Owls, Wisdom, and Vision

From a young age, I found solace in nature. Birds, in particular, gave me a sense of protection and love in times of uncertainty. Their presence was a quiet reassurance that I was not alone—that even in the harshest moments, I was seen. Among them, the owl stood apart. Watchful, steady, and wise, it became a guardian of my spirit, its silent flight and piercing gaze offering both comfort and clarity in a world that often felt chaotic and unkind.

A Northern Pygmy Owl, photographed in Colville, WA, set against graphic elements of Athena, the Greek key pattern, and an olive branch—symbols of wisdom, protection, and continuity in Greek culture.

This connection is not just personal; it is ancestral. Owls have long held sacred significance in Greek culture. In ancient Greece, the owl was the symbol of Athena, the goddess of wisdom, strategy, and protection. The owl was not simply her companion—she was her sacred guide, a creature that could see through darkness, revealing truth where others saw only shadows. The Greeks did not fear the owl; they revered them. The owl’s presence signified wisdom, foresight, and divine guardianship. To see an owl was to know that knowledge and clarity were near.

The image above features a Northern Pygmy Owl, which I photographed in Colville, WA. Seeing this small but fierce bird in the wild was a moment of both recognition and reverence. Unlike most owls, the Northern Pygmy Owl is diurnal, meaning it hunts during the day rather than at night. Pygmy owls, despite their size, are known for their boldness and sharp vision—reminders that wisdom and strength do not always come in the form we expect. In many ways, this owl, like Athena’s owl, embodies the same enduring truth: that insight and clarity often come quietly, through stillness, patience, and presence.

Matriarchal Wisdom

Long before modern Western religions reshaped Greek spirituality, Greece—like many cultures—embraced an earth-based, nonbinary, and matriarchal form of wisdom. Goddesses were not simply passive figures of fertility or home life; they were warriors, creators, and protectors. They held dominion over knowledge, healing, and transformation. Athena, Artemis, Demeter, and Hecate were all embodiments of divine feminine power, guiding civilizations with intuition, intelligence, and courage.

But as dominant religious and political structures took hold, these figures of wisdom were diminished. Athena, once a symbol of independent thought and strategic leadership, was reshaped to fit a more masculine mold of power. The rich traditions of goddess-centered, cyclical, and earth-bound spirituality were overshadowed by rigid structures that distrusted intuition and feminine knowledge. Even the owl, once a revered symbol of insight, was recast as an omen of death and misfortune.

Yet, the owl endures. Its presence still whispers of the wisdom that cannot be erased, of the knowledge passed down through generations, through the stories of grandmothers, through the resilience of those who refuse to be silenced. The owl is a reminder of what was lost—but also of what still lives within us.

A Black-capped Chickadee perches on a dewy branch near Springdale, WA.

A Continued Connection

My love for birds has never faded—it has only deepened. Observing them in the wild, studying their behaviors, and photographing them is a way I stay connected to nature, my ancestors, and the wisdom that birds have always symbolized.

Alongside the Northern Pygmy Owl, another bird that holds significance for me is the Black-capped Chickadee, pictured above. I took this photograph near Springdale, WA, capturing a quiet moment after the rain. Chickadees are small but fearless, known for their resourcefulness and ability to thrive in even the harshest conditions. In many ways, they remind me that wisdom is not just about deep knowing—it is also about adaptability, curiosity, and the willingness to engage with the world.

Wisdom, Protection, and My Work

This ancestral wisdom is more than history—it is a force that shapes the way I move through the world and the work I do. As a consultant, I guide organizations in uncovering their core identity, defining their mission and values, and aligning strategy with purpose. Rooted in equity and inclusion, my work is about seeing clearly, cutting through complexity, and helping organizations build resilience and lasting influence.

Much like the Mati (Μάτι)—the protective eye that shields against harm and offers clarity— the owl informs my approach to consulting. I help organizations navigate uncertainty, deflect harm, and build strategic vision that aligns with their true purpose. In a world that often values speed over strategy and reaction over reflection, I offer a different path—one that embraces the depth, foresight, and interconnected wisdom that has guided my ancestors for generations.

The owl teaches us that wisdom is not about having all the answers—it is about knowing how to see. It is about trusting intuition, recognizing patterns, and understanding that transformation happens in cycles. It is about guardianship, not just of knowledge, but of the values that sustain us.

For me, the owl is more than a symbol. It is a guide, a protector, and a call to reclaim the wisdom that was always ours.

And so, I carry its lessons forward—into my work, my heritage, and my vision

Want to chat about birds, wisdom, or building a stronger future? 📩 Let’s connect!