The Spiritual Meaning Of Owls + What To Do If They Keep Appearing To You

Keep seeing owls everywhere? They could be giving you a sign related to a decision you're facing. Here's what to know about owl symbolism and what this wise animal may be trying to tell you in your dreams or in daily life.

Some people wonder, is an owl a good omen? The answer depends on who you ask and the culture you're living in. That's because there are several meanings for owls, and each culture has its own significance for this beautiful creature.

"Many Native American tribes believe Owl is the spirit of a deceased ancestor or other spirit," says Kathy Harmon-Luber, a certified reiki & sound therapy practitioner and author of Suffering to Thriving. Owls are believed to serve as a bridge between worlds—life and the afterlife. Kristen adds, "Owls are eternal teachers. They represent the energy of the wise elders and ancestors who have previously walked the land." 

"In Japan and China, owls symbolize good fortune and protection," explains Harmon-Luber. She adds that the owl also has a connection to feng shui. "It's said that placing an owl in your home either through an object or painting will banish negative energies and bring about abundance: mentally, physically, and emotionally."

The owl was well regarded in ancient Greece and in Roman culture too. "In ancient Greek and Roman cultures, the owl was revered as a symbol of the goddess Athena or Diana and protector of the city of Athens, which is named for Athena," explains Inbaal Honigman, celebrity psychic and esoteric expert. "It also represents the soul."

Sometimes the owl is perceived in a negative light. "In Judaism, the owl is revealed as an unclean bird and used in stories to express desolation," says Honigman.

Color also plays a role in owl symbolism, and it can provide clues about what an owl may be communicating with you.

"Black owls are not only symbols of spiritual protection, but they're also symbols of the subconscious mind," says Kirsten. "They call us to look at ourselves holistically and shed any limiting beliefs that are keeping us trapped or stuck in the same old routine or patterns of thinking." 

"White owls are true drivers of change and transformation. They're the visionaries of the animal kingdom and symbolize a deep connection with our higher selves and are desiring cosmic change," says Kirsten. "Whenever you see a white owl, it's tradition to make a wish." 

Grey owls are all about balance and trust. "Grey owls represent the yin and yang of life, the idea that even when we can't see the full path ahead, we're being asked to trust the steps in front of us," says Kirsten. "Grey owls encourage bigger-picture thinking and help release us from the talons of perfectionism and non-action. Small steps forward are better than no steps."

"Owls can be symbolic of death, and sometimes people may see one before someone passes," says Nancy Mello, animal communicator, psychic, medium, and clairvoyant. But don't let this frighten you because the concept of death can be symbolic, too. "Death doesn't have to be physical," she says, adding that it can be the death of a relationship, for example.

Some people who have lost a loved one or a pet may see an owl as a sign that everything's OK. "Sometimes it's a message from the other realm," says Mello. "The message is always to communicate, 'Hey I'm OK.'"

"Owls are true messengers of the spiritual realm," explains Kirsten. "They can appear as a symbol during challenging times as a guide. Unlike any other animal symbol, they relay truth, understanding, patience, and wisdom to us when we need it most. This is especially true during or after times of upheaval and distress."

She explains that people often see owls when they're indecisive about an important decision. "This happens when people are holding themselves back or hesitating on a decision." And if you do see an owl, she says you should trust it.

"They represent the cataclysmic fall and destructive phases of our life, but rather beautifully, they show us how these 'downfalls' are really just better beginnings," says Kirsten. "They bring much hope, optimism, and faith beneath their wings."

Kirsten adds, "They fly into our lives to help us tap into our intuition and inspire us to make decisions based on our internal guidance system rather than someone else's."

To guide you in your dream interpretation, Kristen provides specific questions that she uses to help decipher the meaning of owl:

"When you see owls everywhere or they recur in your dreams repeatedly, pay attention," says Harmon-Luber. Mello agrees that if you continually see owls, they want to get your attention. "Our spirit guides are sending messages, and they'll keep sending you signs," she says.

Mammals, birds, and insects can make appearances in our lives to give us messages or signs. If you see an owl, it's a sign to pay attention, tap into your intuition, and connect to the spiritual world.