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!
Yesterday I was out hiking in a new area. I was clambering around with my little dog. I wanted to make noise to keep bears and cougars at bay. I walked down a path that got to thick so I turned around. I passed this owl twice. On my way back on the same trail. There was a beautiful large barred owl on top of a broken tree at my eye level. The owl looked at me. I looked in amazement at the owl. The owl turned away. I captured a pic. The owl turned back to look at me. Then swiveled the neck around to the other side to look at me. So beautiful! I talked gently to the owl so as to alarm the owl. I started to walk and tripped over the little dog and continued on my path. The owl was so majestic. When I returned from my hike I started looking at spiritual meaning of this encounter.
so we are driving- home 4 hrs away- michael is using his gps on his phone- it’s dark- its late 10 p.m we should be half way home- his gps cuts out- no cell reception on a back road and we are lost- he asks me if i think he should turn around, and i said no- keep going- all roads lead to roam, we will eventually get somewhere or run out of gas lol- a few miles up the road and we pass something- i said omg, i think that was an owl in the middle of the road, i said please turn around, so we did- car is now in opposite direction of where i said to go, and we get out of the car and i walk up to this owl- just standing there- i get close enough to almost touch it, and it doesn’t move- just looks at me- i bend down to pet it- thinking it will fly off asap- it doesnt! it lets me pet it!!!- i said somethings wrong! its probably hurt- michael gets a bin from his trunk, and gives it to me- the owl lets me pick him up and put him in the bin!!! no fight- im really worried it has a broken wing- i get in the back seat with the owl on my lap- window is down- michael says should i turn around? you wanted to go the other way- i said no- just go in this direction, we need to find an e.r vet asap- so we drive off and for 15 min the owl is just sitting there- then suddenly jumps onto the open window ledge- i tell michael to stop the car-he does- we see a fork in the rd- the one we should have taken! and just then the owl looks at me- turns and flys off into the trees!!!! there was nothing wrong with the owl! we get on the fork turn, michaels gps starts working and we get home fine! i still can’t get over it- any insights? i have pics too
For the last year as I’m driving home at night an owl flys right over my path. This has happened at least once a week in different areas. He gets soo close I can’t believe he would want to get that close to a moving vehicle. Tonight he swoop right over my car if my window was down I could have barely touched him. I don’t know what he’s trying to tell me but it’s beginning to cause me great anxiety.
I see barred owls often just recently on Mother’s Day and then again a few days later on Mother’s Day it flew right over my head and the next time flew right in front of me. I decided to follow to see if I could see where it landed and it was as if it was waiting for me it’s not long enough for my daughter to bring me my camera and I start to snap a few shots of it after that I left and when I came back it was gone but lo and behold it was waiting there but I also saw two babies and another owl so in total we saw four. It was like a scene out of Harry Potter two of the younger ones were in one tree the other were in another tree and one was flying! Are used to be afraid of hours but not so much anymore they make me feel calm and Not afraid.
Good evening, My husband took the dog out at 7:30 pm. Very low in the tree by the garage was a barred owl. He just sat there looking. My husband went inside to get his camera. When I returned with my son at 7 :45 he was still there. We went over too and he looked at us and let us take close up pictures. Another 5 minutes and my daughter arrived with her fiance. They were suppose to get married on the 26 but due to COVID 19 it has been postponed. Again they also went out to see it. It watched them and also let them take pictures. Once they began to enter my home he just turned around but remained on the branch. I immediately came inside to do my research. What do you think is the meaning??
Oh wow, that is a very insistent owl who definitely wants to be noticed by your family. Owls with their great vision ask us to see beyond the obvious and get curious about things. Was there anything going on with your family or your life circumstances at the time that owl wanted you to think deeper about? Was something not as it seemed? That’s so great you were able to get photos of the owl.
Hi, This morning after taking a walk, I just found a beautiful Barred owl feather in the middle of my yard. I know it’s a beautiful sign from Spirit. (I found your website while doing research to find out who the feather belonged to. Love when Spirit & the Universe show me signs I get very excited. I think your artwork is amazingly beautiful and I don’t believe in coincidences but syncronicities
I was lead to find you to receive the message I needed. Thank you. I will now love to follow you on FB. Be well
Thank you! I love when messages align like that <3
I observed owls mating in nature. What do you feel the meaning of this is? ❤️
Allow love to fly