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
Animal Cards
Animal Pottery
I want to hear about your Owl experiences. What stories or dreams have you had? Please share and join in the conversation below!
Lots of barred owl activity in the past 3 months. I “called” one in from the woods behind my house to within 5 feet of me at night and that scared me. Then one flew into my window @ 6AM but recovered and stayed on the deck for 15 minutes. Three days later, I think the same one was in my front yard @ 9AM. Then last night one perched on my outdoor sculpture, near my hot tub, and wouldn’t be scared away for a long time. I wanted it to not be comfortable there near the hot tub because if it returned it would scare my daughter. What’s it all mean?
I’m not sure, but it sounds like Owl is wanting to connect with you. Does anything I’ve written about owl resonate with your life at the time they were visiting you?
I was driving late at night in the rural, mountainous region of North Carolina. I had my windows down because of the lovely and chilled weather the summer mountains have to offer. I was cruising. Not a worry nor a conflict to be encountered. When I almost arrived at my destination, suddenly a young barred owl flew straight into my window and hit me in the neck. It wasn’t hard. In fact, it felt like someone perfectly timed flinging a stuffed animal at me. I let out a short scream and slammed on my brakes. I punched the light and looked down at my feet. A young barred owl looked stunned so I opened my door and let it hop out. I immediately started to cry. It didn’t appear to be in any sort of pain, only shock. I gave it a nudge and it ran the side of the road. I wanted to get out and help it but I repeatedly stated with tears pooling in my eyes “I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I just can’t. I just can’t.” I’m not so sure what I couldn’t do. I’m not sure if I couldn’t withstand the idea of hurting an animal or if I couldn’t take being greeted by and following my spirit guide. I must confess, for a better explanation of my emotional state, that I became vegan about a year ago: in doing so, I have created a lifestyle and ideology around the better treatment and moral consideration of all animals. I pulled into my driveway, called my partner, and told her the story. She understands my concern for animals. She cried with me and supported me. As much as I wanted her comfort, I had to go check if the owl was okay. I drove back to the area where we engaged each other and there was no sign of the owl. I assume it flew off because it had delivered its message, whatever that may be. This calmed me down although my heart was still beating fast. The owl, a messenger, was trying to tell me something but I cannot decipher the message. Earlier that day, I considered getting a tattoo of all the animals that have brought me closer to nature and all animal species. Like the barred owl, I wanted to adorn myself with a representation of my identity and sacred space. Was this a push towards a path that I cannot yet see? Was it a stamp of approval? Possibly a fist greeting by my spirit guide? I wish I spoke owl. A fraction faster, it would’ve ran into me back window. Dead. A second slower. My windshield. Dead. It was timed perfectly. It was no accident.
Iv e seen and heard owls all of my life many many many times twice I have Ben able to walk up and pet the owl. Once with a friend there to witness it. This is in real life not a dream. Lately I’ve had a owl hanging around my house for weeks now. And it has been killing but not earing mice and things then leavinh them in front of my house . Like a gift or something. What’s your take on this.
Thanks
Phil brown
Owl loves you. Cats do this, they hunt and bring/offer gifts. It seems like you have a strong connection with Owl. Owl is showing its loyalty to you.
So perfectly timed! Wow, this is an incredible encounter. I love your wording of “stamp of approval?”. Yes, I think you got the owls official stamp of approval right there on your neck, literally. The meaning will deepen for you over time. I also live in the mountains of North Carolina, such a beautiful and magical place. Thanks for sharing.
Hello I am hoping to get a answer
I live on 3 acres of land and have been hearing barred owls awhile and one would come by my window and hoot his butt off lol. So I have have been hooting outside for awhile and they would hoot back. I so love when he responds back. Well last night we were outside working and who did I see?!. My owls and to top it off him and 2 of his babies came right over me perched in my tree for hours and I was able to watch him feed his babies and see him soar through the night. I love owls they make me feel at peace but being that close to them and then seeing him feed his young!.. wow I am just flattered I told them thank you for visiting me and letting me see your babies while chilling in my tree. I’m curious to know exactly what this means?
I haven’t heard anything from You about My post. I just wanna share I am still having encounters with My Owl and His Owlets which is Awesome. It’s Killing Me to know what exactly is He trying to get across to Me?.. Last Night I was Outside and I heard (Owl~Win) Hoot just once and I Hooted back normal to Him then He again only did One Hoot. Then it went Silent, My Husband informs Me that A Baby Owl is in Our Tree plain as Day, Perched on a Branch peacefully just looking at My Husband and I. The Flashlight on Him didn’t even Bother Him!. All I could see was His BIG Eyes glowing and All I could do was Admire Him and have a Normal Conversation with Him!.. And Of Course asking “What is it You’re trying to tell Me”? and Then We went Inside and went to Bed. I hope You can assure Me and maybe explain a little bit of what’s maybe going on!?.. It would be a Blessing to Just Hear Back from You!.. Thank You and Have A Blessed Night
P. S. I admire Your Stories and Artwork as well
Thank you. I just responded to your first comment. I go through “seasons” when I’m able to answer comments. I’m so excited to hear that you’re still talking with the owls!! They feel so comfortable around you and speak to you as their own. Communicating with animals is usually not very literal. Try to check in with the emotional senses that are going on in your body and your intuition next time you are talking with them. Consider what is going on in your day, or life, or thoughts, that the owls could be responding to. Slowly start practicing trusting the feelings within you and remember that there isn’t an exact right or wrong way to interpret them. Connecting with animals goes beyond intellectual thinking.
It sounds like you have a really close bond with owl energy and this owl recognizes your connection and feels like family with you. Close enough to you to feel safe exposing its babies around you. It seems like owl is just sharing in the appreciation and love of connecting with you. Possibly encouraging you to “nurture” others whom you consider “family”.
I’ve been struggling with a personal conflict. I relocated last year, and went from the country to the city for my career. But after the fun & excitement wore off, I’ve realized that I’m constantly bouncing from “I’m independent” to “I’m lonely”. I’ve had my eye on the same man for a year now, but we live on opposite ends of the US & work together, so I keep it relatively in the DL. I’ve been needing a sign- well today I had an amazing church service that truly spoke to me & reminded me of him. I prayed a silent prayer, asking God to hear my heart. Not for a man – but for my enternal peace. But later today him & I talked for a while – and tonight I hear the barred owl calling right outside of my door. Almost as if it was telling me goodnight- a sense of peace truly came over me!
Such a beautiful connection and prayer and story. Thanks for sharing
I’ve encountered barred owls in a couple of different places I’ve lived. I first heard them in the Midweat, as a child, in our yard.
I moved to the Pacific Northwest, and ended up seeing different owls. One night I was walking quite late down a lane and felt I was being watched. I turned my head, and saw an owl gliding from tree to tree, never taking its huge yellow eyes off mine. It was almost unsettling!
Then, I heard barred owls outside our home. I ended up hiking up a steep hill to find them, perched in a tall tree, watching me. (I also got to walk out the door to see a huge pileated woodpecker when we lived there, which was fantastic.)
Now I’m in the Midwest. There have been more and more barred owls attracted to the suburb where we live, probably because there are lots of creeks and older mature trees. I have heard them at night, and early morning, and have called back and forth once or twice with them.
This morning I went out the back door with my dog on a leash (it’s very muddy right now and I didn’t want her rolling in the mud.) As I opened the door, I saw a huge bird land in the yew tree next to the back porch. I thought it was a hawk, and instinctively shooed it away. (Cardinals usually nest in that tree and I thought that the hawk might be after them.)
Ah, guess what? It was NOT a hawk. It was a huge barred owl. It flew to the fence, and stopped to look at me. I was so surprised – I wished it well, and regretting shooing it away. Although, it’s possible the owl was after the cardinals . . . one never knows.
I appreciate all birds, but have loved owls all my life. I feel that they’re always watching me!
It feels like they are watching you, and you them. I love your story, thanks.
We recently lost my father-in-law and this weekend there was an owl sitting on a branch right off of our deck – it’s winter in NH, so no leaves or anything for it to hide in. It sat for a few, head turning back and forth, looking right at us through the slider door to our deck, before it flew away. Any thoughts if this is related to the passing of my father in law?
I don’t know what exactly this means specifically to your father in law, but owls are often seen by people after a loved one has passed. They are said to help with the transition process. Its a really beautiful gift and symbol that this owl visited you at that time. A comforting gesture of his passing.
The day I arrived home after my sons funeral a Barred Owl flew in and landed on a tree branch about 12 feet from my deck which sits high off the ground. The owl sat there for over 30 minutes watching over my dog in the yard and my husband, my best friend, and myself standing on the deck. It was still there when we had to leave the house but was gone when we got home. The Owl was incredibly beautiful and stared into my eyes as though it was looking deep into my soul. I found this to be incredible timing as none of us had ever seen a owl before and it showed up right after we got home at 3 o’clock in the afternoon.