Owl Symbolism: Sightings, Dreams & More

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Learn what it might mean to see or dream about an owl

Co-authored by Dev Murphy, MA Reviewed by Michelle Arbeau

Last Updated: July 20, 2025 Fact Checked

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Owl Symbolism

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Owl Sightings

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Dreams

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Colors

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Cultural & Religious Significance

Whether you find yourself dreaming about owls often or you just admire these magical, mysterious birds, you might be wondering if there’s any spiritual or cultural significance to them. In fact, the owl holds special significance across many cultures and spiritualities: they often symbolize wisdom, intuition, observation, and independence, but there’s more to these feathery fellows than that. We’ll explore the symbolism of owls below.

Things You Should Know

Owls are symbols of intuition, wisdom, and independence. If you see or dream of an owl, it could be a sign to trust your instincts.
Dreaming of an owl may also indicate a great change is coming. It could also be a message from someone who has died.
Owls are also symbolic of perspective. Seeing one may be a sign to take a step back and look at your situation with a bird's-eye view.

Section 1 of 5:

Owl Symbolism

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Owls symbolize wisdom, intuition, and independence. There is no singular meaning of owls, but for many people, they represent wisdom and are a reminder to be proud of your achievements. Owls are also symbols of independent thought, and encourage you to trust your own instincts. They're also a sign of good luck.
- If you choose to make the owl your spiritual guide, or feel you have a spiritual connection to this creature, it may help you cultivate these traits.

Section 2 of 5:

What does it mean when you see an owl?

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Owls are majestic creatures that have fascinated humans for years. Because owls typically come out at night, it’s rare to spot one, so if you do, it could mean good things are coming your way.
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An owl sighting could be a sign to trust your gut. Seeing an owl could be a message from the universe or your guardian angels that you need to practice relying on your intuition, the way the owl relies on its own intuition. If you feel too close to the situation, step back and look at it with an owl's bird's-eye view to get some perspective on things. We know you'll make the right choice in the end.
- Give yourself time to meditate or pray regularly to help hone your intuition.

Section 3 of 5:

What does it mean to dream about an owl?

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It may be a sign you are ignoring something important in real life because it is scary or uncomfortable. Dig deep into your well of bravery to face whatever situation you're in head-on—it'll pay off.
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It could mean you need to rely on your intuition more. Owls frequently symbolize intuition and instinct, so if you dream of an owl, it might mean you’re not trusting your gut enough. Pay attention to your body when meeting someone or making a choice—your gut will let you know if something is off.
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An owl could indicate death or change is coming. Owls are frequently associated with death and the afterlife as well as transformation. Death is the greatest of all transformations, so if you dream of a dead owl, it could be a sign someone you know will die soon. An owl could also mean you may undergo a great change soon.
- An owl in a dream could also be a message from someone you know who has died. Pay attention to the feeling of your dream and what else occurs in it to tell what that message might be. For instance, if you feel peaceful in your dream, your loved one may be telling you they’re safe and happy.

Section 4 of 5:

Owl Color Symbolism

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White owls represent change and transformation. Black owls are symbols of spiritual protection and the subconscious. Grey owls are signs of balance and trust.

Section 5 of 5:

Owl Significance in Different Cultures & Religions

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Native American culture The owl signifies different things to different tribes, but they are often associated with spirits and the afterlife. Depending on the tribe, they may be something to revere or to fear.^{[1]
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- To the Kwagulth people, for instance, the owl is believed to be the spirit of an ancestor who has passed on.
- In the Kwakiutl tribe, owls are believed to be the souls of people, and must not be harmed.
- The Native people of the Sierras believed the Great Horned Owl carried the souls of the dead into the underworld.
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African culture In many African countries, owls are believed to be bad omens. Some believe the owl brings illness to children, while others believe the owl is connected to sorcery and witchcraft.
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Japanese and Chinese culture Owls symbolize good luck and protection in Japanese and Chinese culture. Some people believe the owl brings positive energy and that placing a owl decoration in your home will bring good luck to your household.
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Ancient Egypt According to ancient Egyptian myth, owls are the gatekeepers of the underworld. They may offer protection to souls who accidentally wander into the underworld. The owl is considered a positive omen.
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Ancient Greece and Rome The owl symbolizes the soul in ancient Greek and Roman mythology. It is the animal associated with the Greek Athena, goddess of wisdom, craft, and warfare; the Roman counterpart to Athena is Minerva.^{[2]
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Judaism According to the Jewish faith, owls may symbolize something unclean and are sometimes depicted in stories to represent desolation and ruin.
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Christianity In the Bible, owls are depicted as unclean or evil. For instance, in Isaiah 34:11: “11The desert owl and screech owl will possess Edom, and the great owl and raven will dwell in it. The LORD will stretch out over Edom a measuring line of chaos and a plumb line of destruction.”
- Owls may also be symbols of loneliness and isolation. In Psalm 102:6-7, David writes: “I am like a desert owl, like an owl among the ruins. I lie awake; I have become like a bird alone on a roof.”