With Halloween quickly approaching, let’s talk about the spookier side of owls! Back in the day, there were many beliefs surrounding owls – some good and some bad. 

 

For example, some commonly held beliefs about owls were: 

  • They were omens of death

  • They were demonic associates of witches 

  • Evil spirits could appear in the bodies of owls 

  • They were positively associated with the goddess Athena

  • Eagle owls were good protection against evil

  • They could foretell the weather 

 

Whether owls were considered good or bad all depended on the time period and culture. These beliefs occurred with equal frequency. Some believed that owls were wise and protective forces, while others were convinced that the screech of a Great Horned Owl meant that sudden death was about to occur. 

 

Read more about these associations in our blog post on Owl Mythology and Folklore! 

 

What are some common associations you make with owls today? Let us know by responding to this email or sharing with us on social media! 

 

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