For some, the raven -- among the smartest of birds -- represents a special kind of totem.
Perhaps Edgar Allen Poe comes to mind when you think of ravens. His famous poem regarding the lost love Lenore has a repeating line: "Quoth the raven, 'Nevermore'." To this date, people still try to decipher the exact meaning of the raven's presence. For some tribal peoples, the raven is a totem animal -- actually used in carvings or totem poles.
Culturally
Several Canadian and Pacific Northwest tribes feature animals on totem poles.
The Pacific Northwest Tlingit tribe has an enduring legend about how the raven brings the sun. Other cultures that have stories and myths about the raven include pagan Celts and Europeans, aboriginal Australians, Greeks, Egyptians and Asians. This bird gets around. It can represent the same thing to cultures on opposite sides of the world -- or it can mean something completely different. Some people attach foreboding to the appearance of a raven. Others consider it a good omen.
Metaphysics
People who follow a spiritual path may chance upon or learn about a form of tarot called "medicine" or "spirit animal" cards. These card decks are used for divination. A person shuffles, meditating on a question, then selects cards. The raven may appear, and the book -- or person who reads the cards -- will contain an interpretation of what it means. Some people have dreams about ravens and either intuit the meaning, or refer to outer sources containing information about the bird. Some practitioners add raven feathers to rattles, shakers, dream catchers, altars and tools. Applying "raven knowledge" or medicine to your life means to be open to accepting the specific messages that a raven brings.
Raven as Totem
Besides the physical carvings that may show up on totem poles or on fetishes such as the Zuni Indians make, the concept of "totem" is more akin to a spirit guide. When you begin to notice the regular presence of a raven in your life, then it may have a message for you, or may be warning you about something. The difficulty lies in knowing precisely what the message or warning might be. If you are fascinated in ravens, then you can investigate further, especially if you feel this bird may be your personal animal totem.
Symbology
Some legends suggest that the raven brought the sun, while others say it symbolizes the moon.
Bringer of light or herald of death -- the raven can be either. Some believe that the raven symbolizes magic, introspection, courage and self-knowledge. Others consider the raven a thief or a messenger to warn someone to guard against theft. Certain beliefs paint the raven as a destroyer, while others hold that the raven brings insight and new outcomes. If you begin to study ravens, then you may be able to discern more clearly a pattern of symbols that can be useful in your own life.
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