Experts Explain What It Means When You See an Owl
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There’s something so awe-inspiring about catching sight of an owl. Unlike almost all other birds of prey, most of these magnificent raptors are nocturnal, often remaining hidden to humans. Even hearing that distinctive hooting can be thrill, and might have made you stop and ponder owl symbolism/meaning.
After all, owls are a good deal more mysterious than our other feathered friends—as creatures of the night, they’re a bit tougher to spot, even for dedicated birders. And because they’re predators that eat meat, owls don't tend to frequent feeders (unless they’re hunting mice attracted to spilled seed). So, sadly, those fancy feeder cameras don’t often get pics of them.
Perhaps partially because they are so enigmatic, owls have been wrapped in myths and superstitions for centuries, according to Aycee Brown, a psychic channel, medium, spiritual guide, and teacher. “In some cultures, they’re seen as bad omens or symbols of witchcraft, while in others they’re revered as protectors of the night and guides for those seeking knowledge. The Greeks associated owls with Athena, the goddess of wisdom, while in other places, hearing an owl hoot might be seen as a sign of something significant coming your way. Owls definitely carry a mysterious energy, making them powerful symbols across the board.”
But what does it really mean when these beautiful birds, which live on every continent except Antarctica and include some 250 different species, appear in your life? Ahead, we’ll unpack the spiritual significance of owls, whether you notice them outside of your window or in your dreams, and learn what you should do if you keep seeing them over and over again.
To get the full 411, we spoke with both Brown and Astrid Bly, premiere advisor with California Psychics, who will also clue us in on what it symbolizes when you wear clothing or jewelry with owls on it.
What is the spiritual meaning of an owl?
As birds of prey, owls are known for their keen sight, particularly at night—those huge peepers let in loads of light. Like humans, they’re also gifted with “binocular” vision, so they see in 3-D and have excellent depth perception. Given their legendary visual acumen, it’s not surprising that metaphysically they are associated with what Brown calls wisdom, insight, and the ability to see what others can’t.
“When one shows up in your life, it’s a call to trust your intuition and look beyond what’s on the surface,” she says. “Owls bring messages of deeper understanding, often in moments where you need clarity or are about to step into something transformative. They’re like a nudge from the universe to pay attention to the truths around you.”
Furthermore, these formidable predators, which can consume as many as 2,000 rodents a year, also specifically represent the need to face our fears and address things we might be avoiding, according to Bly. “Owls encourage us to shine a light on secrets and expose them for healing or growth,” she says. “They can symbolize wisdom and truth, helping to free us from things holding us back, although some may see them negatively due to its association with uncovering hidden truths.”
Is seeing an owl a good omen?
Well, it depends on who you ask. Bly notes that the ancient Celts viewed them as defenders of truth and honor, and they were also seen as messengers between the Divine World and Earth. Both the Celts and Egyptians believed owls guided souls through the Underworld; more ominously, the bird was associated with imminent death by the Romans. (Legend has it that Julius Caesar’s assassination was foretold by an owl.) Nowadays, they carry a more upbeat vibe and have even been used as mascots by companies including Tootsie Pop and Trip Advisor, and by Temple University.
So, as far as omens go, owls are a little bit of a mixed bag, but generally a lot more positive than they once were. “Owls can go either way depending on what you’re dealing with,” Brown confirms. “But generally, seeing one is a sign of change. They might show up when something’s about to shift, especially if you’ve been avoiding a truth or a decision. They symbolize wisdom and transition, so if you’re going through a tough time, it could mean that clarity is coming, even if it feels uncomfortable at first.”
What does the Bible say about owls?
At first glance, owls get a bit of a bad rap in the Good Book. In Leviticus 11:13–18, various kinds of owls, as well as kites, ravens, eagles, hawks, and more are termed “unclean.” That’s probably because they are predators who eat bloody meat. And, according to Brown, owls often are tied to desolation or loneliness—but there’s an upside:
“In the Scriptures, owls often appear in places of ruin or wilderness, symbolizing solitude,” she says. “But spiritually, this can also point to the power of introspection and reflection. Sometimes an owl shows up to remind you that it’s okay to retreat and find clarity in your solitude and that even in the quiet, there’s wisdom to be found.”
What do owls symbolize in Native American culture?
Indigenous cultures in the United States ascribed a wide variety of qualities and meanings to owls, including them in legends about farming, night and day, and warriors facing battle, whom they were sometimes said to keep safe from harm. And, Bly says, “Some Native American traditions refer to the owl as a ‘night eagle’ due to its sharp vision and ability to see the truth. Owls are often associated with shamans, as they are believed to possess knowledge that can heal.”
To many more tribes, including the Lakota, Cheyenne, Menominee, Cherokee, Omaha, and Creek, however, owls connoted death and/or the afterlife and were believed to be restless spirits.
“In many Native American traditions, owls are seen as messengers of the spirit world,” Brown explains. “They can represent both wisdom and warnings, depending on the context. Some tribes view owls as protectors and guides, while others see them as omens of change or even death. But it’s not necessarily a physical death, often, it’s symbolic of the death of old habits, cycles, or ways of thinking. Either way, owls carry messages that deserve attention.”
What does it mean if you see an owl in your dreams?
While it might be rare to spot an owl in your waking life—especially now, as they become ever more threatened by habitat loss, climate change and other factors—it’s not unusual for the birds to appear in dreams. Common themes and events include flying owls, communicating with owls, owls transforming into something else, and even threatening owls. They each have their own meanings, but generally, dreaming about this particular predator can indicate the presence of something or someone to be wary of, according to Bly.
Brown believes seeing an owl as you slumber may also be a signal to trust your intuition and inner knowing. “Owls in dreams often represent hidden truths coming to light,” she says. “It could be that you’re about to gain some insight into a situation that’s been unclear, or you’re ready to face a truth you’ve been avoiding. Either way, it’s a message that you’re being guided toward deeper understanding, so don’t ignore it.”
What should you do if you keep seeing owls?
If owls repeatedly appear in your life, be it in your waking or sleeping hours, it’s time to pay attention. Because, as Brown notes, “They don’t just show up for no reason.” She advises you to do some soul-searching and tap into your inner wisdom. There could be a transition on the horizon, so you should be prepared to embrace change.
Bly adds that you might want to take it as a signal that you need to reflect specifically on things you’ve been avoiding. “It could also be a sign to pursue your goals quietly and with focus, much like how an owl hunts silently,” she says. “It could also be a strong signal to take time for yourself.”
Should you wish to channel a bit of the owl’s spiritual aspects, you can always wear one! Pick up a pair of owl earrings or necklace, or even an owl t-shirt. According to Brown, when you don an image of this beautiful bird of prey, it symbolizes wisdom, intuition, and the ability to see through darkness. “It represents spiritual guidance, protection and transformation as we navigate life’s transitions,” she adds. “When you wear an owl, you align with these energies, trusting your journey and inner knowing.”
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