OWL Symbolism and Trends

"By the Middle Ages in Europe, the Owl had become the associate of witches and the inhabitant of dark, lonely and profane places, a foolish but feared spectre. An Owl's appearance at night, when people are helpless and blind, linked them with the unknown, its eerie call filled people with foreboding and apprehension: a death was imminent or some evil was at hand. Other mythology related to witches and owls were that the owls were messengers for sorcerer's and witches; that they danced together on the graves of the dead; and that if you hear the hoot of an owl, then a witch approaches."

My own affiliation with Owls began a few years back when they began to manifest in my life in many ways and with such frequency that it forced me to not only pay heed to their arrival, but to go in search of explanation as to what it all could mean. The first thing I read, said that Owls are thought by some to be messengers of death. Eeegads! That sure enough got my attention. So I read further, and this is what I learned...."If an owl has visited you, an incredible gift has been bestowed. Also, keep in mind that animals are only called to those who share the same energy. In other words, you hold within you some of the very same symbolic attributes the owl represents."

Of course I wanted to know what attributes and symbolism the Owl held that I might share, and this is what I discovered...."The symbolic meaning of the Owl is Intelligence, Perspective, Intuition, Quick Wit, Independence, Wisdom and Mystery. Owls are creatures of the night. Nocturnal creatures are symbolic of inner-knowing, psychic ability and intuition - so too is the Owl. To illustrate, you may have abilities to know things that others do not know. It may be likely you have very strong intuitive abilities, the owl may be trying to tell you to develop your intuition further. "

After realizing the strong connection I had with this animal...I wanted to do my part to try and bring the Owl back in fashion. I remembered a real bohemian-chic friend of my Mom's from the 70's when I was a young girl. And although I can't recall hardly anything else about her...the one thing that I never forgot was this Owl necklace she wore. So I went in search of it on eBay although I only had a mental image of it in my mind's eye. And lo and behold I found it there for sale. So that began my love affair with Owl necklaces. Here is a photo of my personal collection. The one I remember from my youth is the large gold and silver hinged Owl with black eyes on the right. I hang my owl necklaces around my room with scarves because I love the bohemian feel it gives. And judging by the prevalence of Owls in the marketplace...the trend is alive and well. To hear some Owl folklore and hoots...just listen in here: http://birdnote.s3.amazonaws.com/Birdnote/2005/October/102805-The-Folklore-of-Owls.mp3