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
Cosmic 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!
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.