Friday, July 1, 2011

Owl Wisdom

The other night while walking the dogs, our dog Sheba barked just a little and that made me look back towards the house... Well, to my amazement right on top of our roof there was a White Barn Owl.

Oh what amazing creatures those Owls are. As soon as I looked back, it was ready to take off so he/she spread the wings and took off flying by graciously.


I've always loved owls and specially these white barn ones that live in our little island, they are so cool looking and I am glad this is not the first time I've seen them.


Now, if I look up the symbolizing of Owls, I have to say that there are lots of controversy whether they are good omens or not. So, of all the articles I read, here are some parts of the best one:

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The White Barn Owl: 
Keynotes: The Mystery of Magick, Omens, Silent Wisdom and Visionaries of the Night 
Cycle of Power: Nocturnal, Year-Round

No bird has as much myth and mystery surrounding it than the owl. Most perceptions of it are very confused.

It is not unusual to get contrary opinions of the owl. It has an ancient aura of mystery about it. Part of this is because it is a nocturnal bird and usually never seen in the day time. And this has always seemed mysterious to humans.

The Owl is a symbol of the feminine, the moon, and night. It has been called a “cat with wings”. It has been worshiped as an idol and hated as the reincarnation of the devil. Owls have great healing powers, both in North America and on other continents. Because of the association with the Moon, it has ties to fertility and seduction, for the Moon is the arouser of Men and owls. The owl is the bird of magick and darkness, of prophecy and wisdom.

To the ancient Greeks, the owl was associated with the Goddess Athena, and it was a symbol of higher wisdom and direct communication with aspects of one’s Higher Self. Owl medicine is symnbollicaly associated with clairvoyance and astral projection and both black and white magick.The Owl can teach all the secrets of the night. 

There are over 100 species of owls and they have always had an intimate link to humans. Wherever humans live, so do rodents, the primary food of owls.The barn owl, because of its heart-shaped facial disc, reflects the ability to link heart and mind.  This is part of what this animal teaches. It also has darker eyes. It has a golden buff feathering on top and white feathering beneath. The common barn own has also been named Ghost Owl due to its links with the spiritual world. . 

The Barn owl is a Master hunter because of its hearing ability.  In fact, a large portion of the Owl’s brain is devoted to sorting out the auditory signals it picks up (It is very aware of its surroundings and when the owls presents itself to you, IT WANTS TO BE SEEN. It wants you to notice it. Otherwise he would stick to the shadows, which they mostly do). 

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Other articles where people ask what does it mean to see a White Barn Owl, they said:
"It was said that when anyone saw a owl it was the messenger of the Goddess Athena--and Athena was watching over you and sending you her Wisdom.. It was also considered a good sign to have a Owl enter your life or watch over you. So if I was you I would feel very special indeed--an Owl has entered your life and just Like Athena you must be very special and have much wisdom to pass on to others."

My personal interpretation of the encounter with the owl; is just the same as when I encounter any other animal that I love and that I enjoy watching in nature. It is such a privilege to share our planet with such amazing beings.

And if I were to give it a symbolism I would go for the fact that the Owl just as us share a place in this world and if they are in fact wise, with their presence they reminded me that we need to preserve our world and maybe that is the wisdom and teachings I need to pass on to others.

What do you think it symbolizes? Have you ever encounter an owl in the wild? What other amazing encounters you've had?

Have a wonderful weekend with some unique encounters!!! Happy Friday : D

10 commented; now it's your turn!:

Anonymous said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

Beautiful white Barn Owl!!! I always think of the owl as peace and wisdom...maybe back in my Winnie the Pooh days...but I continue to think of them as Good and Wise!! ...how could a white owl be bad??? IMPOSSIBLE...lol...debbie

MarkD60 said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

I saw that owl last night while I was an insomniac on the roof!

God's Little People said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

How wonderful... I love seeing owls but don't think they exist on this island. We used to have lots of them around our house in Denmark because we lived right by the woods. During still nights we could hear screeching owls do a call and response - I guess mates. I'd also see one from time to time going for a walk in the woods - but they're such a lovely sight as they don't easily appear.

I love the idea of the ancien Greek symbolism - maybe that's why some historic great ladies carried them as pets (Florence Nightingale, Karen Blixen and Helen Keller). Come to think of it, I actually seem to remember that the story goes that Florence Nightingale found her owl after it had fallen down from the Acropolis! She used to carry it around in her pocket.

Have a great weekend! - and hope you get to enjoy the lovely owl a lot more.

God's Little People said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

Sunshine, thanks so much - I think we must just have been posting a comment at the same time! I would love to have your help with the cats - how amazing would that be! I've just felt a bit overwhelmed this week as there has been so many casulties. The vet is also inundated with people who leaves kittens on their door step. I guess it's better than them being left somewhere to die, but the vet doesn't know what to do with them afterwards. No one wants them.

Anyhow... I've felt so blessed today by the little guys I've been able to rescue so far. Their happiness keeps me going.
xo

Anna E said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

Wow, that´s an amazing study you have done about owls! :-) Now I know a lot more, so thanks for sharing. I haven´t seen an owl for many years, but I do feel fascinated by them. To me it is amazing how each animal carry a unique frequency, and I believe they each add something purposefull to the planet. It would be wise for humans to learn from, in stead of acting superior or taking advantage of the "Gods little people". There must be a purpose and a place for all of us, otherwise why would God make us live togehter here in the first place?..

Jill said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates
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Jill said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

Ooops! I was totally NOT On the blog I thought I was on. But I still love your header even if it's old, and think the owl picture is fantastic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cat and DOG Chat With Caren said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

It is a pleasure to meet you! Your blog is exquisite! I found you because I am a follow of "God's Little People" whom I adore!

I have never seen a white owl before, it is gorgeous!

I loved the varying meanings that you provided about what seeing an owl could be. I want to assume it is a GOOD omen!

Mariette's Back to Basics said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

Dearest Sunshine,

Your 84th follower... You were the 1ste follower of God's Little People and I was the 100th follower so that kind of links us together.
ALL people that respect nature and are kind to animals get special spot in my heart. We are the voice for the animals and have to protect and respect them. People should just try to imagine being the animal; reversed situation! That would teach them in a hurry what to do for them.
Love your information on the owls. Funny that at breakfast we discussed my 'old' silver charm bracelet which I got form my Godfather for 1st Communion. There is an owl hanging on it too! I go for the wise owl theory.
Wish I would ever have seen such a white beauty as you did.
Thanks for sharing this and have a lovely Sunday.
Lots of love from one animal lover to another,

Mariette

Mariette's Back to Basics said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

Dearest Sunshine,

Oops, I forgot to congratulate you on the Sunshine Award!

Lots of love,

Mariette

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