Barred Owl
Meaning & Symbolism
Protective Guide
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 & Guidebook
I want to hear about your Owl experiences. What stories or dreams have YOU had? Please share and join in the conversation below!
Hello, I live on a 35 acre forest preserve and we have a lot of Barred owls that I hear all the time. I have never had an encounter with one until today. Usually Hawk is my spirit animal and has been for 20 years.
Today I was out cutting flowers on my deck and there was Blue Jay being very loud and obnoxious. I said ” you are very annoying,” and as soon I said it I realized there was an owl just a few feet away from me perched on my fence post staring at me. I think the Blue Jay was actually trying to annoy the owl. It sat there for about 30 seconds. And I was so excited! Afterward I started thinking that this was a very unusual encounter and that it is some kind of message for me.
My husband died 4 years ago and I use to get messages from him through hawk encounters. But I am not sure who or what this message is for. I am taking care of my 92 years old mother who has dementia and I keep making plans for my future in education and spirituality, when I have my life back again. I also struggle with fibromyalgia health problems, etc.
Any ideas what this message could be about?
Thanks!
I’m not sure what the specifics of this message are for you but it definitely sounds like owl is interested in connecting with you. Keep being aware of how owls show up for you and I’m sure the message will become clearer for you over time. It seems like you have some good experience already with interpreting bird energy from hawk, and I love how you noticed the blue jay was speaking to the owl. Owls can be quite mysterious and quiet, maybe this was just the introduction of your future relationship with owl?
Today i was in my yard and heard this screeching, upon a little looking around i noticed 3 barred owls in the trees along our fence line. They just sat in the trees about 20yds from eachother looking back at me, and then back amongst themselves. Then after about a half hr of this the one closest to me flew to the limb where the next one sat. The two seemes to share the spot and it was like they were sitting and consulting with one another. The third suddenly flew up from below and the two acted like they were going to attack it, and then one of them flew after it. The largest of them all remained on the limb observing the other two and looking back at me every so often. This behavior carried on throughout the entire day. Is this odd behavior for them?
I love how observant you are of their behavior. Animals are social beings and I suspect that this is not odd behavior of them. What’s special is that you are tuning into them and they are noticing that you’re watching. Through observation, we can form connections with animals and they will want to start communicating with us in their own way.
So last night the man I love but sadly cannot have at the moment for various reasons & I were walking home together after a couple of weirdly off energetic days between us,still fun just off.when we were hugging & saying goodnight a barred owl called out & then another one in response(they were doing there mating calls)they went on for awhile,then once they were done another pair called out from another direction(im sure both of our hearts were filled joy & amazement in this moment)then once that pair quieted down another pair called out from a. Different direction(we were pretty much completely surrounded!)it was such an incredibly deeply magical moment!..im curious if anyone has any advice on what this may have meant?the owl is one of my main spirit animals so I feel it was definitely calling & talking to me.so if anyone has a response it would be much appreciated,thank you.blessings,love & light??
That is a really beautiful moment. Love is everywhere, all around you. There are more romantic options available than you can currently perceive. If the current timing is not right with this man, there are other beautiful potential relationships possible. It takes 2 to “call” out to one another in a mating call. If you both are not ready to call out to each other at this moment, it’s ok. If you are ready, then that’s wonderful too.