Yesterday something really amazing happened. I was back from a 3 days offsite. I had done this after almost 2 years and did not really estimate the fatigue. I was exhausted. Physically mentally and emotionally.
As I lay letting the sun stream in and fall on my face. Trying to rest. I heard some flutter. This is normal. So I continued.. I heard more flutter and a strange other sound, I got a little curious.This time I got up I was wondering where it was coming from. Amidst all the plants, at first I could not see it. And then I did. It was a bird, larger than a sparrow, quieter than a myna. I could not see its head or eyes. It spread it’s wings once, they were not broken, thank god it’s not hurt. But what was it.. I tried to touch, it did not back off good.
I slowly picked it up, it came readily in my hands and only then I realized, it was a baby Owl. I could not believe my eyes, I had never seen an own this close, in person, certainly never held one, and absolutely had not even heard of one coming and landing in a balcony.
All of a sudden I was not tired anymore. It kind of hit my refresh button on all three levels. I called her Hedwig – yes ofcourse after Harry Potter’s Owl. How did I know it’s a she,I don’t. But it just felt like that.
Just holding and petting her, letting her have water off my finger was such an absolute joy.. She is just this really cute sleepy owl. My maid Anita, also got super excited. We both fussed over her and wondered what to feed this little one.
Anita said she will call her Tilloo. Because he made sounds like that. I am ok. Tilly. Mostly kept her one eye shut, but every now and then she opened, she has strong wings and claws and she held on to my finger. I forgot I had to start packing and leave for the airport. I just felt this immense care and peace, as I held Hedwig .
I know Nothing about Owls. And this incident is crazy for two other reasons.
A few days ago I bought a fancy face mask with an Owl on it. Just so I go wear it on my first flight after 19 months. Second, in the leadership offsite, in one of the activities where people made, one of them drew what looked like an Owl. We all discussed the significance of what that meant etc.
And now Hedwig, literally flew into my house.
Of course I started to look up Owl. And What does it mean. Often when some bird por animal shows up in your environment, it brings with it its spirit. Last few months for me it has been the Slug. I would meet her in the garden quite regularly. And It meant I needed to slow down, stretch and shape shift. Which I have be consciously doing. I had called her “So”.
I wonder what Hedwig is here for now
What is a spirit animal?
Found in different cultures and belief systems, the concept of spirit animals is one that many humans adopt. Often called spirit animals, animal guides, or power animals, these beings act as spiritual companions who aid and guide you along your journey
A spirit animal can become a symbol of a chapter in your life. An animal guide temporarily lends you their energies and attributes when you need them, and you can take on their inspiring traits.
Wisdom Intuition and Femininity
Through folklore, we all associate owls with wisdom at some time or other. We have so many “Owl emblems” on clothes,” “Luck owl Pendant” etc. etc. Rather than intellectual wisdom, though, owls are connected with the wisdom of the soul. Owls are often seen as mysterious, mostly because many Owls live within the darkness, which includes magic, mystery, and ancient knowledge and Human also fear darkness. Hence some culture think of the Owl as bad. It is related to the night and the moon. Which is how owls are also a symbol of the feminine and fertility, with the moon’s cycles of renewal.
The bit about feminine, fertility, darkness moon, is where The owl get the Intuition qualities. It knows long before it is known, sometime even to itself.
Owl feminine generally conjures the image of an old woman, an elder who will speak the truth. The fear of witches started from there. Because they spoke of things which were uncomfortable .We even use the phrase ”Wise Old Owl”
I have had many experience with this. Sometimes it quite frustrating. Because I can see, and can’t really explain or show “facts” to support. Because often it’s a very strong instinct. But it is Very Clear. I have lived listening to it often. But when It some to telling this to other about what I can see. It tough. People often get around to seeing what I sherd after about 3-4 years. Or in some cases too late. Earlier I used to get very frustrated at not being able to show what I m seeing or convince. But now over the years I have come to accept people will only see when and if they are ready. I cannot short cut anyone’s journey. No matter what.
Truth Courage and Death
The owl was a symbol for Athena, goddess of wisdom and strategy. According to myth, an owl sat on Athena’s blind side, so that she could see the whole truth.
It is said that when truth is revealed it needs to be spoken Often it may not be nice. “Truth will set you free, but before that it will it piss you off” and that is when it Needs Courage.
There are many superstitions surrounding the owl, many of which focus on death. In Europe and America, owl was seen as a harbinger of death. This was due to certain peoples, like the Dakota, and some Germanic tribes who would signal the approach of attack with the hoot of an owl. It gave news of the unseen, as a warning to be prepared. People did not like it They would rather remain in the illusion and sleep.
It alluded to Death, not just physical but also of blindness, believe, illusions. Stories, perceptions and so on.
In Celtic mythology, Owls knew the way to the underworld and were fierce defenders of truth and honor. Owl has no tolerance for deception, even when we are deceiving ourselves.
My friend Monisha, pointed out that the owl showed up just after I wrote about sunsets. And entering the dark night. It felts like nature, send me a bird that not only can see in the dark but has the Best night vision. How amazing is that. I feel so blessed.
Some Facts:
- Owls can almost turn their heads all the way around, but it’s not quite a 360 turn. They can turn their necks 135 degrees in either direction, which gives them 270 degrees total movement. – Look around
- Owls are able to turn their heads without injury or cutting off blood to their brain because they have a blood-pooling system that powers their brain and eyes during a dramatic neck twist.
- An owl’s eyes are so well-developed that they are not balls but rather tubes that are held into place by a bony structure. This means an owl can only look straight ahead. An owl must turn its head to look side to side. They account for 1-5% percent of the owl’s body weight – It “sees” with his whole body. This seeing as been a running them in my life last few months for sure.
- Owls ears are placed asymmetrically and are different sizes. This allows them to receive sounds at different times and pinpoint the exact location of the sound. They can hear the unheard. The felt familiar
- They live on mountain cliff and edges or high up in trees
- An owl’s flattened face funnels sound to their ears, it acts like a dish antenna. so that they can detect even the slightest noise.
Silent and Subtle
I am quite fascinated by this quality. Even in general. Non significance. Being subtle.
The Owl has this amazing to fly almost soundlessly through the trees. When most birds fly, the air turbulence created by wing flapping produces sound, and, typically, the larger and faster a bird is, the noisier its flight. But not owls. Even large species like the Barn Owl or Great Horned Owl can fly virtually silently—a quality that has long fascinated scientists.
“Owls have a suite of unique wing and feather features that enable them to reduce locomotion-induced sound,” says Krista Le Piane, who recently presented her work on the evolution of silent owl flight at the Animal Behaviour Society conference.
It makes no noise. It does not need its presence to be seen.
It has been even been recorded on film. It has strong wings and strong talons. It sees and hears and keeps silence – No wonder Wisdom is associated with this Bird.
Feminine Energy
Mythology
In India, the goddess of wealth named Lakshmi travels with a white barn owl, which is said to represent wealth, prosperity, wisdom, good luck and fortune. Lakshmi’s owl symbolizes patience, intelligence and wisdom. It has the ability to foretell events. Uluka becomes Lakshmi’s vahana when she blesses with wealth and prosperity. The owl asks of Lakshmi’s devotees not to be trapped by wealth and its splendour.
I find the timing of this So beautiful. We are a few days away from the Festival of Diwali. Laxmi is one of the main Goddess of the. I feel deeply Grateful. It is said where Laxmi is not respected she will not come. I remember as a Child I used to see laxmi in my dreams, she would often be sitting n mango trees. And Even last year, I has a dream of Laxmi, which was so clear. I feel a certain connection with her. As a manifestation, I have often experience abundance.
In Australia, the Wardaman tribe believes that Gordol the owl created the world. The Ainu people of northeastern Japan have revered the Blakiston’s fish owl as “the Emperor of the Night” or the “God that Protects the Village
Astrology Curiosity and Democracy
In Native American Zodiac & Astrology, people born May 21 – June 21 (Southern Hemisphere) & November 22 – December 21 (Northern Hemisphere) are born under the sign of the Owl. Great I thought – I am Nov 30th. So Born under the sign of the Owl.
Owl people are extraordinary communicators, particularly when it comes to the great Mysteries. You have a quick mind, high standards, and a strong sense of honour.
Those with the Owl Native American Zodiac & Astrology Sign may be misunderstood because of their uncanny ability to move quietly and effectively through figurative or literal darkness.They are also fast on their feet, making it hard for people to keep up with you. This is feedback I have often heard.
Owls as they are able to look around are very curious and alert by nature. They literally can pick up the slightest of murmurs.
In some cultures, the owl has mythological and pagan symbolism as the seer into two worlds of night and day, and the ever-lasting symbol of democracy, wisdom and many other meanings. The bit of democracy is it does not differentiate between darkness and light, death and life as – bad or good. It is what it is.
Because of the nature of its eyes, it has long vision and takes in the Big picture more. And then uses it talon and feather to do the details.
The owl of Minerva takes its flight only when the shades of night are gathering.”
— G.W.F. Hegel,
I also learnt that Hedwig, came from Hedwig of Silesia, Duchess of Silesia from 1201 and of Greater Poland . She took to the throne at 13 yrs and was later canonized as a Saint. Back to feminine power.
All in all, Post the Sunset – it’s a message of new beginnings. is clear. And learning an integrating light and dark. Moving ahead with Seeing more, and speaking the truth and not creating too much noise. It certainly feels like time to welcome Laxmi, and her fortune, Athena and her wisdom and courage, Hedwig for her spiritual strength.
The Spirit animal shows up in many forms, pictures, mention reading etc. Perhaps the Fact that this is showing up here. s for us to also collectively “see” the unseen and hear the unheard and have the Courage to Speak our Truth. Wisdom is NOT loud. Curiosity Is not Arrogant. And wealth is not measured . And Look at the Big Picture
“A wise old owl lived in an oak;
Edward Richards
The more he saw the less he spoke;
The less he spoke the more he heard:
Why can’t we all be like that bird?”
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