Many believe owl tattoo designs are symbols of wisdom and truth, although the bird is also associated with omens of death and bad luck

In Greece, soldiers traditionally viewed the owl as a spirit animal and symbol of victory. In India, owls were associated with wisdom, support, and prophecy. Owls were also mentioned in the Christian Bible as symbols of intelligence and intensity.

In Native American culture, as well as other prominent societies such as Ancient Egypt and Rome, owl animal tattoo designs are linked with death and can be considered a bad omen that signifies oncoming loss of life.

Others consider a beautiful owl design to be related to change, exemplified by the owl making its hoot heard to announce its presence or a flying owl on the hunt representing focus.

The following article explores the basics of owl symbolism in a variety of tattoo styles. There’s plenty of colorful owl material to help you make a choice about the right type of meaning for your future owl body art.

See more about – The Top 97+ Best Owl Tattoo Ideas

Cultural Perspectives on Owl Tattoo Symbolism

Owls are closely linked to the spirit world and were once believed to be spirit animals that acted as messengers to the living from the other side.

They have links to many world cultures dating back to Antiquity, which find their way into owl tattoo design.

1. The Owl in Greek Mythology

Throughout Greek mythology, the warrior goddess Athena was a symbol of endurance and wisdom, guiding men into battle and through adversity with a strong arm and sound mind.

An owl sat on Athena’s blind side to protect the goddess so that she could always see the truth and react with certainty.

An Athena tattoo design is often a reminder that strength without intelligence is a war already lost, with the owl spirit animal being representative of wisdom and knowledge.