Throughout history and across many cultures, people have regarded Owls to having some sort of supernatural powers.
Seen with fascination and awe.
Few other animal's have so many different and contradictory beliefs surrounding them.
Native American Symbolism
The most prevalent Native American symbolism of the Owl is one that holds a deep connection with death and the dream and spirit world.
Many Native American tribes believed the owl was an animal announcing death or as a spirit of the dead, or the souls of the recently deceased.
Some tribes also believe that an owl was a messenger of the underworld and this was a spiritual meaning of an owl as it carried spirits to the afterlife.
Owl totem animals play a big part in native american tradition and are viewed as powerful spirit protectors.
Owl feathers also hold great meaning and value.
Dead Owl – Dreaming or seeing a dead owl can symbolize many things. Omens such as the death of the dreamer or maybe even a loved one. Many belive it to be the herald, transitioning us from this life to the next.
Celtic/Gaelic Symbolism
In Celtic symbolism, the owl is noted for wisdom, keen sight, and patience. The celtic owl is a guide to the underworld and an effective hunter.
At the same time this night-dweller was considered a “corpse-bird” or “night hag.”
Indian Symbolism
In early Indian folklore, the symbolic meaning of owls represented wisdom and helpfulness, and had powers of prophecy.
Chinese Symbolism
Cinesese people told tales of the owl stealing children in the night.
Others believed witches could fly about in the form of owls and that sorcerers could send messages by means of this bird.
Biblical Symbolism
Because the owl is a solitary night bird, it has come to represent a bad omen for the forsaken. Christianity saw in the owl a symbol of Christ, who came to those who sat in darkness and in the shadow of death (Luke 1:79).
Greek/Roman Symbolism
In most lore the owl symbolizes wisdom and protection and was the favorite bird of Athene, the goddess of wisdom.
To the Romans, the owl was both a symbol of victory and doom.
To hear the hoot of an Owl presaged imminent death.
The deaths of Julius Caesar, Augustus, Commodus Aurelius, and Agrippa were apparently all predicted by an Owl.