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!
My boyfriend lived in wooded area that had barred owls. We always heard them many times at night when we would be outside for our fires.
Last year on May 19 around 3am, I heard them “chanting” close. They were hooting and Laughing for 15-20 minutes, had never heard that before.
About 15 minutes after, my boyfriend passed from cancer.
I have been told they are an announcer of death. We knew Jon was close and I believe somehow they were helping.
3 if us heard it, was scary but beautiful.
About a week ago I was working an overnight shift. I work at an assisted living facility and very populated city that I would not expect to see an owl. I was outside the building talking with a resident about 3am. Suddenly something flu passes so silently we had no idea what it was at first I thought it was a falcon that we had seen a few weeks ago because it was so quiet as it flew by. It was so close and flew down very low. It went up into a tree no more than 10 feet away. I got up and look to see what it was and it was a barn owl. He sat and looked at me turning it said around moved between the branches and then suddenly came straight towards me. I would like to know your insight on this for as I have been going through a lot of challenges, trial and tribulations in my life. When doing a morning meditation and reading tarot it dawned on me that this owl may have meant something more than simply me getting to close for it’s comfort.
Today is my birthday. I took a shower on my work break and just happened to look out the window and see a large bird fly into a tree about 40 yards away from me. It sat there and seemingly stared right at me for a few mins and then flew southwest to another tree. It was a barred owl.
I also saw an owl just last week or the week before, i don’t remember now, I’d forgotten about it soon after. This one was at night and it flew directly over my car as I was driving up my driveway. Ok owl spirit, you have my attention.
Thank you so much for this page. Your artwork is gorgeous and very special!
Over the past month and a half I have seem numerous barred owls. There is one at my work hangout that I spotted sitting on a tree branch on more than one occasion lately. Unfortunately I think one of this owl’s companions got killed just down the street; I saw a pile of barred feathers in the roadway last week and I was sad to think it was the bird I had been seeing. Today he made his appearance again and I was relieved that he was still alive.
Last week as I was driving for work in another area, another barred owl swooped down and went across the roadway right in front of my vehicle. It was an amazing sight.
I think they symbolize change, and my life is definitely changing right now.
Last night I dreamt a Brown Owl was under my bed. I looked at it wondering if it was injured. I didn’t pick it up cause it seemed fine. I thought it could be a baby. I got up and got down on my knees to look more closely. I looked for obvious injuries. It’s eyes were fine, BEAUTIFUL black looking at me, so not blind. It snuggled to my leg and as I stood up it followed me around like a puppy. I checked it’s wings touching it but they were fine. Huge. Maybe this isn’t a baby. I was leaving to go somewhere and decided the owl must come with me. I could leave it. I woke wondering how to feed the owl. How to house if safe. It couldn’t stay under my bed !
I went some places with the owl and I said. It’s my owl… I better find a name for you I was thinking as I woke up.
Hi- a large Barred owl was sitting on our fence this evening at dusk. I’ve never before seen an owl in nature (only in sanctuaries). Our sighting tonight startled me so much.
Today was a big day for my family, my teenage stepdaughter came back to our house for the afternoon after a very long legal mess between my husband and his ex.
Also, recently, I’ve been sober for longer than I ever have been before.
(I’m pretty sure that that bit of info discredits me.) But still, I can’t get over the feeling that overcame me when I saw this owl sitting on our fence.
It makes me wonder about signs and symbols and the idea of trusting intuitions. I am a believer of animal spirits.
Tonight was different for me. Please help.
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.