There is a crow sitting in the tree outside my window. I often wonder if it is the same crow day to day. I swear that it is looking in at me as I sit at the computer. So I go outside and put out peanuts and other treats. I feel that I am helping that crow and the others to have a little better time of it. It’s cold. Probably only about 17 degrees Fahrenheit right now. They can use a few extra calories this time of year.

When we lived in Arizona, we had mostly ravens. Here in Wyoming, we have mostly crows. The crows are smaller than the ravens. Also crows have a smooth, fan-shaped tail and the ravens’ tails are more triangular.

One day, sitting in our car in a parking lot waiting for my husband to finish what he was doing, a raven landed on a rail next to our car. It sat looking in at me for the longest time. I was a bit overcome by the experience. I can’t exactly say why.

I frantically searched the car for a scrap of paper and something to write with. This was the result.

Raven, raven, black as night

Raven soaring far in flight

Rising high with wings on air

Black so black none can compare

Will you nod your Raven head

As I lay me down to bed

And speak to me all through the dark

So I’ll awake with Raven’s Mark

Often, when I see a crow or a raven, I think of this poem. I also think of what the raven symbolizes to many Native Americans. Simply put, ravens symbolize magic and a change in consciousness. Crows symbolize sacred law. They are all about integrity.

It’s no wonder I am always enchanted by them.

Quote courtesy of Spirit Animals