THE RAVEN:In China and Mithraism, it represented the Sun, while in many western cultures it symbolized death. Ovid told of a legend that said the raven was at first silver in color, but turned black because of its delight in carrying evil news. In Greek myth the raven was a messenger of Apollo. The followers of Zoroaster called it a pure bird. Representing power and the Sun in China, this bird was one of the animals of the Twelve Terrasrtial Branches. In Ireland, the raven was associated with the morrigan and other battle or death goddesses. The Morrigan was a raven deity who gloried in battles; she could assume the forms of a hag, a beautiful woman, or a crow or raven. In Welsh, ubran means "raven", the name connecting it with the god, Bran the Blessed. Ravens were creatures of the Norse-Germanic Valkyries, who wore their black feathers when they fulfilled their task as Choosers of the slain. To Native Americans, the raven could see everything and had the ability to find hidden things. It was considered a magickal creature, with its black coloring symbolizing spiritual paths. The raven was a shape-shifter, a bird of cerimonial magick and healing. SuperstitionsIn Cornwall, the croaking of a raven over a house means bad luck is coming.Sailors believe that killing a raven, like killing an albatross, brings bad luck. Scottish deer hunters believe that hearing a raven croak before they begin hunting will bring them success. The Emglish believe that if the ravens desert the Tower of London, the reigning family will die and Britain will fall. It refuses to feed its young properly until they develop the black feathers. Magickal AttributesHelp with divination.Often represents the upset in life necessary to create something new. Wisdom, eloquence, magick. A change in consciousness. Messages from spirit; something unforeseen but special is about to occur. Magick of the Crone. Divination ChantWing so black it shines like Moon at midnight,O Raven strong, hear my cry! Teach me old magick, powerful, bold, O Raven, eloquent and wise. |