As a spiritual symbol, owls can be found throughout the world. Australia, China, Greenland, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia and Sweden all have cultures or mythical traditions that give spiritual significance to the owl.

In shamanism, the owl is a symbol of wisdom, truth and patience; and is often considered magical. Connected to night and the moon, it is also a feminine symbol. Because it can see in the dark, the owl is linked with clairvoyance and the revelation of unseen truths. Therefore, people with owl medicine are thought to be able to see what others try to hide and to hear what is not being said.

Owls are also associated with prophetic powers and are said to bring messages through dreams and meditation.