The owl is an amazing creature, so observant, still, and determined. In this video we get a first-hand look at the eagle owl swooping in with talons extended.
The Owl as a Totem
The owl is a popular totem because of its size, strength, and keen perspective. Because of its visionary abilities it is identified with clairvoyant, the ability to “see clearly” or perceive on a meta-physical level. The owl is also a night-bird, and is often associated with the shadow side of self. It is full of determination and silent power.
The Shadow Self
The shadow-self, when mentioned, usually raises a few eyebrows. We rarely like that deeper look into ourselves, expecting to find things that are bad or at least unpleasant, or uncovering our flaws.
This “place” or “self” isn’t a place where we hide our wrong-doings, it’s a place that is unseen. This means that when we are attracted or drawn toward the shadow-self, or a symbol like the owl, that we could just be looking for a part of ourselves that we put into safekeeping many years back. Eventually our desire to be whole, complete, and happy will over-ride our hesitation to delve into the unseen. Because of this the owl could be seen as a healing totem.
My Own Owl Stories
I’ve had so few owl encounters, but each has peaked my attention. My first was during a walk along the creek nearby my home. I could see a creature perched on a fallen tree just over the creek, and from the distance thought it might be a cat. My dog at that time, a small dog, was far ahead enjoying her off-leash freedom. This “cat” turned its head and watched the dog, and in hindsight I realized it was sizing up the dog for a good meal. As we grew closer the most amazing wings came out, and the owl took flight. Much like the video without the claws and “in your face” contact.
Years later I found an owl feather on the estate of a friend, and when I offered it I was told, “No, that feather was gifted to you”. I took the feather (cleaning it with diatomaceous earth), and placed it in the bag with my native american tarot cards. Some time later I wondered about the readings I did for myself, they seemed so dark, all about the healing work I was focusing on around past events I was ready to face. Then I realized that the owl feather was setting the tone, bringing me to that healing place as quickly as an owl swoops down on its prey. The feather now resides elsewhere, away from the cards as well as sleeping spaces.
Owl Healing
How can we heal ourselves with the totem energy of the owl? We can approach our own healing efforts with compassion and gentleness, after all if we have hidden away any part of ourselves it was for good reason, typically because at that time we did not feel safe in sharing our beauty and light. The Owl may thrive in the darkness of the night, but it is certainly a greatly loved creature in the heart of the divine.
Hummingbird Moments – Fierce Spirits Taking Action© 2011 Estee Taschereau. To make an appointment for a private life clarity session or healing session please use the contact form. Sessions are available by phone in the U.S. and Canada and Skype internationally. Weekend times are available.
Being Here Now: Find Your Center, Stand Your Ground
A collection of simple to use tools and techniques for recognizing and maintaining your own energy “space” and finding your focus. 
This self-aware approach to living is offered with compassion and a light-hearted appreciation. Estee shares with us her philosophy on helping others in their path to self-realization: “The greatest motivator we have is the natural magnetic draw toward being in a place that is safe and encouraging, that is the key element I’ve woven into every page of this book.” You can purchase Estee’s book Being Here Now in paperback or ebook format. The concept is simple yet amazingly powerful: “Find your center, stand your ground.”
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