The ancient Celts were intimately connected to their environment. They understood the murmurings of green leaves as their own language. Likewise, each of the beasts in the wood had their own language too and the Celts were able to interpret these into meaningful cosmic messages.
Some of the Celtic meaning of raven calls were recorded in various medieval manuscripts. Translations and opinions abound, but here some understandings of the raven communications:
- If a raven caws above your head – you will have company
- If she says GRAW!” it will be unexpected company
- If she says “GEEWAN!” it will be unwelcome company
- If she says “BEECAH!” it will be a lover come to call
- If she says “GRACE!” it will be someone coming to collect a debt
Additionally, the raven’s flight direction was considered a portent or warning. The direction in which a raven spoke indicated what an action, expectation or preparation to take. To illustrate:
- If a raven calls to the East: You will be getting news you’ve been waiting for
- If a raven calls to the North: Better attend to matters of your household
- If a raven calls to the South: Bring your loved ones close to you
- If a raven calls to the West: Prepare for a shift in your life
Were the Celts superstitious? Perhaps. But the raven meant big juju for the ancient Celts – not to be trifled with or second-guessed.
However, these people were so enmeshed with nature, beautifully entangled to the extent that there was no separation between man and beast. Who of us is to say that the ravens weren’t actually speaking to them and the Celts were accurately interpreting their messages?
I would encourage you to observe the ravens (crows, or magpies too) in your own life. Invest the time to really focus upon these darkly powerful birds. Over time, you will develop your own understanding of their language. Make note of this language and incorporate it into your life. See what happens. Don’t get crazy about it – just be in touch with yourself and the natural world. Astonishing discoveries are available to you when you do.
If you found this interesting, you might also want to check these other pages:
- Raven Symbolism
- Air Animal Totem Meanings
- The Raven in Native American Indian Lore
- Symbolic Meanings of the Magpie
- Lynx and Crow – Symbols of Seers
- Raven Meaning for Celtic Tattoo