Owl symbolism has a place in many different cultures. While owls symbolize change, transformation, good luck, and more, different cultures have different views on what owls represent.
10 Spiritual Meanings of Owl Symbolism in Different Cultures and Religions
1. African Culture
In African cultures, owls symbolize death, and many fear the animal. There is still the belief that if you hear or see an owl flying, then death is imminent.
2. Biblical Christianity
In the Old Testament Bible, owls were written as symbols for isolation, loneliness, and judgment. Owls appear in several different Bible verses.
3. Chinese
With the principles of Feng Shui in mind, owls are a representation of good luck, wisdom, and protection. Some believe that if you hear the hoot of an owl, death or illness occur within your home.
4. Celtic Culture
In Celtic Irish culture, the owl is sacred. Owls are a representation of the Crone, a goddess who carries you out of this plane of existence.
5. Egyptian
For some Egyptians, owls are a sign of death. Others revere owls for their keen vision for hunting.
6. Greek Culture
In Greek Mythology, owls symbolize the blessings of Athena, the goddess of war, handicraft, and practical reason. During battles, owls are protectors and a sign that Antena is overseeing the battle.
7. Hindu Culture
In Hindu mythology, some worship owls on Diwali as they are viewed as a connection to Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. At other times, owls may be a sacrifice to the gods to get rid of bad energy, bad luck, and other forms of sorcery.
8. Native American
While many native tribes view the owl with respect, other tribes believe that if one spots an owl during the day, it’s a symbol of death. It’s also a guide to the afterlife.
9. Norse Paganism
For Norse Pagans, owls are guides to the underworld. Owls are there to provide light and direction within the spiritual realm.
10. Roman Culture
The Romans view owls as a symbol of wisdom, healing, arts, and intuition. While some thought positively about what an owl symbolizes, some viewed the owl’s hoot as a sign of impending death.
What is an Owl?
Owls can be found all over the world, from thick forests to open prairies. The only place you won’t find owls is in Antarctica.
Owls are raptors or birds of prey. This kind of bird uses its exceptional vision, acute hearing, powerful talons, and more to hunt other living things for their food.
What Does an Owl Symbolize?
Depending on the individual and culture, owl symbolism can be viewed in a number of different ways. What an owl symbolizes can depend on an individual’s views and the views of an entire culture.
- Some believe that owls symbolize death or change. People may see one before someone passes.
- If someone has lost a pet recently, some people view the sight of an owl as sending a message that everything is going to be okay.
- Owls can also symbolize wisdom through hardship. During challenging times, owls can appear as a guide since they relay truth, understanding, patience, and wisdom.
- Owls can be seen as a sign that it is time to make a decision or encourage you to take a different direction. It might be a sign that you need to move forward and not hold yourself back.
- Since most owls are nocturnal, some consider owls to be a creature of the night that knows secrets and uses intuition to pick up on information.
- If you see an owl flying, some view it as a sign to tap into your intuition and make a decision about something in your life.
Owl Symbolism Color Meanings
White Owls
White owls represent the natural order of things, such as death and rebirth. This kind of owl also symbolizes wisdom, intelligence, and knowledge.
Black Owls
Black owls represent transition. For example, the transition between life and death. This owl can also symbolize spiritual awakening.
Gray Owls
Because gray owls symbolize mystery, they also represent the hidden workings of the universe. Gray owls symbolize how it’s necessary to have trust in the unknown. These owls can also represent adaptability.
Owl Symbolism Totem Animal
The owl totem animal serves as a spiritual guide and teaches you to look at things from a higher perspective. Having the owl as your totem animal allows you to look the at things in a different way, see people for who they are spiritually, and learn about the thoughts and secrets they hold.
You also are able to learn from the past, face your fears, and rid your life of negative influence.
Owl Symbolism Spirit Animal
If your spirit animal is an owl, it brings positive changes into your life. It gives you strength and deepens the spiritual side of yourself. You can also become far more observant.
If the owl is your spirit animal, you need to let go of the past and let go of the burdens that are holding you back. To find true happiness, you need to face your fears. In these times, the owl offers support and comfort.
How Do You Know If the Owl is Your Spirit Animal?
The owl might be your spirit animal if you possess the ability to observe those around you. You also know you need to be silent, and if it’s time for you to speak up.
You are considered to be deep and sensitive, but you make sure to not act based on your emotions.
Owl Symbolism in the Bible
In the Bible, owls have a negative connotation. They are viewed as unclean and not fit for human consumption.
For example, in the Book of Isaiah, Chapter 34, Verse 13, the kingdom of Edom would experience times the land is filled with owls, dragons, vultures, and cormorants, which are creatures that are thought to symbolize desolation and disobedience. Owls also symbolize loss and loneliness.
What Does it Mean to Dream of an Owl?
If you dream of an owl, it’s important that you reflect on how it made you feel and how you felt once you came out of the dream. You want to sit down and write everything that you remember about the dream. The way you interpret the dream is dependent on how you dreamed of the owl.
- If the owl was in a fight, the dream is considered to have a positive connotation. Often, it’s predicting success in business. It is also thought that the owl is a sign of a good outcome during an upcoming venture.
- If the owl is staring at you, it’s an indication that someone from your business or someone in your personal life respects you, while also valuing the views you hold and the wisdom you possess.
- If the owl is silent then the dream is a symbol of a secret. You can expect that someone is going to tell you a secret because they know you won’t abuse that trust.
- If you see a dead owl in your dream, the owl present in the dream is indicating that you are soon have health problems.
- If you see a hooting owl in your dream, it means that there is going to be change, temptation, or danger in your life. The owl should be viewed as a warning and is telling us to be smart for whatever is coming.
How to Interpret an Owl Encounter?
If you encounter an owl, it might be a sign that you need to make a decision or take a leap in a specific direction. If one encounters an owl, it can be a sign of change. Because of the knowledge you’ve gained, you can make an important change in your life.
If you see an owl, it can also be a message from your ancestors or a message from someone who died recently that was close to you.
If you see an owl at night, view it as a good omen. The owl is here to help you clean up your past. If you’re carrying a heavy burden, it is time to let go. On the other hand, if you see an owl during the day, this is an indication that the universe wants to send you a message. You need to confront your fears by stepping outside of your comfort zone.