I was happy to be on the bicycle again on the backcountry trail after many late nights monitoring sea turtle nests. The sudden shuffle of branches on the live oak tree near my helmet startled me. The first thing I saw was thick, feathered legs with long black talons as they dove within a foot of my head and passed in front of me.

The rest of the barred owl came into view after it nearly touched my left shoulder with outstretched wings. Even though the wings made no sound, I could feel the slipstream as it seemed to draw me forward.

I admit there may have been some vocal expression of surprise that escaped me prior to laughter. Gratitude to my feathered friend quickly followed.

After the initial surprise subsided I began to ponder the encounter as I pedaled. The immediate thought I had dealt with owl medicine. Something that is hidden is about to come to light. Owls teach us the secrets of the night for they are they eyes of the night and can see what most of us cannot see. They teach us to see through illusion.

Later in the day, before beginning meditation, I read a passage about the Hebrew letter being studied this week. Ayin–“When we learn to lift our hearts, minds, and spirits above the world of illusion, then we can see clearly.” Dolores Ashcroft-Nowicki, Illuminations.

The theme of the day is clearly learning to see through illusions. The owl dramatically and clearly gave me that message.  I’ll allow my subconscious mind to be caught in the slipstream of the owl’s flight over the next several days and see how the message unfolds.

Guides and teachers are always nearby. Our task is to simply be aware when guidance appears.