Nocturnal creatures seem to evoke eerie & frightful sensations in popular imagination. There’s something creepy about the dark unknown that gives us over to our fears. Throughout the ages, stories & mythologies conjure frightening or so-called “evil" images from the dark nighttime hours & the creatures who hunt & scavenge during those times. In many cultures, for example, Owls & Bats have been known as death-omens or harbingers of evil-will directed against us.
However, Owls have a long history in many traditions as being magical messengers. They bring wisdom & strength to see through the darkness & deception. They call out your intuitions & heighten your psychic senses to be able to see truth or gain I sight when it appears that all is shrouded in obscurity. Associated with many goddess-figures, Owls have been seen as insightful companions to those practicing magic under the cloak of night.
Likewise, Bat has been viewed in some superstitions as a harbinger of ill-fortune & dark enemies. In all honesty, many traditions see them as representing rebirth & initiation into new life. Watching bats hanging inverted to sleep deep within the caves – likened to the womb & tomb imagery of Mother Earth goddess energy – is the main association. Many initiation ceremonies involved the novice or initiate entering a cave for meditation & rest before being reborn, indicating a symbolic & spiritual death-rebirth process. The fact that bats emerge at dusk, return to rest at dawn, and hang upside-down in their altered state shows them as being wanderers between worlds bringing insight & wisdom to the journeying initiate.
Taking a second look at our fears – darkness, unknown, hidden dangers, and death – can actually help us to see past them. In doing this, we learn more about ourselves, grow our respect for the world around us, discover new ways to resolve conflict & solve problems, remain open to learning, and gain an abundance of blessings. Our friends Owl & Bat are always around to help us sense whatever is lurking in the Shadows & give us insight into how best to handle ourselves. Beyond the superstitious myths that show us what we fear on the surface, most myths & stories call us deeper into the unknown where we can find the spiritual treasures that strengthen our divine connection to ourselves & the world around us.
Cheers to you on your own journey, and may you be protected in the darkness by the light within!
Likewise, Bat has been viewed in some superstitions as a harbinger of ill-fortune & dark enemies. In all honesty, many traditions see them as representing rebirth & initiation into new life. Watching bats hanging inverted to sleep deep within the caves – likened to the womb & tomb imagery of Mother Earth goddess energy – is the main association. Many initiation ceremonies involved the novice or initiate entering a cave for meditation & rest before being reborn, indicating a symbolic & spiritual death-rebirth process. The fact that bats emerge at dusk, return to rest at dawn, and hang upside-down in their altered state shows them as being wanderers between worlds bringing insight & wisdom to the journeying initiate.
Taking a second look at our fears – darkness, unknown, hidden dangers, and death – can actually help us to see past them. In doing this, we learn more about ourselves, grow our respect for the world around us, discover new ways to resolve conflict & solve problems, remain open to learning, and gain an abundance of blessings. Our friends Owl & Bat are always around to help us sense whatever is lurking in the Shadows & give us insight into how best to handle ourselves. Beyond the superstitious myths that show us what we fear on the surface, most myths & stories call us deeper into the unknown where we can find the spiritual treasures that strengthen our divine connection to ourselves & the world around us.
Cheers to you on your own journey, and may you be protected in the darkness by the light within!
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