Raven Medicine
by Shaman Shane Cox
"Quoth the Raven, Nevermore." This passage from Edgar Allen Poe conjures mystery and intrigue, both qualities of the powerful Totem of Raven. The poem talks about the haunting feeling a man has over his lost love. This embodies one of the strongest energies of the Raven itself, a connection to the Spirit world and those that have crossed over to the other side. While many cultures have seen the Raven as a sign of death many others have seen it as a sign of birth. Through this we are shown the constant cycle of birth, death and rebirth. For those that are working through major life changes the Raven can help in letting go of the old self and claiming the new. Likewise, when the Raven shows up unexpectedly we have to ask ourselves what change is necessary for us to find our true path and happiness.
Raven is a symbol of mysticism and magic. When they come flying into our world we can expect our intentions to become manifested more quickly and easily. Raven helps us to remember that if we combine intention with a connection to the Divine that anything is possible for us to achieve. Many magical practitioners will find that Raven is a useful ally to call on. Part of this quality comes from the Raven's color. Black represents the void from which all things come. In the Native American way it is seen as the color of Great Mystery or the Goddess aspect of Divinity. It is from the void (womb) that all things are birthed and to it that all things will eventually return. Simply put, Raven is potentials made into reality. This energy is excellent for those undertaking new endeavors in life and those trying to take an idea and turn it into something real and tangible.
The Norse God King Odin had two Ravens, Hugin and Munin. They were physical representations of thought and memory. In this way Raven becomes the messenger of Spirit, brining us guidance and understanding of the path we are walking in life. Odin, as well as, many other Gods are known to shape shift into the form of a Raven to move amongst the people undetected. If you should find yourself needing an element of stealth Raven can help you. They are keen observers of their environment and very little escapes their awareness. Tapping into this energy can prove very helpful when we have need to know things without wanting to show our hand in the process.
Ravens are very vocal and can even be taught to speak. For those interested in animal communication the Raven can be a powerful teacher. Often when they appear in our life it is the beginning of a period of closer connection to the natural and animal worlds. This can provide us with a sense of belonging and Spiritual connectedness. Raven helps us to understand that we are part of something bigger.
Often seen as omens, Ravens warn us of dangers and point the way to goodness on our path in life. They are rarely seen alone, showing us the strength that comes from joining with others for our projects and tasks in life. They communicate with one another and often seem to "relay" messages throughout the flock.
Ravens are scavengers. When they show up in your life it is often to help you remove some old, dead energy from yourself or your life. They are literally part of the clean up crew of nature. When confronted with Raven's energy it is wise to ask yourself what it is you are trying to let go of...what no longer serves you. Releasing these outdated and stagnant energies to Raven is a powerful technique for personal change. One need only center the self and clear the mind, then to ask Raven to come and take from you what you wish you be freed from. This can be anything from negative emotions to bad habits and wrong thinking or unpleasant situations we are faced with.
Raven is so intelligent that it is one of the few animals, particularly birds that use tools. They will use small stones to crack nuts to get to the meat inside. This reflects the quality of equipping ourselves with what we need for the tasks at hand. Raven teaches us to take up our tools and get to work. They help us to create our world by our own hands as we would have it to be, cracking through the obstacles between us and our desires.
When the magical and mysterious Raven comes gliding into your life it is a time to change a time to accept that the person you have been previously will be "nevermore". Sometimes we all need help in understanding our lives and support for the changes we are making in our lives and ourselves. Raven can help you with that.
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