CROW SPIRIT AND MEDICINE
The past few months there have been 8 crows that come and visit me every day. Around 7 or 8 in the morning I usually go outside with my dog and buddy Salem to walk around my yard and letting Salem do his business and get some exercise. Well most mornings the crows will be in my big Oak trees right outside my house and welcome me with their calls and then fly around. What is strange is that in previous years ,if they even saw me in the door they would fly off before I could get the door open, but now they are in the trees above me talking to me every morning. Or they would let me watch them hunting on the ground for food while standing on my back step or they would stay around as me and Salem would walk about my yard. They seem to be a permanent feature in my home area now when that has not been the case, they have been around but not as often as I see them now.This closeness started when I was trying on another name 'Rhaevyn' . I would use crow for a name but it just didn't sound as good as raven does so that is the only reason I was thinking about using raven but using my own spelling of the word raven/Rhaevyn as my name and not crow. I wonder whether crow is saying I need to reconsider not using Rhaevyn for my other name? I will ponder that one. I wonder if it is sign of a God or Goddess making themselves known to me,I have been asking for such, if so they better give me more information on who they are because many Gods have crow or raven as their symbol. So here is some more wonderful information on the totem Crow.
Crow Totem Spirit and Medicine: http://www.controverscial.com/Crow.htm Contributed by - Patricia Jean Martin
The crow is a major member of the Corvids family (genus, Corvus) along with raven, magpie, blue jay and others, so some of the major teachings of Crow have already been posted within the texts on Raven. As this is the case, I will need to mention some of the similarities between the two, but will concentrate mainly on the differences. For more in-depth knowledge, a study of Raven would be beneficial to anyone with Crow as their Totem or Spirit Guide, and vice-versa.
If Crow has called on you, you may soon find the following show up in your life: A call to magick, a better understanding of the creative forces within and without, a greater nudging to speak your truth, and the courage and cunning to fly into the Void in order to retrieve the necessary knowledge and wisdom to manifest all of the above and more.
When Crow comes into your life, you can also expect to gain a better self-understanding, greater intuitive reflexes, guidance while shapeshifting through the shadows, and the opportunity to learn about the advantages of determination and watchfulness. Extremely intelligent (along with ravens, crows are noted as being the most intelligent of all birds), the crow will work diligently at manipulating an object or their surroundings until they have accomplished what they've set out to do. Like the raven, they are known to use physical tools along with ingenious methods of action that are noted as being well thought out and even planned. For those with Crow Totem, all these mental capacities and skilful manoeuvres reflect a need to use one's inner senses and outer resources to their fullest.
A crow will build its nest up higher than most other birds do, and they do this for several reasons. The most important are for safety and to secure a wider visual range. A ship's highest lookout point (a small circular balcony surrounding a tall mast) is called a "Crow's Nest" for obvious good reason. Those working with Crow medicine will find it advantageous to work on broadening their horizons, along with anticipating and being on the lookout for new opportunities that are sure to come when under Crow's tutelage. The crow has often been nicknamed "The Sentinel," as one will often sit and watch and remain aware of all that is going on around them in order to protect other crows in the flock (technically called a "murder") and to make sure no harm comes to their family. One can learn a lot in this respect, and Crow will teach you how better to do the same. From this higher perspective and this watchful awareness, your perception increases and you are able to foresee what is in the offing, thus giving you greater opportunity to be prepared for and/or embrace what is coming your way.
Crow, unlike the raven, does not mind living in populated areas. They are apt to cohabitate with humans and often live near or around them, as opposed to the raven's deep forest preference. In fact, it is very easy to befriend a crow. Some people have even been known to keep them as pets. A crow very easily bonds and is imprinted with the image and mannerisms of its keeper and will remain faithful and trusting throughout their relationship if well cared for. This shows the bird's willingness to work with humans, and also gives insight into their teachings of being strongly connected to kin...of recognizing family, even if through past lives shared... and of honouring the spirit of their kin and never forgetting them. Past life regression becomes easier when working with Crow Spirit. And through their prompting, acknowledgment and veneration of one's ancestors is brought to the forefront of your memory.
Crow's character is one of protector, scholar, messenger, and a bit of trickster. They can be very playful, quite amorous, and very wilful...almost downright cocky, actually. And akin to ravens, crows like to talk. Most people find their vocals brassy and annoying, but one with Crow Totem will find them quite soothing, peaceful to the soul, and even joyful and interesting to listen to. Learning to listen to the various tones, inflections and repetitive but varied patterns of the crow's voice can teach you such things as how to work cooperatively, how to discern the truth behind another's words, how to read between the lines, and even how to predict the weather, be alerted to the sudden appearance of a predator, or how to navigate life successfully. But even through all of Crow's love of talk, they will also teach you the very opposite...how to stay advantageously silent when necessary. The Four Cornerstones of Magick (the Witch's Pyramid) is in no way foreign to Crow.Omnivorous and apt to eat most anything available, Crow shows you how to maintain a keen sense of personal survival and how to have an "appetite" for a wide and diverse store of knowledge that you will "eat"...take inside, digest, and either be nourished by or spit out. How to use that nourishing knowledge can often be learned by watching the movements and antics of the crow - how they interact, why they interact, and when and with whom they interact. When you learn how to use wisely the vast array of knowledge they offer you, it then becomes wisdom. Raven medicine is more apt to delve more deeply into this conversion of knowledge to wisdom, but Crow will always, at the very least, open the door and offer you the way.
Aside from merely observing crows in the wild, you can work with the quintessence of Crow in the Spirit world. Here, Crow's own wisdom, offered to you very often in a knowledgeable message form but also in connective experience, is invaluable. They possess the ability to peer into all realms, to coexist in the world of timelessness, and they are very likely to delve into the depths of hidden and obscure knowledge and emerge with a message. It's a bit of a wild ride when working with Crow medicine, as they can take you high aloft to towering realms where the essence of magick may manifest but has yet to fully form, and in the next minute take you perilously deep down into the depths of your psyche, where they almost impatiently will expect you to simultaneously pull forth and examine the message they've delivered from both. In working with Crow, I've found it best to mimic them by staying open and courageous and willing to receive. I've also found they will scoff at you if you do not heed their messages.
Yes, Crow is the epitome of all messengers. Some older superstitions carry the belief that the visit and call of the crow is an omen of impending death, but this was probably adopted in thought as a result of a series of ancient myths - one being where Crow delivered unwelcome news to Apollo, who in turn smote the then pure white messenger by turning him and all his brethren to the colour black. In going from white to black, Crow was actually given the gift of now knowing both of these realms very well - wherein the past, present and future are frequently visited by this most magickal and mystical bird. Being well-known for their methodical and meticulous explorations and their curious and brazen dispositions, Crow Spirit delves deeply into the Void in order to bring word of what may be in need of a better balance in your life. Like their kindred, the Raven, Crow's colour even reminds us that things are never just black and white. Within their present black colour lie all the other colours of the spectrum pulled within - as within one's self lie all the secrets of magick. Black is the colour associated with creation. It is the Void in which all new things are birthed. It is pure potential awaiting the spark of thought. Those with Crow Totem will find themselves pushed to seek out and bring back harmony, balance and justice to their world, and will be urged to unleash their unlimited creativity. In the act of creation, though, some outdated habits and things that are no longer useful are apt to demand change and transformation. Crow medicine very often heralds change through the aspects of death and rebirth. Crow is the Totem of Destiny.
As leaders and messengers in the world of Totems, you can expect Crow to lead you to magick at every step. With Crow being my own Life Totem, I've had them literally physically lead me to things of importance in terms of my enlightenment, and other times merely to a place or thing just for the sheer pleasure of viewing it. In fact, I use them as guides quite frequently. When travelling, I am very apt to see Crows along the way. In fact, I worry if I don't. Whenever I do see a Crow while walking or driving, I can usually expect something exciting to appear just around the bend. Just as they are known for being attracted to bright and shiny objects (which they will often steal and stash away for their own enjoyment), they tend to lead you to them too, both literally and metaphorically. It's not unlikely that you'll find something awe-inspiring - something that brings bright spiritual light and shining resonance to your life - immediately after spotting a Crow. They also very noticeably show up at particular times where I've been able to relate it to my own action and whereabouts, in the sense that they let me know I am in the right place at the right time. Crow's attraction to the bright and shiny can help you learn to value the light in yourself and in others.
In all these things and much more, Crow is an extraordinarily gifted teacher and guide.
Sources
Animal-Speak (The Spiritual & Magical Powers of Creatures Great & Small) - By Ted Andrews
European Myth & Legend - By Mike Dixon-Kennedy
Oxford Dictionary of World Mythology - By Arthur Cotterall
Microsoft Encarta CD 2006 © 1993-2005 Microsoft Corporation.
Written and compiled 19th July 2007 © George Knowles
Add a Comment
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Comment by Makoons on January 13, 2012 at 14:54 -
Owlthena: I wouldn't worry about offending me, I really only take offense when offense is meant. I think a lot of people have a limited knowledge-base on my culture and traditions, so I take time to correct and educate but it's hard to take offense when most couldn't have otherwise known.
My beliefs also adhere to the teachings of the medicine wheel so like I said, I understand what you meant and where you're coming from. It's just an area I would be especially careful of in mixed company.
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Comment by OWLTHENA on January 13, 2012 at 14:46
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oops sorry , I have problems in that area, what do people call themselves? I get so confused Is is black, african american, dark skin, red, native, first nations, what would I be called? clueless really, white? I was base ing this off of the 4 directions of people, yellow,red,black,white, brown, med.wheel.Sorry did not mean to offend, seems like I have done that alot in my post........thanks again for helping me keep my head above the waters
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Comment by Makoons on January 13, 2012 at 14:32
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Owlthena: Just as a note, in the future you may want to stay away from references to "red skin" or "redskins" as both hold a somewhat negative and very negative connotation respectively. I totally understand what you meant and do not take offense, I just wanted to give you the heads up should you run across any others of First Nations descent :) .
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Comment by OWLTHENA on January 13, 2012 at 13:45
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thank you so much for clearing that up for me. Did you read my post on me finding a crow feather in my fireplace? Interesting in that there is no way from the out side it could have found itself in my fireplace, no one has been in my home and I have never found a crow or raven feather before this. Maybe crow has more to say to me , you think? any hoo thank you much for your information I will keep it to heart. If there was reincarnation I know I had to be born with red skin in a past life because I am so drawn to you all, but have tried to stay clear of your spirituality because I know how many feel about the white person 'stealing' from them. So I just admire from a distance, but my heart is still there.
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Comment by Makoons on January 13, 2012 at 13:22
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Owlthena:
I suppose you could call it a clan animal, but I personally would not use the word totem. "dodem" is a word created by my people specifically *for* my people. I would feel more comfortable with its use in that instance than the other one presented (as an interchangeable word with spirit animal) but I would just call it what it is: a family crest. To be a "clan" you must be engaged in a clan system.
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Comment by OWLTHENA on January 13, 2012 at 12:21
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well I studied my birds a little more and on line as well listening to their call and samples they had for ravens and crow calls and I would have to say my group (murder) are american crows. but I love them anyhoo
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Comment by Melissa on January 13, 2012 at 11:53 -
The corvus species is quite huge. It's not as simple as crows and ravens when you're getting into the specifics. Pied crows, common raven, American crow, carrion crows, fish crows, jackdaws, and so much more. Some are extremely hard to identify unless you study this particular field. The American crow is almost indistinguishable from the fish crows or northwestern crows for the average person. American crows are wide spread over lots of different environments in the US, so they're your best bet if you see crows around. The common raven is more husky-built as well as larger, and their throat feathers are not as sleek.
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Comment by OWLTHENA on January 13, 2012 at 11:39
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You are very correct, crows spend time in larger circles than do ravens, And they do indeed have different meanings. I have been having problems figuring out whether or not I have crows or ravens here because they seem to look like both, they are bigger than crows but smaller than the ravens I have seen way up north or out west, their tails are a cross between the shape of a crow and raven so I am having a hard time trying to figure out who my neighbors are. for a long time I just had 3 that lived in my area but this winter there are 8. Maybe they are the parents and the rest are their family I don't know. I have been told that S Missouri does not have ravens so I am assuming they are crows but they seem too big to be so , so I am just being safe and calling them crows. Ravens are who I have a connection with, I being of a very earthy nature tend to see animals and birds in the material world more so than in dreams and visions and they tend to send me messages in the real world, so since maybe ravens do may not live here, the spirit family of raven sends me the crow, I don't know, I am not an adept in this by no means.thank you for your input , I appreciate it.
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Comment by Ree on January 13, 2012 at 10:55 -
I thought there was a difference between the medicine associated with the Crow and that of the Raven. I understand they are from the same family of bird, but they have different styles of medicine they are associated with. I was just mentioning it because you stated that there were Ravens on your family crest, as Ravens mean something different symbolically than Crows. Or, at least, that is what I have always read.
They do have some similarities in what their medicine entails (such as centering around magic), but they do go about it differently (where Crow brings word of the magick that surrounds you both within and without, it is Raven who dangles the key. Ravens are known to be able to trigger the energies of the magick you feel all around you, and they will teach you how to fearlessly go about manifesting that magick to fruition.).
My spirit animal is the Raven, and this is the reason why I wanted to clarify a little bit on it. There are some books and people, however, that do identify the two birds together as they look the same and both come from the Corvid's family, but they do represent different types of medicine as mentioned here at http://www.controverscial.com/Raven.htm.
Just thought I would share. :)
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Comment by OWLTHENA on January 13, 2012 at 10:18
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thank you Makoons for that information , I will be more careful about throwing around the word 'totem' in the future. My family on my mothers side is from Wales and 3 ravens are the symbol used on the family crest/shield would that be considered a family clan animal? So instead of using the word totem for the spirit animals that assist me they should be considered 'Spirit helpers'?
I appreciate your comments.
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