Raven Symbolism & Meaning

Ravens have some of the most powerful symbols and meanings in the Animal Kingdom. This means that you can use this animal to help you find your magic. Want to get in touch with the other side? Want to learn more about yourself? Raven can help as a Spirit, a Totem, and a Power Animal. Ravens teach us how to get messages from the other world and see the real beauty of our dark sides. Look into the meanings and symbols of Raven to find out how this animal spirit guide can help you feel better, learn more, and be more creative.




Raven Symbolism & Meaning

When Raven, your spirit animal guide, crows loudly into your life, it’s a sign that you should stop and think about the messages you’re getting.

Ravens are as dark as midnight, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that their symbols and meanings are linked to death and the underworld in many cultures.

At first, this may seem like a bad sign, but it doesn’t have to be taken literally. What does a raven represent if not death, darkness, and decay? Raven’s meanings have deeper spiritual symbolism. On the surface, the Raven likes to eat dead animals can make this bird’s meaning seem sad.




Things aren’t always what they seem to be, though. Instead of seeing the Raven as a sign of terrible things to come, try to figure out what it means in a broader sense.

If Raven shows up, it’s probably a sign that something is about to change in your life. Whether the change is good or bad, it is usually very dramatic. So, the Raven spirit can help you stay safe in the middle of the chaos.

Remember that Raven eats the dead bodies of other animals, which gives this bird the additional meaning of cleansing.

Maybe you need to get rid of something old and not good for you.

For that, Raven is a great helper. Raven is also a great teacher, guide, and partner for studying and working with magic.

Raven’s message is that you can change the way you think about death from something to be afraid of to a powerful rite of passage that completes the circle of life, death, and rebirth. Raven helps us see things differently.

Raven’s feathers come in different sizes and are iridescent black, a sign in many cultures that this bird is linked to changing consciousness. Raven helps us find the power and wisdom hidden in the dark, deep voids of our minds and the Universe as a whole.




Raven is a sign of the Third Eye Chakra and divine awakenings because it is linked to communication and psychic abilities. This meaning of the Raven in your life is easy to understand if you think about how its color changes from black to blue. Raven can also be linked to the Throat Chakra because birds are often seen as communication symbols. Raven’s dark wings connected to the Earth can also make you think of the Root Chakra, reminding you to stay grounded when facing an issue.

Raven can be a sign that change is coming and that you should be open to all the possibilities. When you meet a Raven, you can expect change, transformation, and the ability to “shape-shift.”

Let this wise master be your “call” to the four corners of creation.

People have said that Raven is a master of time. Those of you who put things off, get ready.

If Raven flies into your mind, you’re about to learn how to make the most of your time. You might be in the right place at the right time, and Raven wants you to make the most of that.

In a way, this animal spirit is like a sign that your life is about to change or start over, even though it may have seemed like it was going nowhere.

What do Ravens mean in different cultures?

The ancient Greeks thought that Apollo, in particular, would send them messages through Raven. This means that the Raven spirit is connected to the night, but it also has qualities of the sun.

Working with Raven is a way to improve your ability to notice things and bring things hiding in the dark into the light.

Ravens have a unique voice and a very large vocabulary. They are some of the smartest birds in the world, so don’t be surprised if your communication skills start to get better.

Raven reminds us always to be ourselves.

When Raven decides to talk to you, you might feel nervous. That makes sense.

Keep in mind, though, that Raven is Morrigan’s fierce guardian. Raven was also the Queen of the Fairies’ sign.

If Raven is in your life, you will never run out of spiritual adventures and magical surprises.

Raven Spirit Animal

The Raven is a “secret keeper” by some Native American tribes. If your spirit animal is a Raven, you shouldn’t make promises of privacy or give away information given to you in confidence.

Raven doesn’t like people who lie on both sides of their faces, and she wants everyone she meets to be more honest. Raven is a sign of trickster energy because it can be naughty, but it also has a lot of compassion and is thought of as a healer.




Raven’s spirit often looks for people on the path of the Mysteries. This being would rather talk to someone who understands the depth and breadth of the Path of the Adept and the challenges that lie ahead.

Raven’s color isn’t just black; it seems to change into different shades of blue in the sun. Raven can also make other birds’ sounds. This means that people who want to learn how to change their shape would do well to find Raven and listen to what he has to say.

No matter what, you can always listen to Raven’s warnings with respect if she is your Spirit animal. She’s there to help and protect.

Raven Totem Animal

People who choose the Raven as their totem are creative and like to get into trouble. You might never be afraid of darkness, even love it. You can walk, swim, or fly while being completely quiet, which is also when you attach to the Divine and Higher Self.

If you have a Raven totem, you are often like Mercury in that you bring information to other people. This could be something simple like helping them stay safe or something very spiritual. People who look like ravens often walk the line between the worlds, connecting them.




When you walk with Raven, there’s no doubt that you can try out magic. You’ll also find that you can change your life more meaningfully.

On the other hand, the Raven spirit challenges you to look at yourself honestly and ask, “Nevermore?” – what’s hiding in the shadows of your being stopping you?

Bring that bad stuff into the light and cry “NEVERMORE” with the Raven.

The Raven totem is often found among healers and people whose sacred duty is to guide others into deeper mysteries. You may be a leader whose job is to keep people safe and help them heal and grow when things are bad.

But first, you might need to heal yourself and listen to your own higher wisdom. Raven totem can show you your true power and potential as you become more intuitive through hard times. If Raven is your totem, you may have to go through hard times before you can start over in a big way.




If Raven has chosen you to share their medicine, you have a connection with this bird. This is a sacred bond, so treat it as such. You’ll have a big effect on other people, but you’ll also have a lot to take care of.

Raven Power Animal

One way to start learning the language of animals is to make the Raven your power animal. Raven can change his song, and by listening to it, you can learn a lot about the signs and symbols in nature.

Raven Spirit wants you to respect him, not be afraid of him. This Being brings out your inner Shaman and helps you remember your past actions. As these memories come back to you, they will help you deal with something important in the real world or on your spiritual path.

You should be ready for change and new views when you walk with Raven. Be prepared to go deep into your unconscious and look for your true self. This is a hard process, but it heals the mind, body, and Soul in the long run. This is your chance to start over.




Raven is smarter and can talk more than the Parrot. If you work with Raven to listen carefully, you can learn to speak the language of the people around you. You can also figure out deeper mysteries by using your intuition and senses.

When Raven helps you, you can see things from a different point of view and even have a spiritual or psychic awakening. Raven enables you to get ready for big things that are coming up. Raven’s symbolism teaches us to be flexible, stand up for ourselves, and fight back when we have to.

Raven can also help you get what is rightfully yours back. Ravens are known for stealing shiny things, but their symbolism also involves being drawn to what is important to you. Don’t be afraid to get what belongs to you back. Usually, this means healing from past hurts or healing your Inner Child.

What Does the Native American Raven Mean?

Native American tribes like the Inuit and the Salish tell stories about Raven as the person who made the world. Raven is a trickster, but she also brings people together and acts as a protector and provider.

In some stories, Raven is the one who steals and gives back the sun, just like Prometheus. In Native American symbolism, the Raven is a strong totem that helped with ceremonies when it was around. In some Native American beliefs, the song of the Raven was a sign of sexual power and temptation.

The Native American meaning of the Raven has to do with being able to change your state of mind. Raven’s symbolism is about changing your mind and accepting the power of mystery and secrets.




Raven is seen as a Messenger by Native Americans. The Native American Raven is the most important animal for rituals and stories. It symbolizes the power of magic and the ability to carry important messages across time and space.

The black color of the Raven is a sign. This is the color of the space where everything starts and where everything ends. Different tribes have different ideas about what Raven means, but one thing is always true: Raven is one of the most powerful creatures you can work with when it comes to bird symbols.

What the Raven means to Christians

Christians often think of the story of Noah’s Ark when they see a raven. People say that the Ravens ate the dead people who didn’t make it through the flood. In Christianity, this is often seen as an attack on God’s wants.

People say that God told the ravens to leave the Ark, so they have become a symbol of going against God. Raven tries to talk Noah into letting him into the Ark in other stories, but Noah says no. So, this version of the story is built around the idea that Ravens are tricksters.

Some Christians even think that the Raven symbolizes evil or the Devil. This may be partly because, before Christianity, the bird was linked to death and the afterlife. It could also tell how the Raven is drawn to the dead and dying because they provide food for the bird.

St. Augustine thought that the Raven was a symbol of impurity and putting things off, but they are also protective and empowering, and they help us see the bigger picture. As their strong Spirit shows us, it depends on how you look at it.




Raven’s symbolism doesn’t have to be so scary if you look at death as a natural part of the growth of the Soul and see it in a positive and balanced way.

Raven also does an important job of cleaning and making things better by getting rid of the dead. Raven’s connection to death and the afterlife makes him seem like a special link between the worlds.

Raven is also shown in a good light in other parts of the Bible. Ravens watched over St. Vincent of Saragossa’s body after he died. They did this until his body was buried at what would later become his shrine. Saint Benedict of Nursia’s life was saved by a raven that ate poisoned bread. This kept the Saint from dying.

In the book of Luke, Jesus shows how the symbolism of Ravens can be used in a good way. His talk about Ravens was meant to show how generous God is. By saying that Ravens don’t plant or harvest but are still taken care of by God, Jesus makes the Raven a symbol of plenty and faith.




As you work with Raven, you may be asked to look at your deeper, subconscious (Raven territory!) beliefs about mysteries, secrets, darkness, death, purity, and holiness.

As you do this, you may find that some things you used to be afraid of are great sources of power and safety. This is part of what the symbolism of the Raven shows us.

Christian beliefs are full of bird symbols, and the meaning of the Raven can be controversial. It’s best to look at the symbolism and purpose of the Raven from many different points of view, seeing both its good and bad sides.

As a Celtic animal sign, the Raven.

In Celtic culture, the Raven was linked to many larger-than-life figures, such as the goddess Morrigan, Bran the Blessed (who was thought to be able to protect an entire city), and the sun god Lugh, to name a few. Raven was a symbol of war, death, magic, and seeing the future in the Celtic countries.

Like other birds, the Raven is seen as a messenger, also a symbol of other birds. Often in legends and stories, Raven does the work of the gods and acts as a messenger or middleman.

Raven is a sign of battle, protection, and standing up for what you believe in by fighting for it. This is partly because the Morrigan was seen as a symbol of the Warrior Goddess, whose favor would decide who won a battle. It was said that the Morrigan could change into a Raven. When she did this, she was called Badb.




So, having Raven on your side could give you a head start on understanding your opponent’s battle plan and help you figure out what moves to make to win.

Even if you aren’t fighting on a battlefield today, Raven can still give you the energy and focus you may need to outsmart an opponent. Raven can help you fight back and stand your ground when you’re in a tough situation.

Celtic culture covered a large area, and different places had different ideas about symbols. The Welsh believe that Bran, whose name means “raven” and is also known as “Bran the Blessed,” is like a raven in that he keeps people safe.

People say that Bran’s head was put on the ground outside the city walls as a protection charm. Some people also think that if a child drinks from Raven’s skull, it will bring blessings and protection.

In the Welsh story from The Dreams of Rhonabwy, Owain mab Urien and King Arthur are playing chess. Owain begs King Arthur to stop his people from hurting Owain’s Ravens. Arthur says no, so the Ravens kill many of Arthur’s servants to get back at him.

In this story, the Ravens can take care of themselves and get revenge on the people who hurt them. They also start their battle while Owain and Arthur play a war game that involves strategy. This could be a metaphor for the fact that a struggle has two parts: immediate defense and carefully planned strategy.

The Raven is also a symbol of divination and foretelling. The Norse god Odin, also known as Wotan, was said to have been given the Runes and the ability to predict the future by Raven as he hung from Yggdrasil.




In return, Raven took one of Odin’s eyes out. In this case, the symbolism of the Raven is about making a sacrifice and giving up one way of seeing to get a broader psychic view.

Raven Dreams

What does a Raven mean when you see it in your dreams?

When you have a dream about a raven, you are about to change, especially in how you see things.

Raven might tell you to take your magic to the next level or remember something important. In either case, you should get ready for many things to happen in your life.

Some people think that seeing a raven in a dream means that someone close to you is about to die, but that’s not true. On the other hand, Ravens can represent a trip, a change, the need to change your mind or how you see things, or a symbolic death and rebirth.




When this powerful bird shows up in your dreams, it can connect you to your dead loved ones or ancestors.

Some people see Raven in their dreams as a sign of a quest or hunt. To catch a Raven or follow one around is a sign that you are getting closer to your goal.

Some people think that seeing a raven in a dream means being arrogant or dealing with someone arrogant. Raven is also a symbol of criminal activity in dream lore, like committing a crime to get ahead. Some people think that seeing a Raven in a dream is a bad sign that something bad will happen.

But remember that Raven has often been given a bad name. Some of the stories and beliefs about Raven and bad things can come from cultures where death, change, power, magic, and mysteries are feared instead of seen as normal parts of life.

The exact meaning of your dream will depend on your culture and how your culture sees the Raven. This is because dreams are messages from your subconscious mind.




Read What Do Dreams About Ravens Mean on WhatIsMySpiritAnimal.com to learn more about the Raven Spirit.

Raven in Astrology and Signs of the Zodiac

One of the twelve Native American Zodiac Signs is the Raven.

People born under the Raven’s sign have a lot of energy and a strong desire to do well. Raven people are not easy to give up on. You are here to beat the odds by turning bad things into good things.

The Raven is the same as the Western zodiac sign of Scorpio and the Chinese zodiac sign of the Monkey. In these links, we can see both the playful side of the Raven and the “fire” of the Scorpio.




It’s quite a sight to see when Raven souls show how powerful they are. Their quick minds and smarts don’t let them down very often. But when they are young, Ravens must learn to respect their animal traits and not use them to hurt others or for their gain.

What Does the Raven Mean in the Far East?

Raven and Crow are seen in the same way in stories from China, Japan, and Korea. These stories talk about a solar creature that moved the sun, cleaned up the land after terrible battles, and led people on sacred journeys. If you are thinking about going on a pilgrimage, you should ask Raven for help and company.

Hindus have a tradition of giving the Crows or Ravens the favorite meal of a person who has died. They think that if the bird eats the offering, it is a good sign that your loved one is happy and at peace in the Spirit realm.

In Hindu culture, the sound of a Raven cawing is linked to sadness and pain. So, giving food as an offering is a sign of caring and making peace. By taking care of the calling Raven, those who have lost a loved one are also feeding the Spirit and making it easier to grieve.




The Chinese thought that seeing Ravens meant that bad weather was coming. In this way, the symbolism of the Raven is similar to that of a messenger or a sign of changes to come.

In Japanese mythology, the Karasu Tengu, also known as the Raven Tengu, are half-human, half-bird creatures. They are the same as the Raven, the Crow, and all-black birds. They live in the forests and aren’t quite gods.

People say that they told everyone about the secrets of the Martial Arts. So, just like in Celtic symbolism, the Raven is linked to combining spiritual paths with fighting or self-defense.

Crow and Raven don’t have the same negative meanings in Eastern cultures as in the West. The Japanese National Soccer Team’s logo is a crow, and Shinto shrines often have pictures of ravens.

Raven Tattoo Meaning

As you can see, the meaning and symbolism of Raven can change a lot depending on where you are in the world, what religion you follow, or what your culture is like. Raven is a strong symbol that has made its way into modern pop culture.

But what does a tattoo of a raven mean?

Raven’s meaning can be unique to the person who has a tattoo of this powerful bird on their body.

If someone has a Raven tattoo, it could mean they worship the Goddess Morrigan. It could just mean they like Edgar Allen Poe a lot.




In Japan, the Raven Tattoo may represent Yatagarasu, the Raven who led Emperor Jimmu to Nara.

Even though different cultures respect the Raven for other reasons, there are some common themes regarding what this bird does. Ravens are special to everyone, no matter where you live. It has to do with death, rebirth, becoming an adult, and the afterlife. Ravens are smart, sneaky, resourceful, and verbal and nonverbal communicators. They are linked to death, rebirth, wisdom, telepathy, and magic.

When you get a Raven tattoo, you’re decorating your body with a picture representing all things. Are you calling these traits to you, or are you finally recognizing the power that has always been inside you?

Raven Spiritual Meaning

Raven’s spiritual meaning involves initiation, rebirth, and the strong wisdom and deep insight that come from these initiations—listening to important messages from the Divine, waking up your higher consciousness, and letting go of what keeps you from seeing the whole picture.




No matter what religion or culture you follow, the spiritual connection to Raven is about being flexible, adaptable, and finding wisdom in the battles you face. Ravens can be a sign that you are ready to start something new or that you need to change and use your magic and medicine in the world.

Raven is a trickster, so he shows you that you can fool other people when you need to. Raven is also a healer who tells you to use your smarts for the good of the group and not to hurt others.

Raven can help you get through hard times in your life. Even if you are going through the “Dark Night of the Soul,” Raven can help you find your voice and learn to see what isn’t there.




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