Barred Owl
Meaning & Symbolism
The Barred Owl, with its distinct call and striking barred feather patterns, symbolizes curiosity, vigilance, and protection. Known for the unmistakable “who cooks for you?” call, the Barred Owl reminds us to stay curious and use our voice to seek answers. This sense of curiosity invites us to explore the world around us, ask the questions that matter, and listen carefully for the wisdom in what we hear. Just as the Barred Owl uses its keen senses to navigate the night, we, too, can embrace our innate curiosity as a tool for learning and growth, allowing us to explore new ideas and paths in life.
Vigilance is a key trait of the Barred Owl, which is always alert to its surroundings. This Owl is a master of observation, watching for even the smallest movement in the forest as it silently hunts. As humans, we can learn from the Barred Owl’s vigilance by staying aware of the things that matter most in our lives. Whether it’s paying attention to our emotional well-being or keeping watch over our loved ones, practicing vigilance helps us stay grounded and prepared for life’s challenges. By cultivating this attentiveness, we protect ourselves from potential threats and ensure that we are able to act when needed.
The protective symbolism of the Barred Owl is also reflected in its name, which comes from the bar-like patterns on its feathers. These markings are not a sign of limitation, but rather a strong representation of boundaries. Barred Owls know how to establish and enforce their personal boundaries, showing self-respect and demanding the same from others. By radiating this self-assurance, we, too, can protect our energy and our well-being by setting clear boundaries. It’s a reminder that protection is not about isolation, but about knowing what we need to feel safe and secure, and having the courage to defend those needs.
In many cultures, Owls, including the Barred Owl, are seen as spiritual guides, especially when it comes to death and the afterlife. They are believed to carry the souls of loved ones to the other side, offering a protective and gentle passage. This symbolism invites us to reflect on how we can be guides for others in our own lives, providing comfort and protection to those who need it, especially in times of grief or transition. Just as the Barred Owl offers protection and guidance in the night, we can be vigilant caretakers for those we love, watching over them and helping them navigate life’s darker moments.
Different Owls offer a variety of other symbolism:
- Barn Owl: Symbolism: stealth, mystery, and silent guidance. The Barn Owl’s nearly soundless flight teaches us to navigate life’s challenges with discretion and to trust unseen paths.
- Great Horned Owl: Symbolism: strength, adaptability, and fierce determination. As a powerful predator with keen hunting skills, the Great Horned Owl teaches us to face challenges head-on, using all our available resources.
- Pygmy-Owl: Symbolism: resilience, courage, and resourcefulness. Small but bold, the Pygmy-Owl embodies the power of standing tall despite your size, using quick thinking to overcome obstacles.
- Screech Owl: Symbolism: transformation, listening, and inner awareness. With their ability to blend into their environment, Screech Owls encourage us to listen more deeply to the subtle shifts around us and embrace personal change.
- Snowy Owl: Symbolism: clarity, focus, and intuition. The Snowy Owl, with its pristine white feathers, symbolizes seeing through the fog of life’s distractions and trusting in your inner wisdom to guide you.
- Tawny Owl: Symbolism: perspective, insight, and understanding. With its wide range of vocalizations and keen night vision, the Tawny Owl reminds us to broaden our view, see situations from different angles, and trust the wisdom gained from diverse experiences.
-Tanya Casteel ©Cosmic Animals
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I want to hear about your Owl experiences. What stories or dreams have you had? Please share and join in the conversation below!
Hello Tanya,
I’ve always been creeped out by the owls eyes just how big and dark they are, not to mention I grew up thinking that owls were bad omens and that if you heard from hoot at night time it meant “someone close to you was going to pass away”.
I’ve been going thru a pretty rough time lately getting out of an unhealthy relationship of over 4 yrs, the on and offs and hot and colds eventually just got old to me and I seen everything for exactly what it was. I lost everything because of that relationship and created more of a wedge in me and my teenage boys relationship. I started going on night walks with my dog Marley and made it a nightly routine to stop at the park a few blocks from home and let her run around. the first time I seen an owl there I jumped back a little yet couldn’t take my eyes off of it. it was staring back at me too. the next night I heard a bunch of cackling almost sounding like a witch or someone laughing. that’s when I first heard the different sounds they make. well long story short, for over 3 weeks now I’ve been going to that park daily just to visit these quiet cute little guys and have since found out it is a family. along with a little baby that is oh so cute and fluffy!! I’ve found a few feathers from them of different sizes that I cherish very much also…..I’ve brought a number of people to visit them and 2 of those times the owls did not want to make themselves known. every other time, I’d make that purring noise they make and they would talk back sometimes. it is a very calming feeling I get when at the park with them and gives me time to reset and just be mindful and in the moment. I feel like they may be appearing in my life to remind me of the wisdom I’ve always had just never used. Any thoughts or feedback is more than wanted 🙂
I was talking to my roommate and looked out the window and there was a barred owl on the garage roof. And it looked at me through the window and stared at me in the eyes.
It eventually flew away. 30 minutes later it was just sitting in the grass off my yard. And then kept flying back and fourth between two trees in the yard.
It felt familiar
Hi Tanya.
I have only seen an owl once in my life before last week. In the past 2 weeks, I have seen a barred owl twice. I’ve recently began my spiritual journey of therapy, meditation, gratitude. Last week , during the early afternoon, I was hiking in my usual spot, just to have a barred owl fly across my path twice, before landing in a tree close to my path. He just sat there, looked at me occasionally, then went back to peacefully resting. Yesterday, I was driving around 0830pm, and saw a barred owl sitting on the side of the highway. He let me approach him, i squatted beside him and he glanced at me several times, then went back to resting. I moved him off the road, and he was able to fly into the tree where he continued to watch me. Fearing he was injured, I drove home, which was only a few minutes away, to get a box to bring him to a wildlife rehab. When I returned, he was gone. Wondering your thoughts on this experience. Thanks:)
I have been dreaming of a barred owl this passed couple months. She is always just sitting in a tree high above on a know that overlooks my house. One night a couple weeks ago, I dreamed she landed beside a tethered falcon in my back field and they just watched me. I know this specific dream has something to tell me but I cannot figure it out. There was no tension or stress overtones.
In the summer, I visited the original family farm that my ancestors from Scotland built when they immigrated. It is still held by distant family and I stayed there for the first time. My first night I was awoken by a barred owl on the tree right outside my open window making its distinctive sound over and over and was quite distinct and loud, it felt as though it were in the room with me. The owner did not hear it and has not heard owls there before. But I was not dreaming because I tried to record it with my phone but the owl stopped when the light of the phone screen came on. Having embarked on a deep genealogical exploration of the family with stories of the people, I realize that many of them were steeped in Celtic mystical symbolism and it was a family that experienced many tragic death through disease and accident. Neither being religious nor overly taken by mystical explanations, I do readily acknowledge there are many things I cannot explain. Whether it was just an owl on a convenient hunting perch or something different, I choose to accept it as a welcoming home because that is how it made me feel.
Good post guys!