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!
Almost a month ago I had a dream I was in a tree and an owl was extremely close to my face. It lunged forward to bite at the left side of my face and neck area. That day a revelation at work completely destroyed the career I had worked so hard to build. Yes, the outcome was something I could’ve avoided with different choices earlier on but everything suddenly came toppling down at once due to an outside influence.
Nearly a month later and I’ve found an alternate path to get back on my feet and it looks promising. I’m on the threshold of a great change for myself (and family), when stuff begins to unravel. This promising path balances on one factor I have no control over and I go to sleep that evening out of the exhaustion of stress and overthinking. I’m awake at 3am the following day because 2 owls are hooting back and forth in the tree directly behind my house by my bedroom and the second is on the peak of my neighbors house.
Now I’m fearful… is this another bad omen or is this an indicator that I’ve paid my dues and the new path I’m on will open into a bright clearing of success.
What’s your opinion?
I was awakened from a dream by the hoot of a barred owl. This is my second time hearing the owl but first time being woken up out of my sleep by one. Up researching trying to figure out what the multiverse is trying to tell me.
I was doing a late night workout and before my workout I do some stretching and a light walk around the forest. All of a sudden I get a sense of something above me and it was a barred owl! i stopped in shock as it flew onto the fence in front of me. its like 3 am and i was very surprised to see it hahaha. I end up taking a photo and walking away towards the other side of the field where there is a monkey bar set and a place for me to do my pull ups. As I’m doing my workout the same owl fly’s right on top of my monkey bars (a few bars ahead) and just sits there watching me for like 20 minutes. I was laughing and kind of happy it was there with me since it was very early and the darkness had swallowed up the light of the night. I end up walking over to the other playground and it followed me again just watching! near the end of my workout I was ready to leave and as i was walking away the owl landed on my head or tried to pick me up! ahahahaha it wasn’t harmful at all it just plopped on my head and as I swung my head to see what was going on I see it fly back up into the tree. I start laughing again and by this time I’ve gained some distance from the monkey bars . I even said goodbye to the owl once more time and the second I turn my head around to leave the owl does it again! it landed on my head and flew super far out into the field . It was as if it was saying its goodbye because it flew pretty far and got lost in the shadows of the night. Very spiritual moment I feel I tried researching what happens when owls land on you and it says its nothing but luck but this was a very fascinating night of mine.
Around 3:30am I woke to the sound of a dog barking/strange animal sound. My dog and both cats were already awake in my bed. My dog was making non-aggressive short barks as she does when she knows something is near but doesn’t see it.
I couldn’t figure out exactly what the animal sound was outside, so decided to go look out my window. My animals followed me. A bird with a large wingspan flew down from my tall tree and away. I assume it was an owl. I have NEVER seen an owl nor heard one in my yard, but they are likely near by in the woods/preserve areas. The thought of an owl in my yard made me smile. I have always found owls interesting and beautiful.
I went back to sleep and slept soundly (my animals as well). There is a feeling that has been with me since I woke for the day. I cannot identify the right words/label for the feeling but physically feel an awareness in my heart and from my upper eyes up through the top of my head. There is no fear or sadness, just awareness and almost a comfort or stillness.
When I took my dog outside this morning, I googled owl sounds in my state and think the owl was a Barred Owl. The sound was not the traditional “who” of an owl, but some of the examples of the Barred Owl barks/screeches sounded similar.
I came across your page in my search and thought I’d share.
PS…your watercolor painting of the owl is beautiful!
I saw an owl in the middle of the highway getting passed by cars left and right. Just standing and not knowing what to do. I u turned and gently put a blanket over him and he allowed me to carry him to a safe place. He sat for about 5 minutes with eyes closed and allowed me to pet him gently. He opened his eyes and took flight. I felt such a deep connection to this owl. I miss him dearly.
Saw a huge barred owl tonight. Was walking on a familiar trail by my home, it water of the river was much higher than expected and not many people on the trail. We heard an owl hooting so we stopped to listen to it. I said to my friend “I want to see it!” And we stared at the trees where we heard the hooting coming from. In 30 seconds the owl flew up to a branch just in front of where we were standing on the trail!!! It looked at us and called back to another nearby owl. I was fortunate to capture this moment on video with the swift/careful retriever of my phone from my backpack. 30 seconds of this owl looking at us and giving us wisdom and wonderful energy!! Then it flew off to meet its mate that it had been calling to. This was the most beautiful experience I’ve ever had in these woods since I have been coming here for over 10 years. Very grateful for this experience and your wisdom in interpreting the experience better for me.
I was going out our driveway early in the morning – driveway is long and goes through forest. A barred owl flew *right* over the car going from the rear to the front. He then perched in a tree at basically eye level about five yard away. I stopped the car and rolled down the window, and he just looked at me for about give minutes. I “chatted” with him. It was amazing. This pair has been on our land since we moved here seven years ago.