Raven Meaning and Symbolism

Do Ravens keep appearing before you? Or perhaps they call to you in your dreams? Ravens often represent ancient wisdom, intelligence and transformation. They are spectral messengers, bearing the weight of untold visions and prophetic whispers. 

In the annals of mythology and folklore, these ebony enigmas inhabit a realm where symbols intertwine with human imagination. Ravens symbolise custodians of ancient wisdom, embody shapeshifting gods and goddesses, harbouring the secrets of creation and destruction.

From Norse tales of Odin's raven companions to Celtic lore's Morrigan, goddess of battle and fate, these feathered augurs embody omens, transformation, and the inextricable link between the mortal and divine. In dreams, they beckon us to unearth hidden truths and navigate the labyrinth of our subconscious, inviting us to embrace the mystical depths within our souls.

Raven symbology and meaning

What do ravens symbolise? 

In the ethereal tapestry of nature's lexicon, ravens symbolise enigma and mystique, their blackened plumage mirroring the night's obsidian cloak. Guardians of secrets, these ebony-hued soothsayers transgress the veil between worlds, their midnight wings carrying messages to the realms unseen. Bearing dark wisdom in their ink-stained feathers, ravens embody the duality of existence, bridging the chasm between light and shadow.

Like prophets perched upon forgotten tomes, ravens embody both death's harbinger and the genesis of rebirth. Their ominous presence evokes a sense of foreboding, while their gleaming eyes mirror an intelligence that delves into the deepest recesses of the human psyche. Encased in myth and folklore, these otherworldly emissaries connect us to the mysteries of the cosmos, guiding our souls through the labyrinthine corridors of fate.

As we unravel the riddle of the raven, we glimpse a creature woven into the tapestry of our collective consciousness—a timeless symbol of transformation, hidden truths, and the eternal dance between light and darkness.

What do Ravens represent as spirit guides? 

Ravens as spirit guides, soar amidst the currents of the unseen, their shady plumage resonating with mystical energies. They embody ancient wisdom and intuitive guidance, their onyx eyes reflecting the depths of our soul's journey. With their sharp beaks, they peck at the veils of illusion, unravelling truths hidden beneath layers of perception. As messengers from the spirit realm, they beckon us to embrace our innate power, urging us to navigate the path of transformation and spiritual awakening. Like shadowy guides, they navigate the twilight realms, leading us to our own inner light and reminding us of the eternal connection between the mortal and the divine.

What does it mean when a Raven appears in your dream?

When a raven appear in your dream, it is time to listen to the deepest wisdom inside of yourself. In the ethereal realm of dreams, where the subconscious weaves its enigmatic tapestry, the arrival of ravens unveils a tale of profound symbolism. Cloaked in ebony feathers, these guardians of the night transcend mere avian presence. With their piercing onyx eyes, they embody an arcane wisdom, speaking in the language of metaphor.

In the dark embrace of twilight, the raven soars with whispered secrets, a harbinger of transformation. Its wings unfurl as a portal to hidden truths, beckoning the dreamer to delve into the depths of the psyche. A raven's caw, echoing through the moonlit corridors of the mind, signals the imminent unveiling of subconscious desires and dormant potentials.

Bathed in mystique, these winged messengers mirror the duality of existence, embodying both darkness and light. They guide us through shadows, traversing the liminal spaces of our dreamscape, unveiling the untapped depths of our psyche. The raven's arrival serves as a reminder to heed the unspoken whispers of intuition and embrace the enigmatic forces that shape our journey.

So, when the ravens descend upon your dream canvas, be attentive to their enigmatic language. Embrace the transformative energy they bring, for within their ebony feathers lie the keys to unlocking the hidden realms of your soul.

Wearing Raven jewellery as a talisman

If the Raven calls to you and has become a companion on your path through life, you may wish to symbolise your bond with a personal talisman. 

Vörðr – Raven talon necklace in solid sterling silver

A formidable Icelandic Raven talon pendant, cast in solid sterling silver. Ethically sourced from the black shores of Iceland, this Raven claw necklace is hand finished to create detailed shadows and highlights, accentuating all the intricate textures of the natural casting. In contrast, the gleaming talons are individually polished to a high shine.

Raven necklace, raven talon pendant silver raven jewellery, raven claw, raven talon

 FORNI - RAVEN CLAW NECKLACE IN SOLID STERLING SILVER

Inspired by nordic mythology and Celtic folklore. Adorn and armour yourself, to invoke the protection and wisdom of the old gods.

Raven talon earrings, silver raven claw earrings, raven jewellery for vikingsMORRIGU - RAVEN TALON EARRINGS IN SOLID STERLING SILVER

Strikingly sleek raven talon earrings, cast in solid sterling silver and ready to dangle closely for your protection.

Ravens in mythology and folklore

Ravens are held sacred in Norse mythology and are heavily associated with Odin. Huginn (idea) and Muninn (memory) perch upon Odin’s shoulders and whisper the secrets of the world to him. Each morning they take to the skies of Midgard, returning each evening to report their gathered knowledge to the god of wisdom, divination, and magic.

Ravens are also prominent features within Celtic mythology. The Morrigan was the shape-shifting Celtic Goddess of fate and death - in addition to being the patroness of vengeance, night, divination, priestesses and witches.⁠
⁠She was said to fly over battlefields in the form of a raven and determined the outcome of the battle ahead. The Celts believed that as they fought, the Morrigan would soar, shrieking overhead in her raven-form, summoning slain soldiers to the Otherworld. ⁠

The origins of the Morrigan appear to be linked to the megalithic Cult of the Mothers and her role in Celtic legend is comparable to that of the Valkyries in Norse folklore.⁠

What is the meaning of Ravens?

  • Ancient Wisdom
  • Tranformation
  • Balance between light and dark
  • Shadow work
  • Ancestral knowledge