What is the symbolic significance of a white owl?

Question

The white owl appears in Harry Potter; and before it, in countless other fairy tales. What does it signify as an archetype?

In my culture, (Pakistan/India), an owl not just means bad luck, but it is a "stupid bird." If we want to call someone an idiot, we call them an "ulloo" - Urdu for Owl.

But I feel it's a wise bird. As for its association with bad luck, it makes scientific sense. For, of course, it tends to reside in deserted places. If you see flies, the place is dirty. Therefore if you are seeing owls, and in daylight, there is something "deserted" there.

But I am curious about the white owl, and what does it mean in the Western folklore?

Answer 1

Some legends say that Priestess Oracles of Mythological Ancient, Lemuria, Atlantis, and Avalon and some other early mythological kingdoms are known as Magi-ratha or "Wise Women of the White Owl". Their symbols are the White Owl,Rowan Tree, Oak Trees, Honey Bees, Star Sapphire, and the Labyrinth.

The White Owl is a symbol of the Illuminati in the book series of that name by Adam Weishaupt.

Greeks, Romans, and Celts used the White Owl as symbol of:

Psychic Powers
Spirituality
The Angel of Death
The "Goddess" of night

Asian and European cultures used the Owl as a symbol of Wisdom and spiritualism.

Other Ancient Connections:

Owls = Wisdom & Spirit
White = Darkness or the black arts

King Arthur's Queen Guinnevere's name = "White Shadow" - Her symbol was the White Owl.

In Greek Mythology the "Goddess" Artemis, (Diana in Roman mythilogy), had a pet white owl that was supposed to embody Wisdom.

In the Myth of Perseus, Artemis was ordered by Zues, his father, to gift him with her pet owl, which was meant to guide him with wisdom.

Indians from North America, Inuit from northern Canada, Aborigines from Australia and even Tibetan monks believe that a White BUFFALO means the dawning of a new era of Peace and harmony.

In American Indian Folk Lore, if a hoot owl hooted outside your window for 7 nights in a row you would die.

Variance by Indian Tribe:

The Cree:
Boreal Owl whistle is a summoning to spirit world

Apache:
Dream of an owl Death is near

Cherokee:
Vision and insight

Africa:
Wizardry & Witchcraft

Answer 2

White Owls

Answer 3

"cuando el tecolote canta, el indio muere "- an old Mexican proverb. White Owls were thought, and are thought, to be the bringers of death. Or at least have an innate knowledge of death. An owl seen in the day time is a bad omen. My culture anyway. I live beside a tree with a great white owl. I do not fear it, or it's screams, but I have never seen at day.

Answer 4

Personally, I like the Native American view of the White Owl...check it out would you?
http://www.spiritanimal.info/owl-spirit-animal/
Such a Positive Image from this naturally beautiful animal given to us by the Creator in Heaven...
I can't imagine why there would be negative dispersions cast upon it ...

Answer 5

I tend to go with the Cherokee on a white owl meaning a sign of inner self growth, vision, and gaining wisdom!

Answer 6

In my tribe (Quinault, Native American), an owl (specifically the white owl) is the messenger of death

Answer 7

I'm not sure, but where I come from, an owl of any color is a harbinger of death. I know quite a few locals who are absolutely terrified of them.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Owl#Myth.2C_lore.2C_and_popular_culture

Answer 8

I seem to be outnumbered on this one, but I was always taught that an owl was the messenger of wisdom.

Answer 9

I always spend my half an hour to read this blog's posts daily along with a mug of coffee.

Answer 10

Sounds interested