Raven as Totem
Raven is a special totem. They are all special, of course, but Raven holds a unique place among totems. He is considered by many to be the creator, and sometimes saviour, of man. According to legend, he made mankind, he brought them salmon to eat, he stole fire from the sun so mankind wouldn’t freeze, he brought them water to drink during a drought, and he taught man to enjoy life. Raven is a cultural hero - a creator… and a trickster.
Raven’s mischief is legendary among the native tribes of the northwest. He is always playing tricks, changing shape, and never quite who or what or where you expect him to be.
With such a complicated, shifting totem, it’s not surprising that different people have different interpretations of Raven’s personality and gifts. Still, several main themes come up when you look at Raven. Here are a few of the main aspects of this complex totem.
The Creator Aspect
Raven is seen as giving life. He is primarily a helping, nurturing spirit. There is also a certain amount of self-sacrifice in his actions. He does what he does to ensure the happiness of others.
The Trickster Aspect
Raven is associated with joy and laughter. He is known to play tricks, but they are usually beneficial ones, teaching people to laugh at their own follies.
The Great Magician
Raven is seen as a shape-changer. He has the power to alter form, and to bring great changes in people’s lives. He can also see through false forms, lies, and the tricks of others.
The Seeker of Secrets
Raven has a great sense of curiosity. He is a gatherer of information, and a sharer of secrets. The search for the Truth is predominant.
The Juxtaposition of Opposites
Raven is a contradiction. He is both black and white, joy and sorrow, saviour and nemesis. He is about both knowledge and secrets. He can be, and not-be.
