Be it Saturday morning or evening, if suddenly an owl is seen on the road, most people stop. A fear settles in the heart – is some bad news coming? Will there be no untoward incident? Stories heard from childhood, conversations of neighbours, folk tales and old beliefs suddenly start revolving in the mind. But the truth is that seeing an owl on Saturday is not really inauspicious. This is not a bad sign, but a kind of message that reminds us to stop and think in life, consider our actions and improve ourselves.
In our Hindu scriptures and Puranas, owl is not just considered scary or inauspicious. Rather, in many places it has been described as a symbol of knowledge, prudence, alertness and patience. Owls are most active at night and can see very clearly even in dense darkness. This is the reason why it is considered a bird with the power to see the truth hidden in darkness. It teaches us that even amidst the difficulties and confusions of life, the decision of right and wrong should be made with discretion and not just on the basis of emotions or rumours.
According to religious beliefs, owl is considered the vehicle of Shani Dev. Shani Dev is the god of justice, results of actions, discipline and patience. They never give results in a hurry, but take time to pay the full account of our deeds. Therefore, seeing an owl on Saturday is not a scary thing, rather it is a sign from Shani Dev that ‘stop, think and examine your work, decisions and responsibilities honestly.’ This sign says that:
-Take a break from the hustle and bustle of life
-Think twice before taking big decisions.
-Review your behavior and actions, are you adopting wrong paths or shortcuts?
-Work with honesty, patience and hard work
-Like Shani Dev, this is the message – don’t be hasty, be patient, follow the right path and you will get good results.
Seeing an owl on Saturday is not a warning of any major trouble or untoward incident. It’s a positive reminder to slow down life a bit and focus on yourself. It says:
Avoid haste in decisions
Be honest in your daily work
Stay away from bad habits or bad company
Face every situation with patience and understanding
Actually, this is Shani Dev’s way of reminding us that action is the greatest and we definitely get its results on time.
There is absolutely no need to be afraid or nervous. Instead, you can take some simple and positive steps, which will keep the mind calm and increase positive energy: First of all, calm the mind, take a deep breath and do not let negative thoughts come. Light a mustard oil lamp in the name of Shani Dev on the same day or Saturday. Donate black sesame seeds, mustard oil, black cloth or any small iron item to any temple or to the needy. Helping any poor, elderly or helpless person is very dear to Shani Dev. Do your daily work wholeheartedly and with complete honesty. These measures are not to drive away fear, but to strengthen oneself, attain mental peace and maintain positive thinking.
Problems arise when people spread false facts, rumors and old horror stories. Nowhere in the scriptures is it clearly said that someone will be harmed just by seeing an owl. On the contrary, in many places the owl is also considered the vehicle of Goddess Lakshmi, which is a symbol of wealth and prosperity. But its appearance on Saturday is especially to Saturn, which teaches us caution and introspection. It is very important to understand the difference between superstition and tradition. Avoid things that spread fear and rely on the correct interpretation of the scriptures. In conclusion, seeing an owl on Saturday is not inauspicious. This is the sign of Shani Dev which says- ‘Be careful, pay attention to your deeds, be patient and improve yourself.’
