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!
I picked my youngest daughter up from school, we had some shopping to do then hit the grocery store. When I pulled into my driveway as I got out I got this feeling like I was being watched and when I turned around to open the back door of my suv to get my daughter out I saw what was looking upon me. I saw a beautiful barred owl on the branch of a tree across the street looking directly at me. It was beautiful and majestic.
Barred owls seem to make a notable appearance in my life now and then. The first encounter was a bit tragic. My family and I were on our way to my grandma’s (my Mom’s Mom) when I was 8 and we accidently hit one with the car-top- carrier and which killed it. On that same trip my Mom unexpectedly passed away in her sleep.
I have been asking to meet my spirit guide. No lie, tonight a barred owl was standing on the side of the road, looking right at me. It didn’t flinch as I drove past!
We were the only car on the road. When I looked in the rear view mirror, it was gone. I didn’t see it fly off.
It was so cool! I’m certain it was sent to guide me. Thank you for this wonderful description of its meaning!
On 6-30-2021 I was on my way to work and came upon a barred owl just sitting in the road. I thought it had a broken wing or worse. It wouldn’t fly or anything and fell over as I tried to get it off the road. Once I realized that the poor thing was hurt I wrapped it up in a blanket and took it to an emergency 24hr vet. They told me he was fine and was probably just stunned from being hit by a car. It was totally calm while I was picking it up and transporting it to the vet. It let me pet him and talk to him and even fell asleep while on the way to the vet. It tried biting the technicians once we arrived to the animal hospital. It will be released back into the wild tomorrow by a rehabbed. I’m just wondering why I was the one to find the owl……
Any thoughts or opinions are greatly appreciated.
The past 2 months everytime i go outside a barred owl appears and talks to me. if i drive off in my vehicle he waits on the powerlines for me to return home when i do return if i open my vehicle door while gathering my thing to go inside he will come land on the door of the vehicle and watch me. If i go for a walk he follows me the whole way and back. My husband says if he is outside he knows where i am in the house because the owl will move around according to where i am in the house. He comes closer and sits longer each time he sees me the other day he tried landing on my arm which did not feel so great and left a few marks cause it startled me and i moved my arm fairly quick. What does this owl want or need from Me????
We were traveling and stayed at an RV park in Florida some time back. When walking our German Shepherds at night a barred owl would come every night and sit down at a fence close to the walkway or on the line above us and watch us. One night it followed us back to the RV and sat in the tree above. This was going on for weeks. Was an amazing experience.
Last night 3hrs after my husband and I got home from our 4 day 21st anniversary trip a beautiful barred owl hit one of our bog windows. I ran out to it sitting just 2 feet from our door out to our deck. It looked at me with wide eyes as I averted the flashlight and squatted and talked softly to it. I knew it was some what senseless I have rescued many birds after flying into our windows some recover slow others fast but know they are safe from my cats till they do. My question is a nocturnal bird symbolizing wisdom hits my house at 2am what could cause this and what could it portend?