and insight. The Greeks believed that the owl was able to see in the dark, which was interpreted as a metaphor for the ability to perceive hidden truth and demonstrate wisdom. The owl's piercing eyes were also associated with vigilance and profound knowledge.

The Owl as Athena's companion

In many artistic representations, Athena can be seen accompanied by an owl, often perched on her shoulder or at her side. The owl was considered Athena's companion, and was supposed to impart knowledge and advice. It was a powerful symbol of the connection between the goddess of wisdom and the owl's clairvoyance.

The owl in Native American cultures

The owl also occupies a significant place in many Native American cultures, where it is often regarded as a sacred animal endowed with a variety of symbolism. Here's an overview of the owl's symbolism in some of these cultures:

Hopi Indians:

The Hopi, a Native American tribe in the southwestern United States, considered the owl a symbol of spiritual protection. They believed the owl possessed the ability to see beyond the veil of physical reality and make contact with the spiritual world. As such, the owl was revered for its clairvoyance and ability to offer spiritual guidance.

Ojibwa (Anishinaabe):

For the Ojibwa, the owl was associated with the world of spirits and dreams. They believed the owl could act as an intermediary between the physical and spiritual worlds. Owls were also considered guardians of secrets and esoteric knowledge.

Navajo Indians:

The Navajo saw the owl as a symbol of wisdom and knowledge. They believed the owl could predict future events and help warriors with strategic decisions. The owl was also associated with traditional medicine and healing.

Lakota Indians:

The Lakotas attributed to the owl the ability to see the truth behind appearances. They believed the owl could help expose lies and deception. The owl was thus considered a symbol of mental clarity and discernment.

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Owl: totem animal and spiritual guide

In modern Native American spirituality, the owl is often seen as a totem or spiritual guide. People who feel connected to the owl may regard this animal as their spiritual protector and seek to learn from its symbolic teachings. The owl's characteristics, such as clairvoyance and wisdom, can be sought as qualities to be developed in daily life.

In summary, the owl occupies a special place in Native American cultures, where it is often revered for its clairvoyance, wisdom and role as messenger between the physical and spiritual worlds. Its symbolism varies from tribe to tribe, but it remains an emblematic animal for many indigenous communities in North America.

Why is the owl the symbol of philosophy?

The owl became a symbol of philosophy because of its historical association with the Greek goddess Athena, who was revered as the goddess of wisdom, knowledge and philosophy in Greek mythology.

Athena was one of the most revered deities of ancient Greece, and was often associated with attributes such as wisdom, strategy, just war, justice and the arts. Her wisdom was highly respected, making her an emblematic figure of philosophy, which is the love of wisdom.

The owl was Athena's personal symbol. She was often depicted with an owl perched on or near her shoulder. This association between Athena and the owl reinforced the perception of the owl as the guardian of wisdom and knowledge.

The Greeks believed that the owl was able to see in the dark, which was metaphorically associated with the ability to perceive hidden truth and exercise wisdom. The owl's keen eyes also symbolized intellectual alertness and insight, essential qualities for philosophers.

Western philosophy has its roots in ancient Greece, where philosophers such as Socrates, Plato and Aristotle laid the foundations of philosophical thought. Athena, with her owl, contributed to the creation of a cultural environment that encouraged philosophy and the search for wisdom.

The owl has thus become an indirect symbol of philosophy due to its association with Athena, the goddess of wisdom, and its role as an animal that represents foresight and wisdom. This historical connection between the owl and philosophy endures in Western culture and imagination, where the owl is often used to represent the search for knowledge and truth.

The Owl: A messenger of the subconscious

The owl in psychoanalysis

In psychoanalysis, the owl has often been interpreted as a symbol of the subconscious. Its nocturnal activities and ability to see in the dark have been associated with the search for hidden truths and the unveiling of buried secrets. The owl can be seen as a messenger of the subconscious, revealing hidden aspects of the human mind.

The owl in dreams

Many people report dreaming of owls, which can have a variety of meanings. In general, dreaming of an owl can symbolize the search for truth, wisdom or the need to explore hidden aspects of oneself. Owl dreams can be interpreted as invitations to delve deeper into our own psyche.

Owl: spiritual meaning

Symbolism according to owl species

The symbolism associated with different owl species can vary according to their appearance, behavior, habitats and regional legends. Each owl species has its own unique characteristics, which can influence the way it is interpreted symbolically. Here are a few examples of symbolic variations according to owl type:

- Barn Owl (Tyto alba):

Symbol of wisdom and clairvoyance, particularly in Europe.
Associated with magic and spirituality due to its ghostly appearance and nocturnal habits.

- Eagle Owl (Bubo virginianus):

Often considered a symbol of power and wisdom in North America.
Sometimes associated with protection, due to its imposing size and role as a predator.

- Tawny Owl (Strix aluco):

Associated with discretion and tranquility in Europe, due to its quiet nocturnal habits.
May symbolize meditation and reflection, due to its reflective and calm appearance.

-Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia):

Often seen as a symbol of insight and adaptability, due to its ability to live in mammal burrows.
Sometimes associated with ingenuity and patience.

- Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus):

Often linked to Arctic regions and indigenous northern cultures, where it is perceived as a spiritual guardian.
Can symbolize resilience and survival in difficult conditions due to its polar habitat.

- European Little Owl (Glaucidium passerinum):

Often associated with curiosity and vigilance due to its active daytime behavior.
Can symbolize the search for truth and knowledge.

It is important to note that these symbolic interpretations can also be influenced by cultural folk beliefs and local traditions. As a result, owl symbolism can vary from one part of the world to another, even for the same owl species.

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Barn Owl
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Tawny Owl
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Great Gray Owl

Owl superstitions: good luck or bad luck?

Superstitions surrounding the owl vary from culture to culture, and can be contradictory. In some cultures, the owl is seen as a harbinger of misfortune, while in others, it is considered to bring good luck. Here's an overview of these divergent beliefs:

Superstitions associated with the unlucky owl:

- Certain indigenous American cultures: In some Native American tribes, the owl was associated with death and disease. Its cries, frightening to some, were sometimes seen as an omen of doom, heralding tragic events to come.

- Medieval Europe: In medieval Europe, the owl was often considered a bird of ill omen. It was believed to be associated with witchcraft and dark forces, the incarnation of the devil, partly because of its nocturnal activity and mournful cry.

- Certain regions of Africa: In certain African cultures, the owl is associated with death and witchcraft. Its presence is thought to be a bad omen.

Note that while it is sometimes associated with death, it can also be a symbolic death.

Superstitions associated with the lucky owl:

- Ancient Greece: In ancient Greece, the owl was associated with the goddess Athena, who was revered for her wisdom and protection of Athens. As a result, the owl was often seen as a symbol of wisdom and protection, rather than misfortune.

- Japan: In Japan, the owl is called "fukurō" and is associated with good luck and protection against illness. Some even believe the owl can bring prosperity and success.

It's important to note that these beliefs vary considerably by region and culture, and many people no longer subscribe to these superstitions today. The symbolism of the owl is complex and largely dependent on local beliefs and traditions. Today, many people regard the owl as a fascinating and majestic animal, rather than as a harbinger of misfortune or good fortune.

Is seeing an owl good luck?

Popular beliefs that seeing an owl at night brings happiness or misfortune depend largely on individual culture and beliefs. As I mentioned earlier, superstitions surrounding owls vary considerably.

It's essential to understand that these popular beliefs are cultural and superstitious, and not necessarily based on fact. The significance of an owl sighting will therefore depend on the specific culture, traditions and beliefs of the person making the sighting.

In many modern societies, the owl is often regarded as a fascinating animal, but it is not usually associated with superstitions of happiness or misfortune. Instead, it's valued for its beauty, foresight and role in balancing the ecosystem. If you see an owl, it's probably best to appreciate the event for its rarity and beauty, rather than trying to interpret it as an omen.

The owl as a spiritual guide

Many people regard the owl as a totem animal or spirit guide, seeking to draw on its symbolic characteristics for guidance and inspiration in their personal lives. Here's how the owl is often seen as a spirit guide associated with the moon:

Wisdom and mental clarity: The owl is often associated with wisdom and mental clarity due to its reputation for foresight and discernment. People who adopt the owl as a spiritual guide seek to develop their own inner wisdom and gain a better understanding of situations in their lives.

Intuition and insight: The owl is renowned for its ability to see beyond the appearance of things, making it a symbol of intuition and insight. It is also often associated with the gift of clairvoyance. Individuals who turn to the owl as a spiritual guide may seek to strengthen their own intuition and develop a deeper insight into the hidden aspects of their existence.

Revelation of secrets: As a nocturnal creature, the owl is often associated with the revelation of secrets and mysteries. People who adopt the owl as a spiritual guide may be drawn to the quest for truth and authenticity in their lives.

Protection and guidance: Some see the owl as a spiritual protector, guiding them through life's challenges and transitions. Belief in the owl as a guide can offer a sense of comfort and support in difficult times.

Exploring the night and the subconscious: As the owl is active at night, it is sometimes associated with exploring the subconscious. People who turn to the owl as a guide may be drawn to seeking answers to deep questions and understanding their dreams and psyche.

The secrets of the owl

What's so special about the owl?

The owl is a totem animal that invites us to open our eyes, to see beyond appearances and illusions, to go beyond discernment and see the world differently.

The owl is an animal with exceptional visual acuity, able to see day and night, and to contemplate a whole world where most other creatures see only night and darkness. In this way, it can help us enter the dark depths of our being, illuminating them and leading the vital forces they contain into the great light.

So, choose a blockage that is weighing you down and holding you back in your spiritual realization and journey, and call upon the spirit of the owl to come and illuminate it with its light and show you the path to healing and transformation. Working with the spirit of the owl can bring about great transformations and changes.

If you want to do this work, don't just look at the surface of things, but call upon the spirit of the owl and develop night vision, which is able to bring about perception where all other lights are off. It will show you the roots and seeds hidden behind appearances. Don't feel downcast, small, limited or insignificant by what you discover, but remember that imperfection has only the value you give it and the strength you bring to it.

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Working with the owl spirit

Before getting ready for bed, you can invoke the owl spirit and humbly address these words to it:



"O you, splendid luminous owl spirit,
I call upon you and pay you homage.
In all humility, I acknowledge before you
my limitations and imperfections/blockages: ............................
I see that these blockages now constitute an obstacle
in my inner journey towards the Light
and in the realization of my true being.
Can you help me to illuminate these blockages with the Light?
I do not wish to pass judgment on what I have created and nurtured,
whether consciously or passively.
I do not wish to condemn it.
Whether or not I am responsible for these blockages,
whether they come from me or my heritage,
they are within me,
and I therefore take responsibility for them,
whether I want to or not.
Show me then the path of detachment and transformation
which will enable me to guide these blockages towards the Light,
transforming my vulnerability into a strength in the service of the Light.
Awaken in me a night vision,
so that I may perceive with your eyes
what I cannot discern with my physical eyes.
So be it."


It's advisable to do this work over 7 days.

As you fall asleep, keep this prayer present to your consciousness by directing your loving attention to this owl being, who can then come into your sleep to enlighten you and open the way to true clairvoyance, which is the penetrating vision of wisdom.

You can also call on the owl spirit to illuminate a blocking situation, freeing you from imprisoning situations. And throughout the day, you can activate this thought.

A final word

In many traditions, owls are often seen as symbols of wisdom and spiritual guides. As totem animals, they have a deep connection with wisdom and intuitive knowledge. They are sometimes endowed with great healing powers.

When these creatures guide you, they offer the power of their perceptions to help you transcend illusion and deception, enabling you to access the truth. Owls are intrinsically linked with wisdom, the discovery of the unknown and the magic of life.

We've come to the end of this article. I hope you've enjoyed it.

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