Lessons from an Owl

If you listened to our first podcast, I talked about owls and how they keep showing up for me. A friend of mine has animal spirit cards she has pulled for me a few times in the past year. The owl card is always one of them.

Every. Single. Time.

Her card deck declares, “When the Owl card appears it’s an omen that a boon or treasure is on the way, either in spiritual or material form. With Owl wisdom on your side, you’ll ‘see’ and ‘know’ exactly what to do with this boon…how it can further serve your dharma and bring abundance to the world. Trust that the wellspring of treasures is infinite.”

She told me to be aware of any and all owls appearing in my life. It started with a bag. I noticed I bought a cloth grocery bag with owls on it. Then, my neighbour brought over a plant in an owl container. I’d see pictures of owls, or they’d appear on TV shows. It seemed, weekly, an owl appeared to remind me that I’m on the verge of something.

A few months ago, my neighbour called to say there was an owl sitting on a peak of my house. I looked out a bedroom window, and there it was – a great horned owl. I simply watched it…or rather, stared at it. Have you ever stared at an owl? How do their eyes not dry out?

In the second podcast, Vanessa and I talked about being open for signs. Well, this live owl, sitting on the roof of my house, was definitely a sign. While I sat and stared at it, it was staring at me. I opened myself up to it.

“What are you here to teach me?”, I whispered, and then sat silently.

The owl had much to say. The following thoughts – no joke – came to mind in the hour we spent looking at each other.

• It’s painful, but it’s right
• Do this for you, no one else
• I’m here for you. You need me. You are supported.
• This is going to hurt, but it’s going to lead you to greatness.
• Find joy – experience it, bring it
• Joy brings peace
• Wealth is coming (and I didn’t sense it meant monetary wealth)
• Scratch your itches, see where it takes you
• Ruffled feathers realign
• Make time for, and look after, yourself
• Stretch where you need
• Slow down
• Get ready to fly

It was a profound experience. I mean, seriously, who sits and stares at an owl? At the time, my husband and I had already decided to separate, yet live as roommates. I had no idea I was weeks away from losing my job, let alone job searching during a global pandemic when so many people were already out of work.

That owl was speaking directly to me at a time I needed to hear its message.

Wealth did come financially and spiritually. Through my network, a job found me. What was initially to be a contract position, turned into a permanent, full-time role before I even started. I took some of my severance package and garnered the courage to buy some stocks. So far, I’ve done well (my partner refers to me as his personal Warren Buffet). I found joy in spending more time with my dad, son, and dogs. I continue to find peace in taking the time to examine my life, appreciating where I’ve been and focusing on the “now” and what makes me happy. My ruffled feathers are realigning.

I’ve scratched some itches. I’ve always had the urge to paint. A weekend getaway with Vanessa and other friends for a painting weekend got me started. I’ve never done watercolours. I still don’t (I’m more musical than visually artistic), but I’m having a heck of a lot of fun learning, trying, and simply playing with the water and paint.

I’m still working on slowing down. Being a “Type A” personality, I’m very driven. I like to be working; having something to “do”. I’m realizing that spending time thinking, examining, finding what truly brings me joy is “doing”.

I’m still not sure what “boon” is coming my way. I don’t think it’s here yet. I still feel as though I’m on the verge of something. Hopefully, slowing down and creating space will invite it into my life.