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In the realm of animal totems, the owl and occupy a special place linked to nocturnal mysteries. Paradoxically, owls have always been both revered and feared. Often associated with wisdom and knowledge, these birds of the night have fascinated ancient writers for millennia.
But what is the owl symbolism as a totem animal? What is its spiritual significance?
Sommaire
Our oldest records of owls date back to prehistoric times. Representations of owls have been found in cave paintings dating back to the Paleolithic period, some 30,000 years ago. It’s also worth noting that, in ancient Egypt, the owl was symbolized by a hieroglyph representing the letter “M”.
Over time, it came to be associated with the following virtues:
The owl and the owl symbolize deep wisdom and hidden knowledge, especially for their ability to see into the night.They also embody intuition and the ability to see beyond appearances, hence the expression “having an owl’s eye”.
These nocturnal birds, associated with the moon and night, represent mystery, magic and the realm of the unknown. In some cultures, owls are seen as messengers between the world of the living and that of spirits.
Through their ability to hunt in the dark, they also symbolize transformation and the ability to navigate periods of change.Their silent flight evokes the idea of smooth transition and passage between different states of consciousness.
The ancient Celts had a highly respectful and mystical view of owls. They saw them as guides to the afterlife and spiritual messengers capable of revealing hidden truths.
The owl played a significant role in Celtic traditions and rituals. It was often seen as a protector of the night and a silent observer, symbolizing the ability to see beyond appearances and uncover hidden truths. These qualities made the owl a symbol of clairvoyance and intuition in Celtic spiritual and religious practices.
The ancient Celts had a highly respectful and mystical view of the owl. Here too, the owl was often seen as a symbol of wisdom, mystery and transition. Our Celtic ancestors saw these nocturnal birds as guides to the afterlife and spiritual messengers capable of revealing hidden truths.
Our nocturnal bird of prey was associated with important deities and mythological figures.
For example, in the legend of Blodeuwedd, a woman is transformed into an owl as punishment for her betrayal, illustrating the notions of retribution and spiritual transformation.
So, in Celtic culture, the owl was not simply a nocturnal bird, but a powerful spiritual symbol. It embodied concepts of wisdom, protection and transition, having a profound influence on the myths, art and rituals of the time.
Among the ancient Greeks, the owl, particularly the little owl (Athene noctua), was an emblem of the city of Athens, present in many mythological stories and cultural practices.
Moreover, the significant presence of owls in the Athens area reinforced their status as the city’s protective symbol and mascot, representing qualities that Athenians valued such as wisdom, strategy and practical skills.
Athenian coins, often stamped with an owl image, emphasized the bird’s importance as a symbol of the city and its patron goddess. This iconography endured and was adopted by the Romans, where the owl became the symbol of Minerva, the Roman equivalent of Athena.
Athena was often depicted with an owl, a symbol of clairvoyance and sagacity. This association is largely due to the owl’s nocturnal ability to see in the dark, symbolizing the goddess’s ability to perceive truth and knowledge even in darkness.
The owl was also considered a good omen in times of war. During the naval battle of Salamis, for example, the appearance of owls was interpreted as a sign of Athena’s support, boosting the morale of Greek soldiers.
So, yes, it’s fair to say that among the ancient Greeks, the owl represented wisdom, divine protection and clairvoyance, mainly due to its close link with the goddess Athena and its unique ability to navigate and see in the dark. This symbolism was reinforced by mythological tales and cultural practices that anchored the owl as an enduring emblem of wisdom and protection in Greek tradition.
The modern virtues of the Owl and the Owl
Whether we’re talking about knowledge and wisdom, discretion and observation, adaptability or intuition, the Owl is an ideal totemic symbol.
It’s especially suited to people with a particular sensitivity, who wish to initiate a new path in their lives, or simply to guard against lies. The notion of honor is never far away either, and we at Runes de Chêne have associated it with the rune Othala, associated with heritage and wisdom.
To discover our Owl emblem, please go to this page.
