THE OWL:Since ancient times, the owl has been associated with wisdom, deep learning, and the Underworld deities. The owl was early on a creature of the Great Goddess. It was often combined with the goddess figure to make an owl-woman in early matriarchal cultures, such as Le Tene. In Peru and Ecuador, the owl image decorated spindle whorls along with a birth-giving goddess. Originally, such Middle Eastern goddesses as Mari, Lilith, and Anath were closely connected with owls. As the Patriarchies gained control, people began to belive the owl, and the goddesses with which it was associated, was an ill-omened bird whose form could be taken by an evil spirit. In Egyptian hieroglyphs, the owl signifies death, night, the black Sun in the Otherworlds. The Ainu of Japan did call this bird "beloved deity". Athene/Minerva had an owl as her sacred familiar; its image was cast on coins to represent the city of Athens. To the Celts, in general, this bird was a sacred magickal creature, sometimes called the Night Hag and the Corpse Bird. The messengers of the Hindu death god Yama were usually two dogs, but occasionally he would send an owl as his messenger. The Scottish Gaelic word "cailleach" means "owl"; this word connects it with the goddess Cailleach, who was a deity of death. This bird was called the Night Eagle by Native Americans. Most of them believed the owl was a bird of sorcerers. However, the Cherokees held sacred both the owl and the cougar for their ability to see in the dark. This creature was the Cheif of the Night to the Pawnees, who said it gave protection. SuperstitionsMany cultures belive that to see an owl is unlucky, while others consider this bird to be a messenger and guide, particularly in spiritual affairs.Supposedly owls see in totla darkness, but we all know that they must have some light just as cats do. If you look into an owl's nest, you will be unhappy the rest of your life. In Wales they say that if an owl hoots around houses, an unmarried girl has lost her virginity. In France, if a pregnant woman hears an owl, the child will be a girl. Magickal AttributesSilent and swift movement.Keen sight into obscure events. Unmasking those who would deceive you. In meditation, often a guide to and from the Underworld. Wisdom, magick, darkness, freedom. Dreams, shape-shifting Clairvoyance, astral projection, magick. A messenger of hidden truth, secrets, and omens. Moon magick Wisdom to make positive changes. ChantSoft darkness of night, a time of deep magick,Your realm, great owl whose eyes see reality in the darkness. I would call up wise and deep magicks, Magicks bold and strong, creating change. |