top of page
Writer's pictureChristine Colin Kern

From Death to Dreams: How the Crow Totem Reminds Of the Totality Of the Human Journey



By Christine Kern, Intuitive Empath

8-1-18


The Crow.


Most of us have negative impressions of the crow as a scavenger bird, a nuisance pest, or a harbinger of death. But the crow really has a far deeper meaning that can remind us of the totality of the human journey, from death to dreams.


The crow is a spirit animal associated with life mysteries and magic, and as a totem and spirit guide it provides insight and means of supporting intentions. Though in some ancient cultures, the crow was seen as a harbinger of death, today is it also interpreted as a sign of luck and can represent positive changes or transformation on the horizon.




The crow is an omen of change. Because they represent ancient magical laws and wisdom, when the crow calls to us, we have an instant flash of our authentic self; the crow sees our soul self. Crows have been known to build their nests very high up, giving them the chance to watch everything that is going on around them. By tuning into the sound of its call, it can remind you of who you are and what you are capable of.


The crow is also associated with the archetype of the trickster; be aware of deceiving appearances. If the crow has chosen you as your spirit or totem animal, it supports you in developing the power of sight, transformation, and connection with life’s magic.



Crow Symbolism

Throughout history, the crow has been associated with both positive and negative symbolic meanings. The most common are:

  • Life magic; mystery of creation

  • Destiny, personal transformation, alchemy

  • Intelligence

  • Higher perspective

  • Being fearless, audacious

  • Flexibility, adaptability

  • Trickster, manipulative, mischievous

Other traditional meanings associate the crow with bad omens, death, and dark witchcraft. The crow also carries the power of prophetic insight and symbolizes the void or core of creation.



There is a great transformation happening within you right now. Trust that your life history has prepared you for this momentous change.

-Crow



If Crow has flown across your path, it is a sign of change. All that you have been working for and toward is now coming to fruition. Crow can also provide you with clear messages and guidance regarding your next steps. When Crow crosses your path in an obvious way, pay attention to your thoughts, and to the omens around you. The messages are clearer now than they have ever been.





Crows are highly intelligent beings. They have the same brain/body size ratio as chimpanzees and have an excellent memory. Dr. John Marzluff, of the University of Washington, conducted a study where a team of scientists from the university exposed crows in Seattle to a ‘dangerous face’ by wearing a mask while trapping, banding, and releasing birds at five sites. Whenever they wore the masks again, they received a very hostile response from the crows in the area, not only revealing how skilled their memory is, but also that they warn other crows as well.



There is even a whole TED Talk by Joshua Klein about how intelligent crows are. Crows are one of the only species of birds that are known to craft and use tools to help them hunt their prey. So Crow magic is about using what is available to you to get the job done. Sometimes, Crow tells us, you must make something from nothing and rely on your ingenuity to reach your goals.




Crows often appear in groups, and meet each evening in the same spot – usually the crown of a very tall tree – for what is known as a Congress. During this nightly meeting, they actually communicate the day’s events and findings to each other, and though there seems to be no variation in their cawing to each other, each caw actually has a different meaning. Their complex vocabulary is one sign of their intelligence, and is also a sign of their significance as power animals. When a crow explores something new, others watch closely to see what happens and then learn from it. They often make great noise when hunters are around, warning deer and other birds. Crows recognize potential danger and hence always post lookouts when feeding. This is their most vulnerable time. This helps us understand that we must watch what we believe, to test our habitual ideas about reality against a more universal standard.





When Crow appears, it reminds us that the answers to our questions are waiting to be discovered ahead of us and that we must look beyond our present range of vision, and to get out of our familiar comfortable space. Crows are adaptable to all environments and will eat almost anything. They can survive in almost any situation so when one presents itself to you it is reminding us that we can adapt and that now is the time for major change to take place that will awaken our authentic soul.



Magic & Clairvoyance

Crows also remind us about the creation and magic all around us. The crow’s striking black color represents the color of creation. It is the womb out of which the new comes into existence. Black is the color of the night, giving birth to the light of a new day. This is a representation of the immense power each and every one of us holds to take hold of our own destiny.


It is also said that the crow can also be appearing for you to to begin to use your ‘second sight’, the gift of clairvoyance. This is the gift that allows you to see beyond what we are humanly capable of, and a gift that can allow us to see into the spirit realm.


Crows also will come to us to remind us that now is the time to live in the power of our true identity. Sometimes we need a little reminder to just pause and ask ourselves, “Am I living authentically? Am I living my true self? Am I being held back from my true potential?” This is the sacred law, the power symbol and spiritual meaning of the crow.


When our little crow friend is calling, it is to tell us that the time of change is here. The time of change is now and to let go of the old self, to let go of all things holding us back. It’s time to step into our authentic power.





Crows are sly and can be deceptive in their actions. They have been known to build false nests high in treetops to confuse predators. Their nests are built very high up, giving them the chance to watch everything that is going on around them.


As crows are adaptable to all environments and will eat almost anything, they can survive in almost any situation. Crow is surrounded by magic, unseen forces and spiritual strength. If crow enters your life, get out of your familiar nest, look beyond your present range of vision, listen to the message(s) in its caw and act accordingly.


How will you welcome the Crow the next time it appear? Will be greet it with an open heart and soul to accept its wisdom, or will you shoo it away in annoyance? The choice is yours.

7 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


bottom of page