Cause this paranoia is getting old.

I'll be eighteen soon. A big girl. I can vote and live on my own and pay taxes. But, more importantly, I wont have to adhere to city curfew! And, I don't need a permission slip to get a tattoo. Which is what I'm here to talk about, dear reader. I chose an owl because they're symbols of wisdom and wealth, two things I can really use to be reminded of. But they're so much more than that in multiple cultures.


THE RUNDOWN ON OWLS
Native Americans associated the meaning of owl with wisdom, foresight, and keeper of sacred knowledge. This may largely be due to the fact that the owl is a great foreteller of weather conditions.The shaman would call upon Owl medicine for insight into the truth of ill-intent. Plains Indians wore owl feathers to protect against evil spirits. West African and Aboriginal Australian cultures also saw the owl as a messenger of secrets, and companions to medicine people.

In the celtic tradition, the owl (cailleach-oidhche), represents wisdom, clairvoyance, stealth, initiation, change and detachment. Always aware of its surroundings, the owl uses intuition courageously, with insight into hidden truth, and a guide between earth creatures and Underworld deities. The owl is an effective hunter. The owl can help to reveal those who would take advantage of another or deceive others.

In the mythology of ancient Greece, Athene, the Goddess of Wisdom, was so impressed by the great eyes and solemn appearance of the Owl that, having banished the mischievous crow, she honoured the night bird by making him her favourite among feathered creatures. Athene's bird was a Little Owl, (Athene noctua). This Owl was protected and inhabited the Acropolis in great numbers. It was believed that a magical "inner light" gave Owls night vision. As the symbol of Athene, the Owl was a protector, accompanying Greek armies to war, and providing ornamental inspiration for their daily lives. If an Owl flew over Greek Soldiers before a battle, they took it as a sign of victory. The Little Owl also kept a watchful eye on Athenian trade and commerce from the reverse side of their coins.(http://www.owlpages.com/articles.php?section=owl+mythology&title=myth+and+culture)

Over the centuries, owls have been known as protectors and guides, safely creating passage from one area of life into the next. As I pass into my next stage of life, I'd like to have the protection that the owl offers.