Crow and Raven

Ravens and crows were often used interchangeably, so it's pretty hard to distinguish between them as far as mythology goes. The most obvious association between them is with the war-Goddesses,

Macha, Badbh and the Morrígan - a triple Goddess. Since death and destruction followed the war-Goddesses, these birds have a similar reputation.

They are often seen as omens of bad luck, and death. Some old sayings associated with them: "The Raven's Curse on you", and "The Raven thinks her own brood is white". However, Crows and Ravens are also known for their cunning and keen insight -

"as the crow flies" indicates the quickest way to something, though that's not to say it will be the easiest path! Also, death was not feared by early Irish society, it was seen as just a gateway to a new life;

therefore, early associations with the Crow and the Raven might not have been as negative as they are today. They can been seen as gatekeepers for the Land beyond the Waves, Tír na NÓg.

They bring important messages to the living, which are the straight shooting kind. You won't misunderstand what Crow or Raven have to say with you. When observed in this world, Crows and Ravens are particularly good parents, and form close (if noisy) communities. So, as an Animal Guides, they are steadfast, loyal and good in a fight.

Since the Morrígan herself was often a prophet, the birds also have an element of being Oracles and bringers of omens.

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Omens Derived From Birds

It is interesting to note that our word "auspice," meaning an omen or prognostication, is derived from a Latic word meaning

"an observer of birds."

Birds seen on the left, especially dark birds, are an omen of ill luck, according to the tradition established by the Roman augurs. To see a "fortunate" bird on the left implies that the good which it promises is coniderably lessened. Birds on the right are, on the contrary, a fortunate sign, unless the birds are in themselves unlucky, when the ill luck which they bring is modified.

Birds flying from the left-hand side to the right, across the path of the observer, are fortunate; while birds flying from right to left across his path are unfortunate.

If the birds fly straight towards the observer, they will bring good luck with them; but if they are flying away from the observer, they will take good fortune and happiness away from him.

The height at which a bird or birds are flying has an effect upon the force of the omen - the greater the height, the more favourable being the indication.

If a song-bird sings or utters a cry as it flies, this can be regarded as a good sign; but for a raven, rook, crow or bird of prey to be heard croaking or screaming is an ill omen, unless it happens to be near its nest at the time.

If a bird or birds suddenly change the direction of their flight, the observer should be on his guard against the danger of sudden attacks by an enemy. If a bird hovers while on the wing, treachery is to be feared, resulting in a sudden and merciless onslaught. This omen is often observed in regard to birds of prey.

As in other methods of divination, discrimination and good judgement are necessary in interpreting the portents revealed by birds, and it is seldom that prognostications can be drawn from a single omen, without reference to other circumstances.

For instance, a raven is universally regarded as an inauspicious bird; but if a raven is observed to fly towards the right, past the observer, the evil which it brings in its wake may be considerably lessened, and may be reduced still more if the bird is flying high. On the other hand,

a raven flying towards the left, at no great height above the earth, and croaking as it goes, may with certainty be looked upon as a messenger of calamity and evil.

Similarly, swallows are exceedingly lucky birds, and a swallow perching, or flying to the right, can be regarded with joy, especially if, in the latter case, it is high in the heavens. But if it is flying to the left of away from the observer, or skimming the surface of the ground, only slightly good fortune is presaged.

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