"If you are unwilling to defend your right to your own lives, then you are merely like mice trying to argue with owls. You think their ways are wrong. They think you are dinner." - Terry Goodkind
From a young age, I realized that life would be interesting, difficult and at times fulfilling. I walked to a beat of a different drummer, so to speak. This seems to be a common theme with those that grew up as an only child and have experienced much in a short lifespan. I have always felt the presence from the unknown, like the spirits of the earth were somehow guiding me through the best and the worst times. A strange wind may blow, and in my subconscious I hear the words “be aware”. After hearing such messages from the earth, my belief in its greater power would strengthen upon hearing of family tragedy, confirming its warnings. I have assumed most of this to be from my heritage, that of which being Black Dutch, Irish, English and Native American. Each of these cultures has their own traditions as well as superstitions about the spiritual realm. “Among the American Indians: the hereditary…emblem… consisting of a figure or representation of some animal… having such a mark; also applied to the animal… sometimes considered to be ancestrally or fraternally related to the clan, being spoken of as a brother or sister, and treated as an object of friendly regard, or sometimes even as incarnating a guardian spirit who be appealed to.” 2 I know this phenomenon has a history within my family, tracing back through my maternal grandmothers’ ancestry which has the strongest ties to my Indian heritage. As I write my thoughts related to my walk with my spirit guide, and I see his image all around me.
Native American Artistic expression of Owl2
I have known for many years that my spiritual guide, otherwise known as a totem/power animal, is the owl. “Power animals, rather than being associated with a family or a group, are specific and personal for each individual.”3 At a young age I was bestowed with an Indian name by a family member. I take great pride with my name being WhiteFeather. I have been told in many Native American cultures the symbolic name of white feather is attributed to bravery and having a pure heart. Growing up I wondered if the meaning of my name would reveal itself to me, as it usually is with names that are bestowed upon you. I was uncertain of how my name’s representation would develop with time. It was almost a decade later that my spiritual guide reveled himself to be an owl.
Owl looking toward the horizon3
While growing up, and into the present, I haven’t had the option of staying in one place for extended amounts of time. Due to family, jobs, and school, I never had the chance to stay at a school for more than 2 years. I have met extraordinary people in addition to seeing several places in my life walk and it took many years for me to realize a common element. When I was nearly 20, I took time to start revisiting in my mind many of the places I had been. While looking out of my window I was surprised to see an owl sitting in the tree looking my way. While returning the gaze to the beautiful creature, I started to think back to other place that I had called home through the years. I was struck with the realization that there had always been an owl close by. I don’t remember seeing an owl at each of these places, but I do remember hearing his cry in the ominous night air. At this moment I had an epiphany about my friend sitting in the tree that I had not taken the time to acknowledge in the past. Elements from my youth came together in my mind to finally making sense about my heritage name. The spirit of the earth had called my attention to this creature for a reason. I felt an instant connection to the owl and have ever since. After that night of self actualization, I never heard or saw the owl outside my window again, yet I still feel his presence when I start to feel overwhelmed in my daily struggles.
I knew what my power animal has been for many years, and I have had my own thoughts and personal insights to what this creature represents for me personally. I have found a kind redness with the owl, more so then some people that have come and gone in my life. I view the owl to be a proud creature, silent and ever watching. They observe the situation before their strike. They live in the realm of the unknown and are most alert in the dark abyss. I have had trouble sleeping for the past few years, catching sleep when I can and being awake most nights. As it has been said toward totem/power animals, if they chose you there is reason behind this decision. I have viewed this to be either a trait that you share with the creature, or traits that you need to find within yourself. I can attest that both are true in my case. Without having the time to make deep and lasting connections with the people around me, I tend to stay in the background watching. I chose my words wisely (for the most part) before I speak, and only speak when I have something to say. I wait for opportunities to present themselves so that I may strike at the most opportune time to accomplish my tasks.
Owls are a creature of the night, and have in the past been thought of as an evil creature in some cultures. As times and representations change, so has the image of the owl. The owl presents an image of strength and independence. Many organizations have taken the image of the owl as their mascot to symbolize many qualities of the owl, such as the presence of intelligence. Something that I find interesting is the trait of extreme mobility that I also share with this creature. The owl has extreme mobility of his neck, and is able to turn his head to fully view what is behind. I have had many structural problems through the years and was recently diagnosed with having over elastic ligaments. This “problem” has given me limitations, but also helps me to excel in extreme situations in my Krav Maga training.
I glance around me and see owls represented throughout my apartment. I have tokens, that when I look upon them a feel a sense of peace and empowerment. For, “you must honor your totem for its medicine to be effective in your life. The more you honor them, the more significance you give them within your life, the more powerful and effective they become.” My friends find an easy time of buying me gifts, as all they have to do is find something with representation of an owl. I was told by my grandmother at a young age that having an owl somewhere within the home will bring good feng shui into the surrounding area. I guess my apartment is full of good vibes. I also carry an owl with me at all times, as I will for the rest of my life. I have dedicated my right leg to be my personal totem pole. In other words, I have a “stocking” of images and text that are close to me. I will always carry around my favorite inspirational quote, along with my spiritual animal, my owl. In regard to my owl tattoo, I choose to have him drawn in a red ink that takes on the appearance of fresh henna. This decision was to have more of an earthy quality instead of traditional black lines that will spread and fade over time.
My personal totem5
As I have described my experiences and views of my totem/power animal, there are many more views and attitudes toward the owl that I should address. The best description of having an owl for a power animal that I have found is by Lily Therese.
“Owl represents your subconscious and the occult (that which is hidden)… Some Native Americas refer to owl as Night Eagle. Others view Owl with suspicion and fear. Owl is a beneficial influence for people who are attuned with the Goddess, or other Earth related religions.
If you have an Owl for a power animal, its message is to pay attention to your dreams and feelings. Question your fears and act on your intuition. Focus on our intentions and move swiftly toward your goals and objectives. Be silent and conserve your energy until you are ready to act with undivided attention… Invoke Owl to help with discernment and self-knowledge. Do not fear the dark or unknown… Take time to get acquainted with your shadow-self.”4
I stated earlier that I walked a life path to the beat of a different drummer. I find this true within myself and for those closest to me. I walk down this path of life looking ahead with the sound of the flutter of wings in my ears. I continue to look out my window, expecting to see my familiar though I have no trees outside my window in the city. Life brings many unexpected trails and forks that you must choose from. I hope that in the future that I will find my “somewhere over the rainbow” from one of those forks.
-Candice Talley
Owl flying across rainbow6
“You catch your breath and you laugh, thanking it for opening to you. As you do, its image disappears, and the scene around you begins to fade. You are again in the warm darkness of our own mind. The image of your totem is strong within you, as you breathe deeply and allow yourself to come back to your surroundings.”1
Word Count (without quotations): 1,503
Word Count (with quotations): 1,769
Works Cited
1. Animal-Speak. N.p.: n.p., n.d
2. Benet, Sula. "Totem." Abstract, Totem.
3. Steven D. Farmer, Power Animals (Carlsbad, Ca.: Hay House: 2004), pp. 4-5
4. Therese, Lily. "Owl's Message and Medicine." Power Animals and Their Messages.
http://www.lilytherese.com/POWER1.HTM#Owl (accessed February 8, 2010).
1.http://wwwdelivery.superstock.com/WI/223/1566/200806/PreviewComp/SuperStock_1566-432886.jpg
2. http://fineartamerica.com/images-medium/night-spirit-patrick-trotter.jpg
3. http://photoramas.files.wordpress.com/2008/12/owl2.jpg
4. http://www.friendsofsherwoodisland.org/Photos/Hand/BoP/AJH-BarredOwl-mouse.jpg
5. Talley, Candice. “Personal Tattoo”
6. http://www.pixdaus.com/pics/1257840341kkV7xlu.jpg
7. Movie: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55SSd5MUKus
