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Saturday, October 11, 2014

The Owl and the Witch

 Since Halloween is just around the corner, this is an good time to talk about the connection between owls and witches.  Much superstition has long surrounded the owl; some good, some bad (unfortunately, mostly bad), and one of the most popular is that owls were familiars to the witches. 



Animals as familiars stems from Medieval European folklore where it was believed that, not only witches truly existed, but that there were supernatural entities in forms of animals that protected and  assisted them with their magic. It was believed that familiars were not owned by the witches; that they held total free will and intellect, and even had their own magical powers. 

In ancient Rome and Greece, it was also believed that a witch could transform herself into an owl and that when the hoot of an owl was heard, it meant that a witch was coming.  

We all now know better, yet, legends of the familiars, including the owl, still lives on in our modern day holiday, O' Halloween.












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Monday, September 22, 2014

Owl Power Animal

     In Shamanism, it is believed that all wild animals' spirits have the power to aid and heal us along our life journey, including the owl. They are known as "power animals" and the belief is that everyone has one primary, or totem one; the one they are most often drawn to, and others that come and go based on your needs, as well, as for playing the role of messengers. This is very much like the Christian beliefs of guardian angels. 

     Each power animal has their own unique characteristics and message to provide us with guidance and healing.  Our totem animal also reflects our own character, and are there to help us grow as an individual. The cool thing is you can actually ask your power animals questions by mediating on them. The answers would be revealed at that time, or later as you go your through your daily life; often by other unexpected power animals showing up in your life with their own specific messages.

What is your Power Animal? 


     If you are very drawn to owls, almost to the exclusion of other wild animals, than you may certainly have an owl as your totem animal. But, then, it may also be that the owl is a power animal for the moment, here to provide you with some life challenge guidance. How long a power animal remains in your life all depends on the individual. It can be a few days or several years. 

Owl Symbolism:        

- A major upcoming change or life transition.  
- The ability to see past deceit and illusions (what is untrue). 
- Wisdom 
- Strong intuition. 
- Enthusiast for the unknown. 
  
The owl is a great power animal to call forth when you are in a state of confusion or suspicion, or for help to discover your hidden potential and talents. 
 

If you have an owl as your totem animal, you are very intuitive and love to explore the unknown. 

To learn more, check out this great Kindle book available at Amazon:  The Owl Spirit Animal Guide 

Also available at Zazzle: 


















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Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Introducing the Barred Owl

This week, let's learn about another owl species: the Barred Owl.  


The Barred Owl is medium sized with  brown and white striped plumage, large brown round eyes, a yellowish bill, and a short rounded tail. It has a round head with no ear tufts.  Take a look:

 
      
This fellow is commonly found all through the eastern United States, and through southern Canada. Although it lives mostly in dense forest and near bodies of water, such as lakes, rivers, and swamps, it is also sometimes seen around populated areas, such as parks. This is one species of owl that you can see during the day, thought mostly at dusk, or on cloudy days. Also, they are  known to be attracted to campfires and lanterns where large insects can be readily seen.

The Barred Owl's diet is similar to other owls; consisting mostly of small mammals, with the occasional reptiles, fish, and invertebrates (snails, scorpions, etc.). 

Their only natural predator is the Great Horned Owl.

The Barred owl is well known for its series of hoots that sounds like it's saying "Who, cooks, for you?  Who cooks for you?".    Listen: Barred Owl Call 

However, like other owls, they have a large range of sounds, such as shrieks, grumbles, and squeaks. 

The Barred Owl is a truly an interesting fellow and I am happy to report that this is one owl species that, at present, appears to be doing well in numbers. 

Barred Owl Themed Products: 


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Friday, August 8, 2014

Owl and the Medicine Men


    

In many American Indian tribes, the owl was, and still is, strongly associated with the medicine man, or Shaman.  The Lakota medicine men are said to obtain their power from clear, sharp dreams, like the sight of the owl.  Ojibwa medicine man even kept a stuffed owl near them while they worked their medicine so that they could 'see'.

 Creek medicine men used an owl feather as a symbol of their calling, whereas, the Ponca medicine men used owl feathers in their medicine practice.

 According to the Pawnee tribe:
  "The owl is the leading medicine-man among the birds."

In dedication to all the hard working and self sacrificing doctors, nurses, and everyone else in the health industry who are always there when we need them. 










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Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Why are Owls Wise?


     You hear it all the time: "Wise as an owl". You may also be familiar with the quote: 
"The wise owl sat on a oak; the more he saw the less he spoke; The less he spoke the more he heard; Why aren't we like that wise old bird?"
So, I asked, why is this mostly nocturnal wild bird associated with wisdom, including that of the scholar? After some research, I was surprised to find that it held these symbols for many centuries in many different cultures. Not only that, but there are many fascinating lore, stories, and beliefs about owls. Suffice to say that there are too many to share here and now, but, stick around and I will reveal some from time to time.

I will not leave you hanging, though. The owl symbolizes wisdom and scholars due to its very nocturnal watchfulness that correlates with the belief that wisdom is gain with quiet vigilance, as well, as for the late night habits of scholars.
"The fence to wisdom is silence"  -- Akiba ben Joseph

Speaking of scholars, it is about Back to School time.
Ending summer vacation is not fun, but getting new stuff for school is, especially when you have owls as the theme.  

Owl Spiral Note Book
Owl Spiral Note Book by Victoria_flowers
Design a custom notebook online at zazzle.com


Boy Blue Owl Chevron Lunchbox
Boy Blue Owl Chevron Lunchbox by Lovewhatwedo
View Blue Yubo Lunchbox online at zazzle


Barn Owl Peek Dry Erase Whiteboards
Barn Owl Peek Dry Erase Whiteboards by PattiJAdkins
Find more Owls Dry Erase Boards at Zazzle





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Friday, July 11, 2014

The Secluded Crested Owl

There is one owl species that is not very well known, yet is  distinctive from the others, and also fascinating. It is called the Crested Owl. This owl is medium sized and is strictly nocturnal; hence, not much is known about it. 

 Its ear tufts are a bit more pronounced and longer; sometimes seeming to be horizontal to the head when the bird is on alert. The overall plumage is in various shades of browns, black, and tan, and they usually have dark eyes. The most characteristic part of this species is its large white eyebrows that seems to continue all the way up to the end of the tufts.

They inhabit both Central and South America within the rain forest.  The Crested Owl's diet consist mostly of large insects, such as beetles. They also hunt small vertebrates on occasion. 


The most unusual trait of this bird is the deep frog-like sound it sometimes makes.
Listen Here.  

You can find whimsical and cute Crested Owl designed gifts at Zazzle's Oneartsymomma store:      

The Blue Owl Apron
The Blue Owl Apron by OneArtsyMomma
Browse more Owl Aprons at Zazzle








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Saturday, June 28, 2014

Summer Owling


A great summer vacation idea for owl enthusiasts is to go Owling, finding and sighting owls. With young owls out about trying out their wings from branch to branch, summer is the perfect time to do this. But you will need to be prepared and know where to go. 


1) First thing first: obtain a field guide to determine where to go and what owl species are in that area. Knowing which birds are in the area can aid you with where and how to locate them by their habits and behaviors. 

 2) You may also want to study the owls' calls to further aid your search. 


There also are many places on the Internet that can help you here, including YouTube .

3) Have the right equipment, meaning a pair of binoculars, the more powerful, the better. Also, dress as to not draw attention to yourself, such as dark clothes and nothing shiny. You can bring a backpack, but make sure their is nothing clinking and clanking when you move.

4) You may, of course, want to bring a long lens camera and a journal or notebook to enjoy and record your great owl adventure. But, again, keep it quite. Owls can hear for miles. 

 Some wildlife refuges and other local park organizations provide guided owl walks. You may want to check your area for these as an alternative to going on your own. 

 Nevertheless, whether you're going owling or on another great outdoor trek, you'll want
to be well equipped. 





Handsome Owl Travel Mug
Handsome Owl Travel Mug by PattiJAdkins
Browse additional gift mugs at Zazzle







black and white owls do-rag
black and white owls do-rag by sallylux
Find more Black Bandana at Zazzle









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