Totems: Raven

Ravens are known as the largest songbirds in North America and it is this bird that can be found across the globe. Often mistaken for crows yet can be distinguished by their larger size, call and even tail feathers, both the crow and raven have similar lessons.

People will often think of one of two things when they hear of ravens, that they are intelligent or they are bad omens. The ravens natural talent of recycling is what is said to have given this bird a bad reputation, and recycling is most certainly a lesson. The usefulness of recycling is apparent and it is the raven that use recycles in the sense of cleaning up nature itself by eating dead animals and using nests year after year with repairs being made when needed.

With a strong intellect and cleverness, the raven also teaches the importance of these two things. With intellect and cleverness one can solve problems like the raven. Adaptability is also important, as in new situations one has to adapt to deal with new problems and even new tools.

Trickery is of what the raven is about and it is the trickery of the raven itself that can fool people but this trickery is what is likely to benefit people.

Teamwork is also of note, as it is teamwork the raven will use with wolves to help wolves hunt down food in exchange of getting some food. The ravens who can use teamwork alongside the wolf get a great deal of food from wolves.

Mystery is also a part of what is taught by the raven. There are many things said about the raven, but it is a mystery if it so. In Sweden, ravens are thought of as ghosts of dead people while in Germany the souls of the damned.

The raven can also be thought as a teacher and a creator. Some legends say the raven itself created the land. A particular legend of the Alaskan Inuit peoples talk of a raven called Raven Father, who taught men and women skills such as raising children and creating fire.

Ravens are known as messengers. Ravens themselves are said to send messages from one world to another to communicate as it is said that a raven was the talisman of a Greek god, Apollo, that told of Apollo’s prophecies.

Fun fact: While crows are lot more likely to be seen living near people, it is ravens who are rarely seen doing so as ravens prefer to live in densely wooded areas.

Offering wise, it should be noted that ravens will eat pretty much anything. They are omnivorous and will eat meat, fruits, berries and grains so offerings may need to be really thought about.