Funny you should ask. I’ve been on a tear lately, posting pictures of owls whenever I feel like it. The owl has become the symbol for the novel I’m working on, All In Bad Time, Wisdom Court Book Three. And the reason for that is nicely explained at the website The White Goddess at thewhitegoddess.co.uk:
” In Ancient Greek mythology the Owl was a creature sacred to Athena, Goddess of the night who represented wisdom. Athena, the Greek Goddess of Wisdom had a companion Owl on her shoulder, which revealed unseen truths to her. Owl had the ability to light up Athena’s blind side, enabling her to speak the whole truth, as opposed to only a half truth. The Ainu in Japan trust the Owl because it gives them notice of evil approaching. They revere the Owl, and believe it mediates between the Gods and men. The bird features prominently Celtic folklore where it is considered both to be sacred and to have magical powers, again because of its abilities in the dark. Zulus and other West African nations consider the bird a powerful influence in casting spells, and think that using parts of the owl gives great strength to a person involved with magical incantations.”
If you’ve read my first two Wisdom Court Books, Edge of the Shadow and A Signal Shown, then you already know owls ought to be hanging from the chandeliers at Wisdom Court. But I’ve saved them for the third volume and I’m having a wonderful time researching and finding images of these magnificent birds. They’re inspiring. And you’ll never guess how an owl plays an vital part in the plot of All In Bad Time. (I’m working as fast as I can.)
P.S. Edge of the Shadow is still available for 99 cents at Kindle Books and Nook Books. A Signal Shown sells for $3.99 at both places. (And the Finny Aletter mysteries, Scavenger Hunt and Obstacle Course, sell for $3.99 as well.)