Season of the Crow

I did this piece in late July. I've been feeling Crow's energy around me for several months, now. It's interesting to me, because crows have never been one of my favorite birds. Until now. I truly think this was a by-product of Alfred Hitchcock's movie, 'The Birds', which I saw as a young child. It left me with an eerie impression of these magnificent creatures for many years. So much so that thoughts of the movie made me shudder well into my teens. I associated crows with death. Maybe so, but perhaps not in the way I originally imagined.

I love how Nature assists us on this path as we traverse our earthly journeys. Instinctively, I've always been drawn to certain animals – large cats (tigers, lions, jaguars), elephants, bears, owls, hawks. I know these are my totem animals. Black Panther (Jaguar) is my power animal. Others may come into our lives to assist us from time to time (note Dragonfly's influence on this blog), according to what we need in the moment. Paying attention to these subtle (and sometimes not so subtle) hints can give us a clue as to the messages we need to heed. There is much good information online to help you discern a particular messenger's purpose. Google 'totem animals' or 'animal medicine'.

Here's what birdclan.org has to say, in part, about Crow:

"Crow is the left-handed guardian. Crow knows the unknowable mysteries of creation and is the keeper of all sacred law. There are several species of crow. Raven is one of these and magpies are another. Crow medicine people are masters of illusion. Do not try to figure crow out. It is the power of the unknown at work, and something special is about to happen.

Crow is also the guardian of ceremonial magic and healing. In any healing circle, Crow is present. Crow guides the magic of healing and the change in consciousness that will bring about a new reality and dispel "dis-ease" or illness. You can rest assure when ever crows are around, magic is near by and you are about to experience a change in consciousness. Crow can give you the courage to enter the darkness of the void, which is the home of all that is not yet in form."

Very intriguing.

Check out these images of Black Panther... now behold Emily, my kitty companion for the past 15 1/2 years:

She chose me long before I became aware of (or 'relearned') totems and animal medicine. She looks so fierce, doesn't she? Ha. She definitely envisions herself as a stealthy and powerful jungle kitty. She often sleeps above my head – her way of 'protecting' me while I'm asleep. She's very attuned to the subtle energies that surround us, always on the alert. More than any animal companion I've had.

While Panther symbolizes ferocity and aggressiveness, it's interesting to note that Ted Andrews, author of Animal-Speak, associates Black Panther with the feminine lunar energy:

"Of all the panthers, probably the Black Panther has the greatest mysticism associated with it. It is the symbol of the feminine, the dark mother, the dark of the moon. It is the symbol for the life and power of the night. It is a symbol of the feminine energies manifest upon the earth."

If you're unsure of your totem animals and would like to know what virtues they offer you, quiet meditation on any animals that have attracted you is a good place to start. Followed by some research and then reflection on how what you find might be applicable to your life. Open your heart and mind... and listen.

Native Americans and other Earth guardians left us a legacy of wisdom and knowledge. The best way to honor them is to acknowledge and use the gifts they've given us. It's a fascinating journey, isn't it?

Peace...