Do Owls symbolize anything in Christianity or in general?

Question

Recently, as I have expressed before, my health has not been well.

Today, I hit a ghost like owl. It was very dark outside and raining. If I would have swerved, I definitely would have been seriously injured or killed.

The owl was standing in the middle of my lane and looking straight at me. Its eyes kind of shocked me. I didn't realize what it was until a second before I hit it. After that, I nearly drove off the road, into a ditch.

It was standing straight forward with its wings down. It was completely white. I live in Western Pennsylvania, if that helps at all.

Please someone help me to do a little research or share your knowledge. As far as I know, owls are often harbingers of death. They have always been very symbolic to my life, and I spent a lot of my adolescence painting dead owls on canvas (odd, huh?) I am very terrified over this. Thank you.

Answer 1

I'm worried about you, Cas. I'm not remotely discounting what you saw, and I can't contribute much on the symbolism of owls. But this is the second time (that I know of) that you've posted a question about thinking you're close to death. In my experience, people who think they're close to death often die simply because they've become resigned to the idea. Since your health is already poor, I don't want you to be in such a state mentally.

I heard a quote several years ago that has stayed with me: "I'm immortal until God's done with me." No matter what the state of your health, God has a purpose for you here, and you're not leaving until you've served it. I hope you'll take some comfort in that.

Answer 2

Owl Symbolism In Christianity

Answer 3

You've mentioned this owl thing before, and I do think it's odd that you're seeing so many all of the sudden. I've only seen one in my life.

However, I'm not quite sure that it means you're going to die. In fact, there are multiple symbolisms of owls in multiple traditions, like someone mentioned Greek mythology, the Romans felt the same, etc. You seem to be focusing on the Kenyan view of owls when you say harbringers of death. I think they will only be that way if you allow them to be in your mind. If you look it up as some other mythical explanation, like you're about to come upon some sort of life inspiration (since the general assumption is that they represent wisdom--which is Native American), I think you can see it that way, too.

It confuses me a bit because if the owls represent death, you could have easily just died today, but you DIDN't. Maybe it's not representing death, but rather they're trying to awaken (or enliven you) to something. Like, "HEY! Pay attention! I have something to tell you..." I feel like if they represented death, they a. wouldn't be white and b. you'd probably be either close to dying/really deteriorating already, you know? In Indian culture, a white owl is considered a companion of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and therefore a harbinger of prosperity, and this is the only culture that I could find that specified the color of the owl, which I would think would make it a bit closer to what you're looking for. The rest have varying opinions but don't specify the color of the owl. Also, I think (just from barely knowing you and reading a lot of your questions) you have a propensity towards Eastern philosophies, so maybe the white owl explanation is more up your alley.

I don't think you're going to die. I just don't. I personally find the owl to be such a gift to my sight that I couldn't possibly see it as anything other than bringing beauty and insight. If I saw a white owl, I'd probably be mesmerized and drive off the road, too :)

Answer 4

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Yes, in certain cultures (China, Egypt, India) the symbolic meaning of owl is associated with death, but you must understand that the owl is not a symbol of death per-se. Rather - it was revered (honored) as being the guardian of the after-life - a highly respected emblem indeed. Throughout many cultures, the symbolic meaning of owl deals with: * intelligence * brilliance * perspective * intuition * quick-wit * independence * wisdom * protection * mystery * power Native American tribes (primarily plains’ Indians) viewed the owl as a protector against harm and their feathers were ritually worn to ward of evil spirits. Ancient Athenians made the owl an emblem of wisdom and even emblazoned the image of the owl on their coinage. To the ancient Greeks, the owl is a symbol of Athene who is goddess of foresight & knowledge. Taking symbolism from the owl directly, it is noteworthy that it is a creature of the night. Nocturnal creatures are symbolic of inner-knowing, psychic ability, and intuition - so too is the owl. 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. To illustrate, you may have abilities to know things that others do not know. It may be likely you have very strong intuitive abilities that can be fine-tuned. Further, you may be strong-willed person, and/or have a protective side to you. These owl sightings may be messages for you to develop your education further. Or, the owl may be trying to tell you to develop your intuition further. Owls also show themselves as a sign of warning (no, not of death). You simply need to pay close attention to people around you - owls are incredibly perceptive - you are probably perceptive too - use your powers of perception around new people you may meet. Not everyone is as nice, or “cool” as they seem to be.

Answer 5

Owls mean wisdom in some cases, only because it came down from the Greeks. Athena, Goddess of wisdom had her symbol as an owl. That was her anchor.
Owls in most Native American symbolism does reflect death.
In Mexico, Owls are seen as lucky.
So there's three different kinds of symbolism. Take it with a grain of salt.

Answer 6

I'm from South Africa, and I know that alot of people believe that if you see an owl at night, it means someone you love is going to die; it doesn't mean you are going to die. I don't thats going to put your mind to rest, but maybe it will help you believe that because you're in bad shape (health-wise) does not mean that every sign means something about death...
I see an owl at least once a week where I live, and nothing bad has happened to me! (touch wood!!!)
Get yourself to fight for strength rather than look for pain.
*You ARE gonna be ok; just because I say so...
I'm passing my good luck onto you... I don't mind a bit of pain if its helping someone else:)

Answer 7

With the Mayans it was a symbol of death and destruction
Most people symbolize with wisdom
Hinduism symbolizes the owl with cosmic spirituality.
So the owl wasn't so wise to be sitting in the street now he is dead and his spirit is among the cosmos.

How this relates to you..I don't think it does.

Answer 8

Wow, that's a weird story. Owls normally symbolize wisdom.

Answer 9

i have studied the bile for 25 years and prophecy , their be no mention of a owl .. not in old testament or in any of the other writings, , I not say i am any expert but mostly in other nations they talk about eagles sparrows are mentioned and doves and ravens also in the bible.
owls don't symbolize death either . IF you be a christian friend theirs no need to fear death, i dint know about your heath or the problems their of but I do know OF A GOD that if it is in HIS will u can regain your health.
depending on the condition of your health if this sickness is not malignant many alternative treatments are available to help.. alternative medicine takes longer but it heals the disease and doesn't just cover up the symptom, brother Murray

Answer 10

Wisdom usually. They have many meanings in Native America beliefs.