Quoth the Raven, Nevermore!
The following series will focus on the magnificent Raven, which recently made itself known to me through my dreams. The Raven is a very complex character and, as a symbol, it is both revered and feared across various cultures. In my research, I have found that the Raven shares a symbiotic relationship with the Wolf and, in my opinion, shares common misconceptions (i.e. feared due to ‘dark’ conceptions).
Raven and its associated medicine has been misunderstood for decades due to its misuse by occult members and less disciplined beings. However, if we assume that our world is dualistic in nature (the realm of the Relative), the Raven has more to share than what it is infamously known for; for out of its realm of darkness can light be brought forth.
In recent weeks, Australian crows and ravens have appeared more often in my life. After some research, I discovered that this occurs when one is receiving (or will receive) a message from the ancestors. Since I am young, my knowledge and exposure to totemic messengers is still its infantile stage. However, I have taken notice of their appearances – being sure to capture their numbers, flight direction, and any other peculiar behavior.
The more I researched, the more I realized how important this information was. I even discovered that this sort of recording and observation is called augury. The following key themes for Ravens are that they are:
- Very complex, tricky and elusive
- They are Messengers between realms
- Death is a subject they teach us to be comfortable with, not fear
Part of this fear comes from Raven’s ability to deceive and/or mislead, but they can also teach us to see through illusions by first presenting them to us as a test. If we pass this test, they just might become life-long guardians. Having said that, spotting their tricks and follies is not the easiest of tasks, and will be covered in the next post of the series.
For now, try to absorb any information that has been presented. Ask questions, research keywords. The idea is to get you to absorb and ponder more before moving on to the next topic.
Image source: Raven, Raven Spirit Totem
Glad you enjoyed it Ken! Can’t believe I’m reading this 9 months later lol. Guess it was timed right though, because I’ve been seeing crows again.
I agree with you that the raven is a misunderstood animal. One could blame modern writings and movies that represent the raven as evil and a harbinger of death, which is not the case. All spirit animals have their own unique complexities about them, the wolf is one example that people fear them for no reason. The raven is an extremely complex and illusive creature which I am sure you will get into great detail in the following chapters. I am looking forward to reading more of your article.
One must keep in mind to read with an open mind and heart, the truth shall be revealed onto you.
Thank you Siosi,
Ken Lonewolf
Hi Ken
Thank you for the insight you have brought to this short article. I am certain that the theme will develop along the lines that you have indicated. It is without doubt a much maligned figure the Raven (crow). It is not an untrue statement to say that if we don’t like the news we shoot the messenger. Why then should we be amazed that the Raven would be illusive or deceitful? It does not want to become a victim of the message it carries.
We need to learn to appreciate its other gifts like the ability to pass between realms to convey the message and its infallible sense of direction to locate the being to whom it is to deliver the message.
Siosi, I look forward to the rest of this article with great interest.
Namaste
Timberwolf