Owl is the symbol of the moon, the feminine and insight. It has been called a cat with wings; and has been worshipped as an idol and hated as the reincarnation of the devil. Owl is believed to have great healing powers. Because of its association with the moon, it is also tied into fertility, seduction, illusion and mystery. Owl is a bird of magic and darkness, of prophecy and wisdom. The Greeks associated the owl with Athena, and it was the symbol of higher wisdom and understanding.

Owl Medicine is often symbolically associated with clairvoyance, astral projection and magic (both black and white). One myth is that Owl is a reincarnation of the dead. Another myth is that it is able to extract secrets from people. With its acute hearing and vision, Owl can see and hear what might normally be hidden. Owl is the bird of the night and has long been the symbol of the darkness within—the place where humans hide their secrets. Owl can instantly adjust its sight to respond to even minute changes in light intensity, and are specially adapted to detect the most subtle movements. Its yellow eyes reflect the light of the Sun active within the Night; the Light penetrating the Darkness.

Those with Owl Medicine will be able see and hear what others may try to hide; they see what is not visible in the shadows, hear what is not said aloud, and read between the lines to see the truth of a situation. They will be able to pinpoint subtleties and discrepancies. This may make others uncomfortable when they are no longer able to deceive, and their hidden agendas are seen through. Owl people have the ability to see into the darkness of others’ souls and into their lives, which may also cause some tension or discomfort with others. These keen senses of sight and hearing have metaphysical links to the gifts of clairvoyance and clairaudience.

Owls are often associated with Raptors—other birds of prey, especially Hawk. They have a third eyelid that moves from side to side to cleanse the eye, clearing its vision. This suggests a new vision opening up, a new perspective of others that had not been seen before. Owl and Hawk, similar to Cougar and Bear, share the same hunting grounds—one by day and the other by night. They also tend to balance each other—balancing medicines and energies. Owl teaches to become a fierce individual, and yet be able to cooperate with others. Owl also flies silently and smoothly, striking its prey without warning. Your success and lesson may then be to keep things to yourself, take care of your business, and take swift advantage of the opportunities that come before you.