Ravens belong to the corvid family, which is believed to be among the most intelligent birds in the world. Regardless, most cultures have attached a negative depiction of this creature.
Perhaps this is due to their connection to ill luck and bad omen. Even the group of ravens is called ‘unpleasantness.’ Despite that, the raven spirit animal also has positive cultural references. This article will provide you with an in-depth understanding of this creature.
Meaning of Raven Spirit Animal
It would be relatively easy to observe the characteristics and nature of this bird. While the raven may have some striking similarities to the crow, they are entirely different. Ravens have larger bodies than crows.
Moreover, crows congregate in large numbers, while ravens prefer to stick to their partner. Here are some detailed meanings of ravens and how they could affect your life.
Clever and Cunning
The brain of the raven is perhaps among the largest of birds. They have also been discovered to possess an unbelievable number of brain cells. Therefore, this animal is considered one of the most intelligent species.
They are even believed to be on par with primates and coyotes. According to some biologists, ravens are among the only four animals that have the power to communicate about events and things.
For instance, when this creature leaves the roost to search for possible food sources, he will inform his mate about this once it returns. You could be in a situation where you need to be innovative in your actions; otherwise, things will go awry.
Innovators
Just like primates, research shows that ravens can manipulate tools. Therefore, they have been described as innovators in the animal kingdom.
Ravens are also opportunists; they are often attracted to shiny things. Just like how dogs will be playful on toys, ravens will be curious about objects that sparkle.
The raven’s presence in your life reminds you that you must be creative when finding a solution. Magic happens outside the box; do not confine your thinking to society’s standards.
Trickster
Another possible meaning of the raven could be associated with their playful personality. Ravens are known for stealing from each other.
Like some creatures, ravens have this behavior of burying food they don’t eat. They are aware that other ravens might steal their food stash.
Therefore, there will be instances when they pretend to bury their food in one spot but then bury it in another location. This animal tells you to be careful in trusting the people around you.
Wittiness
When this animal comes into your life, you are in a situation wherein you need to use your wits. You should also be witty when you must overcome a challenging period.
Sometimes, it is too easy to accept the situation, thinking we have little to no control over the circumstances. With your creativity and intelligence, it will be possible for people to influence the outcome of the situation. You can depend on this situation to solve your conflicts in life.
Adaptability
Ravens have been proven to adapt to a range of locations; they can survive on the arid desert of the Southwest and the vast expanse of land. They can also thrive in the urban jungle, forest, coasts, and diverse other places.
In a kingdom wherein several animals are endangered due to habitat loss, some animals, such as the ravens, continue to thrive. This means you should be persistent even if the situation does not favor you.
Raven Spirit Animal Omens
The spirit realm will communicate to us in a creative way. Apart from dreams, they can also use other animals to deliver the messages we need to overcome our situation.
Encountering a raven could mean that you might be hurting someone unintentionally. It could also imply that you need to handle a huge responsibility. The message of this creature may change depending on the context.
Killing the Raven
You could be in a very complex situation if you shoot a raven. Regardless of what you will do, there is probably no way out of your conflicts. The only thing you can do is sit down and wait for the storm to pass.
You will experience significant moral and emotional damage and lose some of your valuable materials. Killing a raven may imply that your depressing period will continue for a while.
Hearing the Raven’s Call
The call of the raven suggests that there is someone near you who is not being totally honest. You should be careful not to trust their words; otherwise, you can be involved in a situation that will ruin your reputation.
These people are intentionally deceiving you since they want you to fail. It would be best to avoid these people since they have no good intentions toward you.
A Raven Landing
If a raven lands on your property, it means a family member will tell you something that will bother you. Do not just ignore this information; there’s a chance that you can use this against your enemies.
This will help you uncover the true intention of the people around you. You should not be careless with your actions. Look for a creative way to use this to gain an advantage.
Seeing a Dead Raven
Seeing the raven dead can mean that you have a pessimistic nature, and it will be tough to get rid of this personality of yours. The discomfort that you are feeling right now will continue.
You should divert your attention and energy to more productive stuff if possible. Perhaps you should consider joining an organization that upholds your interests and values. You can also participate in sports and community events.
Raven Following You
If you feel that a raven is following you, this tells you that you should be careful of the people from your work. Perhaps someone prevents you from securing the job that you desire.
If you notice two ravens following you, this could signify a possible betrayal in your relationship. You must be careful of the intentions of someone. Ravens imply that you should not fully trust them. Someone close to you may not be who they appear to be.
Ravens Attack
Suppose the raven attacked you. In that case, you are in a situation wherein you are experiencing heightened anxiety. A lot of people will see ravens as a sign of misfortune.
Perhaps you are too worried about your future or might be sensing possible danger. Nevertheless, ravens do not only relate to negativities. It could indicate that the problem you have right now requires creative and critical thinking to overcome them.
Raven Spirit Animal Symbolism
Human beings have been linking this animal to a range of symbolism. They are flexible and social creatures that survive in diverse habitats, which makes them prominent characters in different legends and cultures. These mythologies also have given this creature interesting meanings and roles.
If you have been reading Norse mythology, you are probably aware of how ravens are depicted in the legend. Odin, known for being a great magician, has two ravens on his shoulder.
They have been described as his shadow, that serves as his spies and advisors. These creatures have been close to this god, and some believe that these creatures are the personification of Odin.
Perhaps Norse mythology is one of the very first works of literature that connect this creature to wisdom, creativity, and prophecy.
Celtic Symbolism
The Celts will relate this creature to wars. Since they are scavengers, they will often be present on the battlefield to enjoy the feast after the skirmish.
The Celtics also mentioned the name Morrigan, known as the goddess of death and war. He was often depicted to be in the company of ravens since the Celts believed that these birds served as her advisors.
Japanese Symbolism
Japanese believed that this animal played an essential role in their culture. One of the oldest characters in Japanese mythology is a three-legged raven named Yatagarasu.
Based on the legend, this crow came from heaven to serve as a guide to Emperor Jimmu during his journey. This also symbolizes divine intervention.
Japanese also have a half-goblin half-raven creature in their legends known as Karasu Tengu. It is a frightening Yokai or supernatural creature.
Native American Symbolism
Among Native American tribes, the raven is believed to be a bird connected to the spirit realm. Seeing a raven implies that you will soon go through a transformation process.
This will often mean something positive, and you should not be anxious about it. However, in different tribes, this can also pertain to death, not only in physical form. Sometimes, this may also relate to rebirth in spirituality.
Conclusion
To most, the raven spirit animal symbolizes destruction, death, and ill fortune. However, they may also relate to wisdom, creativity, intelligence, trickery, and critical thinking. Therefore, the next time you come across this creature, you should not immediately frown.
It can also be a messenger from heaven that will serve as your guide. It might also be giving us protection since it also indicates divine intervention.
Thank you for taking the time to read this article !