The crow is a very common bird, at least in my section of the country. They are seen so often that they appear to be nothing more than scavengers in search of food. On some occasions this generic human perspective changes to something that appears to be more of a sign than anything else. Is there some symbolic meaning to the crow?
I remember one trip to the oceanside. It was a beautiful sunny day, and I was inside my RV overlooking a grassy field and pond. I was thinking about steps I wanted to take in my life, and the changes I wanted in my life, and since I was deepening my knowledge of tarot at the time I turned to my deck to see what might come from that dimension. I asked for a sign to appear.
Not too much later I stepped out for a walk. There in my pathway was a large crow feather. The feather was not there earlier as I passed by, and now it was in my direct path. Was it a sign, did it have some significant meaning in my life?
The crow is very direct and assertive. On this occasion I took it as such, to be more assertive in achieving my own goals. Some see the crow as an ominous or negative sign, as though bad times or even death will cross your path if the crow appears. This judgment of the crow is not shared by all.
Legends say that in the times when water covered the earth there was the crow, the hawk and the duck. The latter of the group dove to the bottom of the water, struck the muddy bottom and died. The crow and the duck then each took 1/2 of the mud and commenced on building the mountains.
Some native cultures believe the crow to be sacred, thinking that the crow brought the first kernel of corn or maize. Others associate the crow with the raven, and ravens are honored
Those who have the crow as their totem spirit are proud of their association with the crow. What qualities does the crow possess? They are very vocal, speaking their minds and communicating clearly with their companions; crows have an understanding of teamwork as well, working in groups; they are survivors, eating whatever they may find, and taking some things that are not edible but intriguing to them.
Some of the more interesting books on totem animals, including the crow, are:
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