Totem Owl Spirit Guide
Symbolism of Owls as a Power Animal or Animal Familiar in Shamanism
Jun 16, 2009
The Owl is recognized by Siberian Shamans as one of the great animal familiars, indeed Shamans with an owl spirit guide typically have powers of second sight and great sensitivity.
Universal Owl Shaman Symbolism
While different species of owl each have their own unique shamanic symbolism, there are also universal characteristics common to all owl spirit guides:
- The owl as power animal perceives truths that are veiled to many, thanks to its silent flight at night.
- An owl spirit guide is skilled in detecting untruths, thanks to its acute hearing which detects what others do not.
- The legendary intelligence of the owl is indeed a characteristic of the totem owl. A shaman with an owl spirit guide is an old soul with much wisdom thanks to this maturity.
- Thanks to its silent flight the owl power animal knows when to speak and when to keep its peace.
- The owl is a skilled hunter thanks to its great local knowledge. On a shamanic journey the owl spirit guide serves the Shaman with its detailed knowledge of the spiritual realms.
Symbolism of Owl Species as Totem Animals
In addition to the universal characteristics of owl spirit guides, each species brings its own special qualities to the Shamans they guide in the spirit world:
- The Barred Owl is a very vocal creature that will duet with its mate, correspondingly the Barred Owl is spirit guide to Shamans who are gifted in speech, and cooperative with others.
- The Barn Owl is a graceful and beautiful creature which can hunt at night using hearing alone. Likewise a Barn Owl power animal gives the Shaman the gift of clairaudience, excellent hearing and persistence in difficult situations.
- The Tawny Owl is an adaptable hunter, brave and bold. As an animal familiar the Tawny Owl offers ingenuity, courage and resilience.
- The Little Owl is a determined creature that will tackle prey many times its own size. Those fortunate enough to have a Little Owl as a spirit guide will enjoy natural persistence and optimism.
Owls have long been associated with mystery, twilight and magic in many corners of the globe, and even, in some cultures, with evil and malevolence.
To the shaman, the owl does indeed have many special qualities, though these are not to be feared as the owl is a noble and powerful spirit guide. Shamans fortunate enough to be blessed with an owl as power animal enjoy much wisdom and insight in their company on shamanic journeys.
Related Articles
Readers may also enjoy How to Find an Animal Spirit Guide, , along with learning more about Working with an Animal Spirit Guide in Shamanism.
Sources
- Animal Spirit Guides by Steven D. Farmer.
- The Complete Illustrated Encyclopedia of Witchcraft and Practical Magic, by Susan Greenwood and Raje Airey.
- Shamanism, by Nevill Drury.
- Birds Britannica, by Mark Cocker and Richard Mabey.
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