Dreaming of Owls: Discover the Spiritual Meaning and Interpretation

Owls have long captured the imagination of many cultures, with each offering its unique perspective on the symbolism of these mysterious birds. Ancient Egyptians believed they signified death and mourning; ancient Greeks associated them with Athena, the goddess of wisdom; and ancient Romans adopted both interpretations. 

So, if you’ve been dreaming of owls, what does it mean? Perhaps your dream is trying to tell you something you may not be aware of in your waking state. Here we’ll explore what these dreams might mean so you can interpret them more accurately and take positive steps in your life.

Owl Symbolism

In general, owls are considered to symbolize wisdom, good luck, and fortune. However, as a predominantly nocturnal animal, the owl is also connected with the moon. The moon, on the other hand, traditionally symbolizes femininity, the unknown, mystery, secrets, emotions, and intuition. It can consequently represent hidden emotions, suppressed thoughts, and deep-seated truths. 

However, the exact symbolism of owls in your dreams may vary greatly based on other factors and the overall context. For example, the color of the owl, its behavior, and the situation in which you encounter it all influence the specific meaning of your dream.

With that in mind, let’s explore the symbolism behind different owl species and types of owl dreams in more depth.

Type of Owl

Most people are not owl experts, and that’s perfectly fine. However, understanding what type of owl you’re encountering in your dreams can help you better interpret what it’s trying to tell you. So, here are just some owl species you may see in your sleep.

Dreaming of Snowy Owls

Snowy owls are one of the largest owl species in the world. They are predominantly white with brown or black feathers. Dreaming of snowy owls, just like white owls in general, is thought to signify peace, purity, spirituality, and joy. It can also represent new beginnings.

With that in mind, consider if your dream is alerting you to an unrecognized opportunity for a new beginning in your life — one that could bring you immense happiness and fulfillment. 

Perhaps you’ve recently met someone who could guide you toward a more spiritual path or got offered a job that could be way more fulfilling than your current one. Analyze what’s been going on in your life recently and whether it could resonate with the symbolism of a snowy owl.

Dreaming of Great Gray Owls

Great gray owls are also one of the larger owl species and are known for their big heads, yellow eyes, and silvery gray feathers. The pure size of this species could suggest that your dreams carry a message of great importance.

Generally, gray and silver owls often have more spiritual connotations. They represent mystery, the unknown, and intuition. As such, they resemble the archetype of the High Priestess, who is considered to hold secrets, possess higher or hidden knowledge, and operate on both intuition and rational thinking.

So, if you’ve been dreaming about gray or silver owls, you may be called to assess whether there’s some deception going on in your life. Is someone hiding something from you? Or are you not being entirely honest with yourself or others?

Alternatively, great gray owls may be asking you to trust your intuition more, especially if you need to make an important decision. A rational approach isn’t always the best choice, and you may be called to rely on your inner wisdom just a tad more.

Dreaming of Black-Banded Owls

Black-banded owls have predominantly black feathers and even black eyes. Their voice is typically deep and low, which adds to their serious and somewhat eerie overall appearance.

• Black owls are often connected with loss, misfortune, and even death. 

But, before you start panicking, consider if your dream is simply saying that you’re focusing too much on the negative. For example, are you constantly worried about the future? And could those doom-and-gloom scenarios just be in your head? Or are you perhaps dwelling on the past and constantly feeling guilty for the things you can’t change? 

A black-banded owl is likely inviting you to give this a thought and, if needed, adopt more positive thinking patterns. Release worry, anxiety, and baseless fears — and try to focus on the present moment instead.

• Alternatively, black owls may be pointing to your shadow self. 

Perhaps you need to pay more attention to some darker aspects of your personality and life, such as addictions or obsessions. It may be time to try to work on resolving personal issues before they get out of hand.

• Finally, black owls can also symbolize change and transformation.

This change can be both positive or negative and internal or external, so look at the entire context of your dream for more clues. Also, try to analyze both your inner and outer world and examine how you can better adapt to the potential changes in your life.

Dreaming of Golden Masked Owls

Golden masked owls have exceptional hearing, large dark eyes, and distinct pale gold feathers on chests and wings. In dreams, they usually represent wealth and success, so don’t be surprised if they’re signaling a wave of good luck coming your way! It may be especially connected with your creative endeavors or passion projects.

The color gold also symbolizes incorruptibility. This may be a sign that you’re coming into wealth or building a legacy that will last for generations. Alternatively, you may be meeting — or have just met — someone with high ethical standards. This will be a person you can trust and rely on, and someone who will possibly make your life more abundant.

Dreaming of Madagascar Red Owls

The Madagascar red owl is an endemic owl species with dark eyes and red and orange feathers. 

In general, orange owls typically symbolize creativity and enthusiasm, but may also represent some type of warning. Red owls carry similar connotations but can also represent rage, anger, strength, or even (metaphorical) bloodshed. 

With that in mind, Madagascar red owls may be warning you of a potential danger that you’re not seeing. It may be caused by someone’s anger or ego, and it will likely test your physical or mental strength. The advice here is to remain vigilant.

Alternatively, Madagascar red owls may be talking about your creativity. You may be experiencing a rare surge of inspiration, so this could be a good time to try your hand at more creative endeavors. 

For example, if you’ve been considering writing a novel for a while, now may be a good time to start. Your dream could indicate that you’ll have a lot of great ideas at this time, so use that to your advantage. Also, make sure to stay positive about your progress, trust in your abilities, and pursue your passion with confidence.

Common Types of Owl Dreams

The situation in which an owl, or a parliament of owls, appears in your dreams can also affect how you should interpret them. Here are just some examples and potential meanings.

Dreaming of an Owl Attack

If you’re dreaming of owls attacking you, you may be worrying about things that are out of your control or harboring negative thoughts that are greatly affecting your life. The advice is to address any negative thought patterns or limiting beliefs and try to be more grounded.

Dreaming about owls attacking each other, on the other hand, could represent an inner, mainly mental conflict. You may be struggling with making a decision or choosing and sticking to just one path. This is likely causing you anxiety, so consider if making even a not-fully-informed decision would be better than staying stuck in limbo.

Finally, if you’re dreaming about owls attacking other animals, such as mice, you may be surrounding yourself with deceptive and potentially dangerous people. Alternatively, this may be a worry of yours that’s not actually grounded in reality. Try to objectively assess whether the people in your life are worth your trust. Your intuition holds the answers you need.

Seeing Flying Owls in a Dream

If you’re dreaming about owls flying around a prey, this could symbolize trust issues but also heightened awareness. Even if you don’t feel like you can trust others, know that you are perceptive enough to recognize their true intentions. The same goes for situations that you may perceive as dangerous or negative. For example, if you’ve just lost your job, know that you have what it takes to get an even better one or carve out an entirely new path for yourself.

Alternatively, if you’re seeing owls flying but not hunting, your dream may be inviting you to have more faith that everything will work out in your favor. Let go of your need for control. Trust that the universe, God, or whatever you believe in has your back, and focus on simply enjoying the ride.

Dreaming of Flying as an Owl

If you are flying as an owl in your dreams, you are being called to recognize your own inner wisdom and mental sharpness. You may have confidence issues, especially when it comes to your mental abilities. Your dream is telling you that you are much more intelligent than you think.

Alternatively, you may need a bit more freedom in your life, especially mental freedom. Try to let go of limiting beliefs and negative thought patterns or seek expert help if needed.

Dreaming of Owls Biting You or Someone You Know

Dreaming of an owl biting or trying to eat you may be signaling that you’re in denial about something in your life, potentially because acknowledging it could have some unwanted or scary consequences. 

For example, an owl biting a particular body part may be alerting you to a health issue related to that specific area. You may already suspect that there’s something wrong, but you’ve been ignoring the warning signs. This is your invitation to stop trying to wish the problem away and address it head-on instead.

If an owl is biting someone you know, this person may be fighting their own inner demons or going through an especially difficult time. Consider reaching out to them and offering a helping hand or just a sympathetic ear.

Dreaming of Owls Landing on You

If an owl is landing on you in your dream, this may be a sign that your intuition has an important message that you may be ignoring or simply not getting. The advice is to reconnect with your inner guidance and emotions, perhaps through meditation, journaling, or drawing.

Seeing an Owl Staring at You 

An owl staring at you may be symbolic of a hidden truth waiting to be revealed. There may be something you need to uncover by going deep within. This could be a life-changing revelation with usually positive effects in the long run.

For example, you may be stuck in a relationship that doesn’t really fulfill you. It may be the time to face that truth and communicate it to your partner. No matter how painful this may be, it will ultimately be in the best interest of both of you.

Dreaming about Dead or Injured Owls

A dead, dying, or injured owl may signify a decay of old beliefs or traditions. It is calling you to open to a much-needed change. 

Perhaps it has to do with abandoning some conventional beliefs you’ve been conditioned to accept. Alternatively, it may signify that a person you see as your mentor is not guiding you in the right direction, potentially because they’re motivated by personal gain instead of your best interest.

Examine if you hold any beliefs that you’ve adopted simply because you were told or taught to. Are they having positive or negative effects on your life? Is it time to adopt some new beliefs, or explore alternative perspectives?

Killing an Owl in a Dream

If you dream about killing an owl, this may symbolize deliberately ignoring the truth or being in denial. For example, you may be avoiding tackling some shadow aspects of your personality, ditching bad habits, or getting out of a toxic relationship.

Whatever the case may be, the dream is telling you that you already know there’s an issue that needs resolving. Now’s the time to be honest about it and take action.

Saving an Owl in a Dream

Dreaming about saving an owl could signify strong will and moral values. You may have recently stood up for something you believe in despite potentially negative consequences. 

Alternatively, the dream may be urging you to do so. Agreeing with or doing things you don’t believe in could have negative effects on your well-being in the long run.

Owls Talking in a Dream

If an owl is talking to you in your dream, it will usually represent other people in your life. Depending on what the owl is talking about, or how it’s making you feel, it could symbolize either negative or positive influences in your life. 

You may be called to appreciate and listen to those who support you more. In the opposite scenario, it may be indicating that it’s time to end relationships with people who put you down or hold you back.

The Biblical Meaning of Owls in a Dream

Owls are only referenced in the Old Testament, usually in connection with loneliness, isolation, destruction, and judgment. They were described as one of the few animals that would still inhabit the desert wastelands of Egypt and the Holy Land, which may be why some interpret their hooting as mournful laments.

The Bible also describes owls as unclean, perhaps because of their predatory nature. The Mosaic Law, for example, explicitly states that they were not to be eaten due to uncleanliness. This may signify that humans are to stay away from owls or, rather, the things they symbolize, such as occult or esoteric knowledge.

Suddenly Dreaming of Owls

Dreaming of owls just after you’ve encountered them in real life doesn’t necessarily have a deep symbolic meaning. It may just be the case that your brain is still analyzing and processing past events. 

However, if you haven’t recently seen or been in contact with owls in real life, then you may want to take a closer look at the possible symbolic meanings. Pay special attention to your thoughts and overall mental activity. 

Do you perhaps need to rely less on rational thinking, and more on your intuition? Or do you need to admit some harsh truths to yourself and others? Honestly answering these questions could have a positive effect on your life, even if you don’t strongly believe in dream symbolism.

Bottom Line

While it’s useful to know the general meanings behind owls, as well as other animals or objects you encounter in your sleep, remember that dreams are deeply personal. They may mean different things to different people, so think about how they relate to your life.

Dreams can also be totally random. It may be useful to consider if you’re relying on dream interpretations just a tiny bit too much. Always treat your dreams as opportunities to get to know yourself better rather than something you should blindly trust and follow.

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