WITH A SILENT FLAP OF ITS WING
By Connie Werner Reichert Tri-County Wildlife Care
Owls have long captivated us with their mystery and beauty. They are popular in modern culture, seen on everything from coffee mugs to T-shirts, but they carry deeper symbolism across the world. As raptors, or birds of prey, owls hunt using their silent wings, powerful talons, and sharp senses. They are also nocturnal and often associated with the moon and feminine energy. While many people admire owls, few are familiar with the spiritual meanings tied to them.
Throughout history, owls have appeared in myths and folklore. They symbolize change, transformation, wisdom, and even death, depending on the culture:
1. African Cultures: Owls are often feared as omens of death.
2. Biblical Christianity: Owls symbolize isolation and judgment in the Old Testament.
3. Chinese: Owls represent good luck and protection, but their hoot can be seen as a sign of impending illness or death.
4. Celtic: The owl is linked to the Crone goddess, symbolizing wisdom and transition to the afterlife.
5. Egyptian: Revered for their hunting skills, owls also represented death.
7. Hindu : Owls are connected to the goddess Lakshmi and symbolize wealth and protection.
8. Native American: : Some tribes view owls as guides to the afterlife.
9. Norse: Owls provide guidance within the spiritual realm.in battle
10. Roman: They symbolize wisdom and healing but can also be seen as omens of death.
11. American: Owls represent supernatural power, intuition, and independent thinking.
Different owl colors also carry meanings:
• White owls symbolize death and rebirth.
• Gray owls represent mystery and the unknown.
• Black owls signify spiritual awakening & transitions.
Owls are patient messengers, embodying wisdom and
seeing the unseen. Across cultures, their symbolism
reveals the complexity of this magnificent raptor
Connie Werner Reichert is a freelance writer and certified master life coach specializing in women’s selfesteem elevation. She can be reached at
cwris@yahoo.com.
