Owl Spirit

23-29 August 2021

Our weekly astro-oracle is a theriomancic message:

Owl Spirit

Image credit: Vintage bubo bubo bird png, remix from artworks by Charles Dessalines D'orbigny on rawpixel.com

What is theriomancy? Theriomancy or zoomancy is a form of divination that involves observation of the appearance and behavior of wild animals. Common forms of theriomancy include ailuromancy, the study of cat movements, and augury, the study of bird formations. While ailuromancy appears to be more fixed than other systems of divination, with some going so far as to interpret the cat’s color or actions, individual animal totem or spirit animals also have rich symbolism, which can be accessed by tuning into the oversoul of the animal.

I asked Spirit, what do all those who frequent this page need to know this week to stay in alignment with the highest good? Then I took a nature walk and rendezvoused with a barred owl hooting its characteristic “Who cooks for you? Whoo cooks for y’ all?” Although there are superstitions from Greco-Roman mythology surrounding the hoot of an owl during the day, many which point to an evil premonition or imminent death, like the DEATH card in the tarot which rarely portends a physical death, trustedpyschicmediums.com reminds us that a spiritual death is a kind of rebirth.

The favorite bird of Athena, Greek Goddess of knowledge, owl lore symbolized wisdom and protection. Since owls are known for their sharp vision and keen observation, when this spirit animal crosses your path possess insight and intuition. Owl Spirit represents conscience, good judgment, and vibrational discernment—the ability to turn knowledge into wisdom. Denotes an approaching event that may affect life as you know it, Owl Spirit also foretells change or transition. Although change may be more subtle, it may be enough to compel us to leave old habits behind and seize the opportunity to create new and healthy ones. This can also usher in newer and better things that can improve our lives and take it to a new direction.

According to Hay House author and oracle school teacher Colette Baron-Reid, Owl Spirit suggests heightened sensitivity and receptivity. The spirit animal “reminds us to be wise and pay attention to what’s between the lines, what may be invisible to the naked eye, what cannot be heard with the ears, and what others may not be able to perceive.” Indeed, those with this spirit animal totem possess the vibrational discernment to see beyond the masks that people wear, cutting through illusion to arrive at their true motivations. Clarity will come as you sit with all that you are sensing, allowing your intuition to guide you in understanding the ‘whole [a]s more than the sum of its parts.’

Interpretation

Now that the Sun is in Virgo as we start the new week, Australian cosmologist Elizabeth Peru notes that our health and well-being may take priority over other things at this time. With the Blue Aquarian Full Moon “still radiating its stellar light right through [our] inner world,” Peru and Owl Spirit observe that both our intuition and intellect are fine-tuned. Meanwhile, six planets in retrograde may have us reflecting yet wanting to implement newness all at once! One day, one step at a time, is Owl Spirit’s sage advice.

Starting Monday, August 23, the trine between Venus in Libra and Retrograding Saturn in Aquarius makes us thorough and precise. According to astrosofa.com, we are loyal and sincere; mastering our character, we are persistent, focused, and decent. During this two-day influence, we also prefer simplicity and unobtrusiveness. Peru adds that Venus helps us align with our higher path, elevating our mood and visions; in fact, we may find “it’s easier to affect great change [today] with less pushing.” The source and Owl Spirit invite us to be the “wayshower for yourself and all others by calmly going about your life changes.”

While Mercury in Virgo’s opposition to Retrograding Neptune in Pisces on Tuesday, August 24 marks a time of great artistry and imagination, it may also bring about dreaminess, impracticality, unreliability, and credulity. Be on the lookout for triggers, for we are very susceptible to melancholic moods and delusion today. Peru explains that under this cosmic light, some may be feeling oversensitive; indeed, “there’s a plethora of mental energy flowing through the planet and it could be easy to overload yourself.” Astrosofa.com adds that verbal expressions and communications, especially romantic, may make us feel more reserved at this time. While we may miss a great opportunity if we don’t respond, on the other hand, working alone may be a better way of harnessing our imagination. “Stay focused and diligent and you’ll do well today!” advise Owl Spirit and Peru.

Fortunately, the favorable trine between Mercury and Retrograding Pluto in Capricorn on Thursday, August 26, helps us face challenges, says astrosofa.com, stimulating personal development in higher educational, or intellectual work in the field of writing, publishing, orators, and the performing arts. “If you’ve been casting doubts over your natural abilities or even your resolve to follow through,” Pluto Retrograde and Owl Spirit embolden us to prepare for this to shift. Peru adds that Mercury’s heightened sense of self-awareness urges us to “articulate your feelings, using words that clearly express your inner state. You’re being asked to expand your thinking and to not limit yourself... You can shift your old paradigms today by applying inventive solutions.”

Finally, on Monday, August 30, Mercury leaves Virgo and enters Libra. According to astrosofa.com, it is the right time to activate artistic talents during this month-long transit. Since we have a greater aesthetic sense, we look for harmony more than usual. When Mercury is in Libra, we’re also more diplomatic and partnership-oriented because we find it easier to talk things through and see other people’s points of view. When we have clarity about where ourselves and others are coming from, explains astrobutterfly.com, “we find that middle ground, that perfect balance between give and take, and this is when magic happens!”

Peru adds that Mercury is helping us appreciate the beauty that already exists in our lives; indeed, “every word that you speak, every thought that you have, and every action that you take is infused with the love (and beauty) of soul.” Especially with September, the month of the Autumnal Equinox--and for that matter Mercury Retrograde--soon upon us, the source and Owl Spirit urge us to bring greater harmony and balance to the fore; “You can create an ideal lifestyle that thrives from acts of kindness, gentleness, and inner strength, shown towards yourself and others.”

Get Inspired

Does this message resonate? Tell us more in the comments below. To add more detail to your week, you can also try your own theriomancic draw. Set an intention or ask a question. Then let go, and see what animal comes shows up. Now research its animal spirit symbolism. How does the symbolism inform your question? Want help interpreting what you found? Book a reading with me now, www.readingsbytheladyofshalott.com/services.