Due to their dark color, and the traditional association of death and blackness, it is no surprise that many cultures viewed crows and ravens as intermediaries between us and the afterlife, or associated them with sorrow and dying. In fact, carrion birds were usually the first scavengers on the scene after a death, and feasted on man and beast alike. Their reputation among such peoples was grim one, and many scorned the birds, or cursed their presence.

Among other peoples, however, it was the wit and curiosity these birds displayed which colored their spiritual significance. They were associated with joy and laughter, and a spirit of mischief.

The native tribes of the pacific northwest were among the latter of these two. They called Raven the Great Trickster, and boasted that the creation of mankind was Raven's doing. They also claimed that Raven's tricks brought fire to mankind so they wouldn't freeze in the darkness, that Raven supplied water during a great drought, and that it was Raven who made Salmon for the people to eat. When totem poles were erected to honor the spiritual guardians of these tribes, Raven was a common feature on them. In fact, even today some native tribes make prayers to Raven.

Although the idea of totem spirits originated among native tribes, there are also a number of non-natives who claim Raven as their totem (or who have been claimed by Raven, according to the shamanic understanding of totems). These people believe that Raven watches over them, guides them to new discoveries, and teaches them to appreciate the humor in life.

The idea of Raven as a creator was not unique to native tribes, though. Even in Siberia there were myths and stories told of how Raven created the world. Anywhere these dark birds have overcome challenges and eked out a living in rough or hostile environments, tales have been told about their ingenuity and love of life.

In Australia, where the role of the laughing trickster is filled by the kookaburra, the raven has a slightly different role. There, raven is a bird of sorrows. He takes the sadness from humanity, and flies away with it. The Australian raven's mournful call reflects the burden he carries.

The raven's role in early European history is a little less clear, but it was probably associated with both life and death. Ancient earth religions, who laid the foundation for later orders and practices, were very concerned about fertility, birth and death, and the constant circle of life. Ravens and crows would likely have played some role as they disposed of dead bodies, clearing the way for new life.

We don't know much about religions such as the Druids, or the way they worshipped, but they grew out of these early earth religions, and probably held many of the same basic beliefs. It is commonly accepted, however, that they saw the natural world as symbolic of a spiritual one, and attributed significance to the presence and actions of certain animals. Ravens, crows, and even magpies were probably considered 'ominous' birds - birds who could give an omen or sign of things to come.

Although most now relegate such things to the realm of folklore and superstition, there are still people who believe ancient wisdom saying crows can predict the future. Many know some version of an old rhyme for counting crows or magpies: "One for sorrow, Two for joy..." and some elderly people will cross themselves to ward off bad luck upon seeing a crow.

Another prophecy still observed today concerns the presence of ravens at the Tower of London. It has been said that if the ravens ever leave the Tower, it will fall, and the crown of England shall fall with it. For this reason, ravens are kept at the Tower at all times, cared for by the RavenMaster. Few people actually believe the old prediction anymore, but they aren't taking any chances.

While the ravens at the Tower enjoy public acceptance, there has traditionally been a lot of suspicion directed at people who keep ravens or crows as pets. They have been called witches, or suspected of diabolic dealings. The birds have been denounced as familiars, in the same way black cats were supposed to be evil spirits in animal form, helping the witches with their evil spells. Angry crowds would kill the animals, and sometimes the 'witches' with them.

There is still a lot of misunderstanding today about the role these birds play in religions such as Wicca. Some practitioners do keep familiars, or have spirit animals as guides, but these animals are supposed to be benevolent helpers, not messengers from Satan. In fact, Wicca does not recognize the existence of a 'Devil' as understood by the Christian faith. The natural world is seen as the source of power instead, and ravens or crows acting as familiars guide the practitioner to new understandings about their world.

Paganism, such as it is practiced today, also tends to view ravens and their cousins as animal guides, and part of the circle of life. The significance attributed to these birds varies by individual interpretation, but most see them as a positive sign. Some still follow Celtic beliefs that ravens serve the warrior goddess known as The Morrigan.

The Morrigan was, according to legend, a very fearsome goddess, capable of turning the tides in a war. It was good to have her on your side, but terrible to be on the receiving end of her wrath. She could, supposedly, turn herself into a raven to survey the battlefield and encourage her chosen side to new levels of brutality. When the war was over, and ravens descended to the battlefield, she would feast with them on the bodies of the dead.

Another god of legend associated with ravens was Odin. According to Norse legends, he kept two specific ravens, called Hugin and Munin, whose job it was to keep him informed of everything which happened on the earth. Hugin's name meant 'thought' and Munin, 'memory'. When the two would leave him, he would be without thought or memory until they returned. Then they would tell him stories of all they had witnessed or heard. Because of Odin's affinity with these birds, the Norse revered all ravens. Even today they tell stories about these birds, and the god they served.

These stories, and others, are listened to by people the world over. Ravens, crows, and the rest of the corvidae family continue to fascinate us, and we seem to have an insatiable desire to hear stories about them which will help us make sense of the world around us. Not everyone believes the stories, but many do, and even those who don't can appreciate the wealth of mythology surrounding these fascinating birds.

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