The Raven
Writer: Mads Wolter Nielsen
15.02.23
The Raven
Dear reader
Today we continue the series; spirit animals. This week I have chosen a personal favorite of mine, an animal whose spirituality is deeply rooted in Norse mythology. The Raven Corvus corax (scientific name) is a member of the Corvidae family, a family of very intelligent birds.
The raven, or common raven as it is called, is a large, perhaps the largest bird in the corvus genus. It has a wingspan of more than 60cm. with its large size and deep black color it is an impressive bird to behold in the wild.
Other species in the same genus are the carrion crow, hooded crow and the rook. all of which are smaller than the common raven. Of the previously mentioned members of the Corvus genus, the common raven seems to be the only one who is really bothered by close proximity to people. Its preferred habitats are large forest areas or mountainous regions, secluded from people.
A bird as big as the raven needs a large area of decent size to be able to sustain it with food, and it also needs a large forest with big sturdy trees, to make its nest.
The common raven is known as a carrion bird, this means that it feeds on dead animals either killed by other predators or perhaps dead by some accident. Besides dead animals the raven can supplement its diet with elements like berries or nuts. We at Yggdrasil feel very blessed that ravens have settled in the forest-location of our sanctuary. Not only does this bird create a link to our ancestral history, but it also tells us something about the state of the area we are located in.
The Raven totem
I think it is safe to assume the vikings knew of the intelligence of this bird. In norse mythology the allfather and god-chieftain Odin has a very special bond with two ravens, called “Hugin” and “Munin”, the two names translate into “thought” and “memory.”
Hugin and Munin would serve Odin as his conscience and guide him in decisions.
In many mythologies and legends, Ravens are believed to possess great wisdom and magic. They are dark and mysterious creatures of the night and are therefore also associated with afterlife and communication between realms.
The totem properties of the raven are therefore, knowledge, wisdom, awareness, ominous and mysterious. It is intelligence and the knowledge of when to apply it.
Spirit animals and totems are the connections between our personalities and that of certain animals, either their behavior resonates with us or stir feelings of fascination. Whatever the reason is that you feel connected to a certain animal or animals, those are likely to be your spirit animals. Knowing your spirit animal can help you understand why you react in a certain way in different situations. They can also just serve as inspiration to go out into nature. I personally always feel a deep joy in my core when I hear the cowls from a raven, and I always have my raven beads braided into my hair for important interviews or meetings. because it is important, always to bring with you, thoughts and memories.
I hope you enjoyed reading this. Maybe you are experienced in dealing with totem animals or maybe you have never heard of it before. regardless I hoped you learned something you found interesting about the raven. If you have any great stories concerning ravens or perhaps your own spirit animal, feel free to write us an email or DM on social media and share your story.
I hope to see you in the forest at Yggdrasil Sanctuary.
Cheers
Mads
