So, I did the thing (WARNING: BLOOD)

[wowgetoffyourcellphone]

Athena's owl, the Little Owl (Athene noctua), often doesn't have a specific name in myth but is called Glauca, Glaucus, or Glaux (meaning "gleaming" or "bright-eyed") and symbolizes wisdom, insight, and the city of Athens itself, appearing on ancient coins and associated with her epithet Glaukopis.

 

• Species: The specific bird is the (European) Little Owl (Athene noctua), common in Greece. 
• Symbolism: It represents wisdom, vigilance, and the ability to see hidden truths, reflecting Athena's own attributes as goddess of wisdom. 
• Names: It's often referred to as the "Owl of Athena" or "Owl of Minerva" (her Roman counterpart). In Greek, Glaux (or Glauca) refers to the owl and is linked to Athena's "owl-eyed" (glaukopis) epithet. 
• Mythological Connection: Some Roman myths mention a woman, Nyctimene, transformed into an owl by Athena for protection, but this is a later story. 
• Cultural Significance: The owl was a powerful symbol for the city of Athens, appearing on coins and pottery. 

 

 

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Voila:

 

 

I stigmatized myself for Blessed Athena^. My birthday gift to myself this year: My first tattoo. I chose Athena's owl, Glaucus ("bright-eyed"). It's another step in my lifelong journey slowly developing a personal veneration for Athena, a focus for certain philosophical precepts, values, and aspirations.