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Owl Symbol
There is no exact definition for any symbol; each symbol is open to
interpretation and birds are no exception to this. Their symbolism
can vary greatly depending on different cultures and religion. The
Owl is generally thought to be a symbol of wisdom and knowledge,
most people are familiar with the term 'Wise Old Owl'. It is also
however seen as a symbol of the night due to its nocturnal nature
and its cry is said to signal impending death and misfortune. The
ancient Celts believed that the owl was linked to dead bodies and
called it the 'Night Hag'.
Owl Symbol - Meaning
The Owl is a
bird of prey and has extremely sharp talons (claws) and a hooked
beak for tearing at the flesh of its prey. A bird of prey is defined
as a bird that kills other birds and small animals for food. The owl
has an unusual appearance with extremely large eyes and a flat face.
Its hearing is extremely sensitive and unlike other birds, its eyes
face forwards. It is unable to swivel its eyes but has the unique
ability to swivel its neck enabling it to see to the side and even
behind without moving its body.
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Verreaux
Eagle Owl
The Verreaux Eagle Owl (Bubo lacteus) shown in the image
on the right is also known as the Giant Eagle owl and
comes from Africa. They mate for life and eat small
birds and mammals.
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Owl Symbol - Christian Significance
A medieval
book called a Bestiary had allegorical descriptions of real and
fabled animals including the Owl. These books were often full
of symbolism and contained a moral or religious lesson or allegory.
A Bestiary reflected the belief that the world itself was the Word
of God, and that every living creature had its own special meaning.
The Aberdeen Bestiary which was written in the 12th Century contains
the following information regarding the Owl as a religious
symbol:
Owl Symbol -
Facts
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The owl was considered sacred in ancient Greece, in particular
to Athena who was the goddess of wisdom and night
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In ancient Greece, the owl was featured on their coins
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In Africa, the owl is associated with magic, indeed the head of
the owl was used for preparing spells!
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The owl hunts at night and relies on night vision (it can see in
almost total darkness) and fantastic hearing to find its prey
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The owl has extremely sensitive hearing, up to four times more
sensitive than a cats!
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The owl has massive eyes which take up half the birds skull
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Most owls are brown in color, the exception is the Snowy owl who
lives in the artic and is pure white in colour to blend in with
its surroundings
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Although the owl is considered to be a symbol of wisdom, they
are no more intelligent than any other bird
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The European Eagle Owl is the largest species of owl with a
wingspan of 1.5 metres
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The owl's eyes cannot swivel in their socket like other birds.
In order to look around and even behind them, the owl is able to
twist its neck and turn its whole head
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There are approximately 135 species of owl and their diet varies
on the size of the species. Small eyes eat insects, barn owls
eat rats, mice and lizards whilst larger species of owl eat
rabbits and squirrels
Owl Symbol -
Dream Explanation
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Seeing an owl in your dream is a symbol of wisdom, insight and
virtue
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The owl is also a symbol of death and darkness
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Hearing the hoot of an owl symbolises disappointments and
forewarns that death creeps closely in the wake of joy and
health
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Seeing a dead owl is a symbol of a narrow escape from desperate
illness and death. Death in this sense may also represent a
symbolic death, as in an important transition in life
Dream Interpretation
- Significance of Bird Symbol
The following
explanation of dreams involving birds in general is taken from the book entitled 'Dream
Dictionary (10,000 Dreams Interpreted - by Gustavus Hindman Miller)':
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It is a favorable symbol in a dream to see birds of beautiful plumage. A
wealthy and happy partner is near if a woman has dreams of this
nature
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Moulting and song less birds, could denote merciless and inhuman
treatment of the outcast and fallen by people of wealth
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To see a wounded bird, is a symbol of fateful of deep sadness caused by
erring offspring
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To see flying birds, is a symbol of prosperity to the dreamer. All
disagreeable environments will vanish before the wave of
prospective good
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To catch birds, is not at all bad. To hear them speak, is owning
one's inability to perform tasks that demand great clearness of
perception.
Owl Symbol
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