“The owl is one of the most curious creatures. A bird that stays awake when the rest of the world sleeps. They can see in the dark. I find that so interesting, to be mired in reality when the rest of the world is dreaming.” -R.J. Palacio
Looking for your best awesome tattoo design and considering inking an owl onto your skin?
You’re in the right place, as we’ll show you the 55 newest and most creative owl tattoo designs for this year.
And with owls holding such deep symbolic meaning, we’ll also detail the common meanings and motivations behind many owl tattoos.
If you give a hoot about finding the very best owl tattoo design for your taste, let’s have a look.
Common Owl Tattoo Meanings
Wisdom and Knowledge: Owls are often associated with wisdom, intelligence, and knowledge. In Western culture, the owl is a symbol of the Greek goddess Athena, who was the goddess of wisdom and strategy. An owl tattoo might represent a person’s quest for knowledge or their appreciation of wisdom.
Mystery and Magic: Due to their nocturnal nature and silent flight, owls are also symbols of mystery, the unknown, and magic. They are often connected with the spiritual world, serving as guides between the seen and unseen. An owl tattoo could signify a fascination with the mystical or the magical aspects of life.
Protection and Guidance: In some cultures, owls are seen as protectors against harm and ill fortune. They are believed to have the ability to see what others cannot, which makes them powerful guardians. An owl tattoo might symbolize protection, guidance, or the belief in a guardian spirit or entity.
Change and Transition: Owls are also symbols of change and transition. This is partly because they are nocturnal animals, navigating the night and unseen realms. An owl tattoo can represent a significant change in life, a transition, or the ability to adapt to new circumstances.
Death and Afterlife: In some traditions, owls are associated with death and the afterlife, often seen as messengers or omens. An owl tattoo in this context might represent a memorial for a departed loved one, a personal experience with death, or a philosophical contemplation of mortality and what lies beyond.
Independence and Solitude: Owls are solitary creatures, and their ability to thrive in the silence of the night can symbolize independence, solitude, and the strength to stand alone. An individual might choose an owl tattoo to represent their own independence or comfort in solitude.
Intuition and Insight: The owl’s ability to see in the dark grants it a connection to intuition and insight. An owl tattoo might symbolize a person’s trust in their own intuition or their desire to see beyond the surface of things.
Owl Tattoo Examples
Here are the 55 most artistic and unique owl tattoos for this year, organized into three different photo galleries by type:
- Owl Tattoos In Black & Gray
- Owl Tattoos In Color
- Small Owl Tattoos
Owl Tattoos In Black & Gray
Owl Tattoos In Color
Small Owl Tattoos
