Our monthly tarot/oracle card for September is taken from a favorite deck and guidebook of mine called The Wisdom of Avalon Oracle Cards and Guide Book by Colette Baron- Reid . The legends and stories of Avalon have always intrigued me - especially the books by Marion Zimmer Bradley. If you have never read them, I suggest starting with The Mists of Avalon. This deck set is in keeping with those books and the Divine Feminine version of the Grail legend.

But, back to our card. Since ancient times, the owl has been a sacred animal and spirit guide in many traditions. I was first aware of Owl as an amulet and symbol from the Greek legends, notably the owl who accompanied Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom. Native American, Norse, and Egyptian legends join our Celtic ancestors in honoring Owl for her wisdom.

The author of this deck says, “ the Owl cuts through the shadow to illuminate the real truth.” Thus, she tells us this card is about deception and wisdom. In other words, Owl's perceptive ability helps us know when we are being deceived or deceitful. The card challenges us to seek out the truth-even from the darkest of places, whether in the wood or within ourselves. 

Owl’s vision and ability to target a victim in the dark is both precision and concreteness. There's also a sense of magic and mystery to Owl. Owl is a messenger between worlds (think of Harry Potter) that swoops down unexpectedly one moment yet, sits in stillness and watchful silence most of the time. We often attribute the intuitive ability to her as well. In Celtic lore, the Cailleach (the Hag, the mature form of the Celtic goddess) represents these qualities.

As the days grow shorter and we enter the equinox, let us think about the keen insight of Owl in both daylight and darkness of night. Perhaps, meditate on Owl, seeing her backlit by moonlight, observing your behavior, or the behavior of someone whose actions are confusing or hurtful. What insights can you glean from Owl? What might that message be if Owl swooped down with a message for you? What wisdom does she wish to share?