What does an owl tattoo on your arm mean? The meaning of an owl tattoo

The owl is a mystical, mysterious bird that lives in the night. In the history of peoples, it was associated either with wisdom and strength or with darkness, death and witchcraft. Increased mystical qualities were attributed to it based on the nocturnal lifestyle of this predator.

The meaning of an owl tattoo

• In Judaism, the demon Lilith appears with an owl; in Greco-Roman mythology, she is the constant companion of Athena.
• In Hinduism, the night bird is a symbol of the kingdom of the dead and its goddess Yama.
• For the Egyptians, the hieroglyph for owl meant death.
• In contrast to these religions and peoples, the Indians of North America considered the owl a symbol of strength and wisdom, and therefore used feathers in clothing and headdresses for protection.
• In Christianity, it is common to believe that the owl carries witchcraft and death. It was believed that sorcerers reincarnated into this night bird and therefore people endowed it with mysticism.
• In the holy book of the Mayan peoples, owls are depicted as messengers of the land of the dead.
• In the modern world, an owl is often a symbol of wisdom, intelligence, erudition and book erudition.

Girls decorate themselves with tattoos of this bird in order to gain wisdom, cunning and strengthen their esoteric abilities. If a tattoo design is made for a girl, then the owl is often depicted paired with a clock or a catcher. Such a tattoo will be a talisman against adversity. Men choose owl tattoos as a symbol of strength, power and everything unknown.

Currently, the owl is a symbol of Freemasonry and the main intellectual game “What? Where? When?" and is familiar to many. Even in the Soviet version of the cartoon about Winnie the Pooh, the owl is depicted as an intelligent and wise bird and everyone goes to her for advice. Another reason for choosing such a tattoo is the nocturnal lifestyle, the habit of going to bed late and waking up not in the early morning like a lark, but closer to lunch.

Where to stuff it?

The meaning of an owl tattoo will vary greatly depending on the choice of location on the body. In this case, you should carefully consider which style to choose a tattoo design. In order to add wisdom, the sketch is done in watercolor style, using bright colors, often replacing the bird's eyes with precious stones or watch dials, adding depth and philosophical meaning to the tattoo. If you pursue the goal of taking strength, power and mystery from a night bird, then it is better to make a tattoo sketch in black and white and depict the owl in flight or with its wings spread. When choosing a place on the body for a tattoo, you should decide on the main goal. After all, if this is a talisman, then you shouldn’t show it off to everyone. Will do

What do you need to know first? The owl in many ancient cultures is a symbol of insight, wisdom and enlightenment. A body design depicting this bird signifies knowledge and life experience. At the same time, the symbol is much deeper and multifaceted than it might seem to the average person. Therefore, we will talk about the ambiguity of the image of an owl in different cultures.

Dark cult of the night bird

The owl is a bird of prey that hunts at night. Many occult practices are associated with the worship of this animal, which personifies the mystery of the night. Owls are a reflection of loneliness, sadness and death. As you can see, the owl is a very ambiguous symbol.

In the customs of many peoples one can observe the worship of this animal, reverence for the wisdom and mystery of the night. Many people associate the owl with witchcraft, and for good reason. Evil spirits and witches are characters that are inextricably linked with owls. Birds are often found in popular superstitions as harbingers of something bad. Perhaps this is why the owl remains a demonic dark symbol to this day.

Let's dive a little into the past. In ancient Rome, the cry of an owl was a harbinger of misfortune. In medieval Europe, Christians believed that the owl was a reincarnated witch flying to the Sabbath. The Celts called the animal a corpse bird, which clearly emphasizes the dark side of this symbol. Interestingly, many Asian and African peoples depicted an owl on funeral attributes, which also evokes very understandable associations.

Why does the owl have such a dark reputation? This is due to the primitive animal fear that arose in a person when he met a bird with burning eyes, emitting deathly cries in the silence of the night. An owl suddenly appearing from the mournful darkness left a depressing impression. And therefore, the glory of the ominous messenger of bad news was assigned to the owl for many millennia.

However, the image of a bird is multifaceted and not so simple. In many cultures, this animal is perceived in a fundamentally different way. Let's discover the other side of the coin.

Wisdom and composure

You can look at the owl as a symbol from another angle. It is no secret that in folklore owls have always been the personification of life experience and erudition. At the same time, the bird as a symbol reflects not so much a carefree desire for knowledge as the cold mind and insight of a predator.

The owl is the constant companion of Athena, the goddess who was the patroness of wisdom among the ancient Greeks. On silver coins, Athena was depicted together with the bird of the night.

Why did the ancient Greeks like this bird so much? Everything is very simple. Observing the owl's lifestyle, the Greeks discovered its similarity to the lifestyle of a lonely philosopher. And the excellent vision that allows birds to see in the dark was perceived as insight. Since then, the owl has been a symbol of understanding the essence of things.

The owl as a symbol is also associated with such a mysterious phenomenon as a dream. The meaning of an owl tattoo can also be associated with astral or psychedelic travel.

To hit or not to hit?

So, what does an owl tattoo mean? This symbol can have very different meanings. For example, the white owl represents purity, wisdom and eternity. A black owl with fiery eyes will become a symbol of mystery, darkness and knowledge.

Girls often prefer such tattoos, since many associate their mysterious personality with this totem. Owl tattoo has a special meaning for girls. This is a symbol of female insight and the ability to understand the essence, unattainable for most people.

Owl Tattoo Ideas

• White owl full face, personifying the symbol of philosophical wisdom;
• A black owl with fiery eyes and outstretched wings as an artistic embodiment of the dark side of existence;
• A multi-colored owl depicted in Native American style using a wide range of colored inks;
• Neck tattoo depicting an owl with open wings;
• A bright tattoo with the image of a “cartoon” owl.

The photos presented will help you choose an idea for a tattoo. Find a ready-made sketch on our website or order an exclusive work from an experienced craftsman. But don't rush to stuff the owl. This idea must withstand time, because such a symbol requires a sober, balanced decision.

Tattoos have long become commonplace in our lives, and many people no longer react to them. However, people are coming up with new ways to surprise themselves and others by developing amazing sketches that can depict absolutely all animals and objects.

The owl is the choice of many young people for a tattoo. But the image of this has its generally accepted meaning, from which you need to build if you choose this particular one for the tattoo.

History of tattoo

The owl is a nocturnal predator. Hence, in many folklore she was associated with the messenger of night and death. For most peoples it was a symbol of the afterlife and. Owls were often companions of witches and sorcerers.

However, such views on the bird did not exist everywhere. In Ancient Greece, the owl was considered a symbol of wisdom; it accompanied Pallas Athena, into whom the goddess could also transform. Since Europe is the successor of ancient Greek culture, in its folklore the owl always appears as the concentration of wisdom and prudence.

Despite this exception, many other countries have a negative image of this bird. In China they were harbingers of death and crime; among the Celts it was a corpse bird associated with black magic. In India and Egypt, the owl was credited with the ability to transfer the dead from the world of the living to the world of the dead.

Modern culture seems to be discarding all previous prejudices about the bird. In our world, an owl is associated with the same wisdom, knowledge, vitality, high intelligence, but also with which a person consciously condemns himself.

Meaning

An owl tattoo means exactly what its owner puts into it. The meaning and meaning of a tattoo can be predicted by looking at the style in which it is made, as well as at the composition: how many owls are depicted and in what poses they are captured.

The generally accepted meanings of an owl tattoo are the following traits that its owner wants to attribute to himself: wisdom, ingenuity, intelligence, erudition, connection with the otherworldly, mysticism, the desire to be like this bird.

Any meaning of an owl tattoo is still associated with radiation and mysticism. Often this image is applied to people who lead a nocturnal lifestyle, as well as those who want to emphasize their intelligence.

For girls

The pattern of a night predator can often be seen on the skin of girls. For the fair sex, this bird has a special meaning, which can be changed depending on the location of the image.

So, the meanings of an owl tattoo for girls:

1. the wisdom and mystery of a woman;
2. if the design is made in a cosmic style, then the tattoo means an energetic life, to the fullest and without worries;
3. the image of an owl in a colored style emphasizes the ease of communication and openness of the owner;
4. if the style is geometric, then the tattoo means the woman’s rationality and prudence, her desire for accuracy and order;
5. a bird made in realism indicates that the girl is straightforward, she is not characterized by daydreaming and the desire to see the world in pink;
6. A bird tattoo in the abstract signifies the creative potential of the owner; her worldview differs from the perception of others.

These are just some of the meanings of owl tattoos, you need to remember that each person himself brings meaning to them.

For men

Men can also choose an owl image for themselves; often they choose not cute designs, but a sketch that would look aggressive and would emphasize their masculinity.

The most common meanings of an owl tattoo for men:

1. wisdom and erudition;
2. choosing a life path, most often this is;
3. the desire to protect yourself from the outside world and escape into the other world;
4. mysticism and mystery.

In many mythologies, the owl is the companion of death, hence it is logical to assume that male representatives imprint this bird on their bodies precisely because of its connection with the world of the dead.

Also, the owl is a nocturnal bird, so a person leading a lifestyle similar to that of an owl may have such a tattoo to show his connection with the dark time of the day.

Popular meanings

The owl is a bird with exceptional hearing and vision. She can easily detect prey in the dark and overtake it. Hence the desire of people to leave an image with this bird on their bodies.

Moreover, regardless of gender, this tattoo can signify a person’s life aspiration, his desire to achieve a goal, despite any obstacles.

If an owl is depicted with spread wings, such a tattoo means the freedom that a person has, his ability to live the way he wants and build a life in which there is no place for prejudice and dependence on other people’s opinions.

On tattoos with owls there are attributes that help to better interpret the meaning of the design:

1. with the moon– mystery and cyclicality of time, mysticism;
2. dream catcher with owl– a person needs protection, which he wants to bring upon himself through a tattoo;
3. with a clock- wisdom and prudence. The desire not to waste time on trifles, understanding its value;
4. with key- means both knowledge and the desire to hide some secret from others.

Depending on the location on the body

The meaning of an owl tattoo depending on its place on the body:

1. head. A person wants to gain significance in society, as well as show the world his inner abilities and capabilities;
2. neck. Demonstration of some quality that others cannot possess. The wearer feels connected to something important and hidden;
3. right hand. The tattoo wearer wants to express himself. In him lives the desire to receive something meaningful from the world, but at the same time something concrete;
4. left hand. A person clearly understands his aspirations and interests, and also sees what others want from him;
5. breast. A tattoo on the chest means a challenge to society. The owner lives according to his own rules, and does not obey the generally accepted ones;
6. stomach. A person is interested in, he knows exactly what he wants from life, and he will get it in any way;
7. back. The desire to show one’s protection from the outside world, as well as the desire to express one’s dominance;
8. small of the back. A person has an unusual approach to communicating with the opposite sex;
9. buttocks. The wearer has a great desire to attract attention by any means;
10. left leg. A tattoo means the desire to focus the attention of those around you on your abilities;
11. right leg. Demonstration of your movement;
12. left foot. The owner is in search of support in life;
13. right foot. The tattoo signifies the selfishness of the wearer, as well as his desire to subjugate those around him.

Choosing a location and style

This tattoo is suitable for both men and women, hence the large number of sketches of different styles and directions. If you decide to paint a large owl with open wings on the body, then the back or chest is best suited for this.

Often the birds in these places are made in realism, that is, the drawings are very picturesque and realistic. In the case where you want an owl on your hip, shoulder or forearm, it is better to go with a medium size. The styles that will suit you are geometry, watercolor, graphics or the same realism - it’s up to you to decide.

If you choose a small image of an owl, then it is better to go with geometry or another style where the lines are clearly drawn. This is because over time the ink can bleed and the owl tattoo can turn into an indistinguishable smudge. These images are applied to places behind the ear, on the wrists, ankles or near the collarbones. In these places, owls look very mysterious and unusual.

Meaning of eagle owl tattoo

Very often, many people choose an eagle owl for a tattoo. The eagle owl is also an owl; it is also associated with the afterlife, mysticism, death, and is a guide to the world of the dead, etc.

At the same time, it is clearly designated in people’s brains as wisdom, knowledge and erudition, but if you look at the sketches of this bird, you can see that most of them are gloomy and in one way or another connected with death.

We can conclude that a tattoo with an eagle owl can mean:

1. mystery and enigma of the carrier;
2. his analytical mind and prudence;
3. from any danger;
4. the desire to connect oneself with the mystical world of spirits;
5. symbol of loneliness and hermitage.

Video on the topic

What does an owl tattoo mean? Answers in the video:

Tattooing should be done responsibly. Despite the fact that its owner himself gives it meaning, this design will remain on the body forever. Therefore, you need to carefully select an image. If you choose an owl, then the sketch should convey your inner world so that you don’t want to remove it later.

Today we suggest you understand the meaning of an owl tattoo. This bird symbolizes wisdom, darkness and even death. Since the owl is one of the attributes of Athena herself, it often personifies wisdom and knowledge. These birds have a unique ability to see everything even in pitch darkness and still remain motionless. And the flight of the owl and its frightening cries became the reason to compare the bird with death and the occult. For the ancient Egyptians it was the bird of death. The majestic owl represents sadness, sadness and even loneliness. The bird means spiritual emptiness and even misfortune, darkness, rain. In different cultures, these birds mean danger and can even prophesy trouble.

There is also a belief according to which witches, sorcerers and evil spirits can even reincarnate in them. Because the bird can see even in the dark, it is often given the gift of prophecy. In addition, an owl means the absence of fear of the dark, which means the opportunity to know secrets hidden for many of us. However, in the Middle Ages, superstition gave the owl occult significance. Now the bird is a symbol of erudition and even insight. For the Egyptians, the owl represents death, night, cold and passivity.
For the inhabitants of India, the owl was the patroness of the night and the messenger of another world, who was supposed to accompany the souls of the dead to another world.

For the Indians, this bird represented wisdom and even prophecy. It was generally believed that the owl was able to help those in need. This is how bird feathers in various headdresses allegedly protected.

In the Christian religion, the bird represents the forces of darkness, as well as sorrow and bad news. The screeching of an owl is considered the song of death. Since the owl is nocturnal and very mysterious, it symbolizes evil spirits and the occult.

Symbolism

A spectacular body design in the form of an owl is often preferred by both men and women. This tattoo looks especially beautiful in old school and watercolor styles.
A tattoo with an image of an owl can be read in different ways. Often such body image is made by mysterious, enigmatic individuals. Since the owl is nocturnal, it will be an ideal option for such people. In addition, a body design in the form of an owl can signify the wisdom and erudition of its owner.

Much of the meaning of an owl tattoo will depend on the chosen location of application. A tattoo with an owl on the left leg will tell you that the owner prone to introspection. If the tattoo is depicted on the right leg, then most likely the person has already chosen his own path in life and is ready to follow it. Also, such a body design can tell that the owner of the tattoo is prone to mysticism and strives to gain knowledge. An owl tattoo on the wrist will serve as a personal amulet for its owner.

Meaning for women

Sometimes a tattoo in the form of a mysterious owl is made by representatives of the fair sex. Most often, women choose body images in new school or watercolor styles. Such drawings are colorful and effective. For women, a tattoo with an owl will mean:

• wisdom, erudition
• penchant for introspection
• choice of life path
• mystery

A tattoo with an image of an owl will tell about the wisdom and erudition of its owner.

A woman with an original body design is probably prone to introspection and may have already chosen her path in life.
Representatives of the fair sex with owl tattoos are wise and often well-read individuals. Sometimes such a tattoo with the image of an owl indicates mystery and a desire to protect yourself from the outside world.

Meaning for men

Often, an original tattoo with the image of a powerful owl is made by representatives of the stronger sex. Men most often choose images in black and white on the back or chest. Sometimes such tattoos are done for beauty, and sometimes because of a special symbolic meaning. For men, an owl tattoo will mean:

• wisdom, erudition
• choice of life path
• desire to protect yourself from the outside world
• mystery
• passion for mysticism

A body image in the form of an owl will tell about the wisdom and erudition of its owner. In addition, such a tattoo will indicate that the man has already decided on his life path.

Since the owl is considered by many to be a mysterious and enigmatic bird, the owner of such a bird can also be called a mysterious person interested in mysticism.

Sometimes owl tattoos are made by all those who want to protect themselves from the outside world. Although it also happens that a body image is made because of the effectiveness of the drawing.

Which image for an owl tattoo should you choose?

There are many different options for the original owl tattoo. Sometimes body art is done in the new school style. This tattoo is colorful and convex. Young girls especially prefer this type of body image.

A tattoo made using the watercolor technique is distinguished by its blurred design and colorfulness. Such images are chosen by both men and women.

The owl is one of the most sought after images for tattoos. Owl tattoo is suitable for both men and girls. As a rule, such a tattoo is very colorful and bright. For a tattoo, you can choose either a portrait of one owl or complement it with other elements and symbols.

Owl tattoo: meaning

There are several options for interpreting an owl tattoo. Some people choose an owl as a decorative element without thinking about its meaning. However, what this bird symbolizes will pleasantly surprise you.

Owl tattoo means:

1. Wisdom;
2. Vision;
3. Knowledge;
4. Independence;
5. Freedom;
6. Message;
7. Mysticism;
8. Protection.

Thanks to its meaning and striking design, it is clear why owl tattoos are so popular. The variety of this image is so great that both men and girls can easily find the best option for themselves. Representatives of the fair sex are increasingly choosing fairy owls with their cute big eyes. Guys prefer dark owls, made close to the realistic appearance of the bird.

In the last decade, tattoo artists have become so skillful that the image of an owl has become a real work of art. The bird with unusual eyes deserves special attention. Instead of eyes, precious stones or watches are often depicted. Owls are known to be long-lived, so they are often associated with time. In turn, time provides an opportunity to accumulate more knowledge. Therefore, owls are often called smart and wise creatures. This is how the owl tattoo is interpreted in American culture. The ancient Indians turned to owls for advice and protection, believing that this creature was the protector of all knowledge on earth.

Parents prefer to make a small owl and write the names of their children under its image. This practice occurs in both sexes.

In general, the owl was one of the key symbols in many ancient cultures, such as Hindi, Egyptian, Greek, Celtic, etc. These peoples believed that the owl was a guide to the other world that protected the dead. It is not for nothing that this bird was often referred to as the “angel of death.” Many ancient residents were convinced that the owl accompanied dead souls to the next world.

Since owls hunt mainly at night, and people rarely get to see them live, this adds mystical notes to their image.

Vision, both physical and the ability to look into the human soul, is one of the main symbols of an owl tattoo. The owl has very large eyes, which widen even more at night when hunting.

Before you get an owl tattoo, you should be clear about what you want to express with this image. The design of the tattoo itself will depend on your associations.