The owl, a symbol of wisdom and the sacred bird of Athena, is steeped in superstitions. Since the Christian era, the bird has been riddled with negative press that is clearly reflected in the old superstitions. This may have been because of its Pagan symbolism and the fact that it was the bird of Athens, Greece.
1. Melancholy
The eyes of an owl are wide and all-seeing. It is perhaps for this reason that it was believed that if you stare into the eyes of an owl for too long, you would become melancholic.
2. Whooping Cough
In Yorkshire, it was believed that the whooping cough could be cured by eating broth made from an owl.
3. Owl’s Screech
To hear the owl’s screech at midnight foretells of a death.
4. Day Screech
In Germany it was believed that a severe fire would alight if an owl screeched during the daytime.
5. Hoots at You
Because of the negative Christian superstitions about the owl, it was believed that if an owl hooted directly at you, you would be cursed with bad luck. Among the Pagan classes, an owl hooting at an individual could be seen as the wise owl sharing her wisdom.
6. Witches
If it’s a particularly active owl-hooting night, our recent ancestors believed that the witches were out and about. It is not in the least bit surprising that owls (birds of sacred knowledge) and witches (the students of sacred knowledge) were paired together.
7. A Chance Meeting
If, while outside at night, you meet an owl by chance, you are about to gain a great advantage over other people in your industry or at your job.
8. To Stop the Screeching
If the screeching of an owl is bothering you, take an article of clothing off and then put it back on inside out. This was believed to shut owls up.
9. White Owls
White owls were believed to be the spirits of the dead. In other superstitions, white owls had the ability to point out hidden treasure to deserving people.
10. Hoot Back
If you hoot at an owl and it hoots back, you will have good luck for the rest of the month.
