Even though owls are known the world over, and many live in close proximity to humans, surprisingly little is really understood about them, compared to other birds and animals. Scientists admit that even the common barred owl remains largely mysterious, with such basic data as the length of its incubation period (in the wild) in doubt. Information about owl courtship habits, visual displays, territorial behavior, and so on are, even now, speculative at best.

It is no wonder, then, that the owl is universally respected as a symbol of mystery and power.

The owl is the bird sacred to Athena, Goddess of wisdom. As Her companion, the Little Owl (Athene noctua) perches upon Her shoulder or is gently carried by Her, revealing unseen truths. It has the ability to light up Her blind side, enabling Her to see and speak the whole truth. Owl is the guardian of the Acropolis. Also, the Goddess of Abundance, Lakshmi, claims the owl as Her sacred bird, the one who carries Her to Her destinations.

Owl represents Magic, Time and Space.
Owl protects me.
Owl can see what others cannot,
Granting me the gift to know the truth in others.

The owl symbolizes our third or spiritual eye and is thus associated with inner knowledge. Owl is associated with the mysterious, clairvoyance, omens, silent wisdom, and vision. She innately understands the cycles of life, death and rebirth. The owl is a symbol of the feminine, the Moon, and the night and has been called a cat with wings.

The owl is a master of flight and adaptation. She is not a victim, nor an aggressor; she takes the middle path between the hawk and the dove. She does not circle and circle in a restless hunt for prey. She sits in silence -- observing, listening, patiently waiting for the exact moment to strike.

Her great skills are insight and discernment, and she has so much to teach us. While many humans are afraid of the night, the dark and the unseen, the dark is Owl’s friend. By learning the lessons of our shadow nature, we overcome our fears, make peace with our conflicts, and soar in freedom. This, indeed, is wisdom.