Are Owls The Symbol Of Wisdom? Symbolism & Meaning Explained

Owls are incredible animals and one of the most popular species in the world of birds.

Owl symbolism has been part of legends and myths for centuries, but do you know what owls truly symbolize?

Legends and stories about the magic powers of these birds can be found in civilizations worldwide. Owls are commonly associated with wisdom and transformation.

However, the meaning and symbolism associated with owls vary greatly in different cultures; some believe that owls are evil spirits and associate them with death.

Owl Meaning & Symbolism

Depending on the culture or individual, owls can represent a number of different things. Below we will share what owls represented in ancient culture and what they represent today.

In Ancient Greece, owls were connected to Athena, who is the goddess of wisdom. Because of this, they were seen as holy birds. Owls would be unleashed right before a battle to make sure they were victorious. An owl’s hoot was seen as an omen of good fortune, guidance, and protection.

In Native American Culture, owls are believed to be bad omens. Since they’re active at night, they’re associated with mischief, the supernatural, and even death. Their hoots are commonly associated with misfortune, evil spirits, and ghosts.

In Hinduism, owls are associated with the goddess of wealth, so they’re seen in a different light. Hearing an owl hoot is a good omen and signals good luck and immense wealth is coming.

Nowadays, owls represent personal growth and good omens. Owls can teach us a lot and are commonly associated with wisdom and transformation. However, they’re also associated with many other symbols and meanings.

If you’re someone who is drawn to owls and their special traits resonate with you, you’re not alone in that! Owls are special in that they have unique abilities that some even associate with supernatural powers. Because of their unique traits, owls represent a number of awe-inspiring qualities.

Here’s a list of the more common owl symbolizes and meanings:

• Independence
• Protection
• Supernatural powers
• Courage
• Strong intuition

What Does It Mean When You See An Owl?

It’s not common to see owls because they’re nocturnal. Additionally, they blend into their surroundings extremely well. If you see an owl, consider yourself lucky!

Photographs © Greg Lavaty.

Being visited by an owl or seeing an owl usually means you need to listen to your intuition and inner knowledge. If you encounter an owl, it’s best to ask your angels, guides, or higher self what message is being sent to you. If this doesn’t work and you can’t discover the message, you can meditate and ask that the answer be sent to you then.

Owls often represent discovering a new revelation about yourself. This usually involves finding something in your subconscious that was previously hidden.

If you’re someone who experiences owl sightings frequently or find owls consistently appearing in your daily life, this is usually a sign that the owl is your spirit animal.

They’re really trying to share something with you, whether it be that you’re on the right path or that there’s something you need to know. What you should take away from seeing them all the time is that they’re sending you a message.

What that message is that’s up to you to discover. It’s important to note that the owl could also be your spirit animal, even if you’re not constantly encountering real owls.

Owls that appear in conversations, videos, images, news stories, etc., also count!

Spiritual Meaning

Spiritually, owls represent enlightenment and spiritual awakening. Owls are also said to remind you that to have a strong mindset, you need to not let anyone dispute your goals and trust your senses.

It’s believed that seeing an owl means your mind is getting more powerful and you’re becoming aware of what your position in the world.

Wisdom

Owls are generally quiet and stealthy creatures, known for their ability to fly silently and blend into their surroundings.

Their calm and observant nature is often associated with wisdom, as wisdom is often associated with the ability to listen and observe before making judgments or decisions.

As we previously mentioned, in Ancient Greece, owls were connected to Athena – the goddess of wisdom.

Transformation

If an owl is your power animal, power animals are a spiritual energy that you call on from within yourself for assistance in a specific situation; you are most likely to be called into a role that brings transformation and change in other people’s lives.

People are likely drawn to you to experience a higher state of being when around you and ask for advice or help as well.

Photograph © Greg Lavaty.

If you feel that you’ve had to develop “thick skin” and set boundaries to deal with the negativity of others, it’s safe to say you have a connection with these birds.

Owls have an energy that brings up deep subconscious transformation; because of this, many people may deflect their issues onto you or feel uneasy around your energy.

Owl Tattoo Meaning

Owl tattoos can represent a lot of different things. However, the most common meaning is that you’re a freethinker who often relies on your instincts.

They can also indicate that you’re looking to understand what the spirit world has to teach you and the more profound mysteries of life. Additionally, they’re a sign that you are someone who believes in the power of magic.

Read more: Bird Tattoo Meanings & Ideas

Finally, it’s important to note that tattoos are personal to each person, but understanding the history of what this animal has represented and the owl spirit animal can allow you and others to inspire your tattoo with additional meaning.

Owl Symbolism – Frequently Asked Questions

Is an owl a good omen?

In some cultures, yes, owls are good omens. For example, in Ancient Greece, owls were connected to Athena. Therefore, an owl’s hoot was seen as an omen of good fortune, guidance, and protection.

In Hinduism, owls are associated with the goddess of wealth, so they’re seen in a different light. Hearing an owl hoot is a good omen and signals good luck and immense wealth is coming.

However, in some cultures, including Native American culture, owls are seen as omens of death and bad luck. Because of this, owls are feared, avoided, and even killed.

What is the spiritual meaning of the owl?

Spiritually, owls represent enlightenment and spiritual awakening. Owls are also said to remind you to have a strong mindset; you need to not let anyone dispute your goals and trust your senses. It’s believed that seeing an owl means your mind is getting more powerful and you’re becoming aware of what your position in the world.

What does it mean if an owl visits you?

Being visited by an owl or seeing an owl usually means you need to listen to your intuition and inner knowledge. When you encounter an owl, it’s best to ask your angels, guides, or higher self what message is being sent to you. If this doesn’t work and you can’t discover the message, you can meditate and ask that the answer be sent to you then. Owls often represent discovering a new revelation about yourself. This usually involves finding something in your subconscious that was previously hidden.

If you’re someone who experiences owl sightings frequently or find owls consistently appearing in your daily life, this is usually a sign that the owl is your spirit animal. They’re really trying to share something with you, whether it be that you’re on the right path or that there’s something you need to know. What you should take away from seeing them all the time is that they’re sending you a message.

What that message is that’s up to you to discover. It’s important to note that the owl could also be your spirit animal, even if you’re not constantly encountering real owls. Owls that appear in conversations, videos, images, news stories, etc., also count!

Do owls warn you?

Yes, owls do warn you. Owls are said to warn us with their hoots. However, it’s important to note that their hoots can mean different things. Therefore, it’s crucial to interpret on your own what an owl may be trying to tell you.

Conclusions

Insects, birds, and mammals can appear in our lives to give us messages or signs.

Depending on your culture, seeing an owl may be good or bad. However, whatever the case may be, if you see an owl, it’s a sign to pay attention!

Listen to your intuition and connect to the spiritual world; you may have an important message waiting for you.

Keep reading: Owl Facts That Will Blow Your Mind