There have been many stories of Raven being a messenger of some sort. In the Christian-Judeo communities, it was labeled “ill-fated” for bringing messages or omens of impending death. However, in the Bible (Genesis, Chapter 8: 6-13 of the Old Testament), Noah sends out two birds (one being a Raven) to scout the Earth for dry land. Although it didn’t return, it certainly didn’t bring back bad news. In Greek mythology, the Raven was turned black for bringing a God bad news!
In some indigenous societies, such as the Tibetans and Native Americans, it is considered an auspicious symbol of the sun. It is revered for its unorthodox, but potent, magic and medicine for illuminating Truth. However, there are also some who punished Raven for its deceitful ways. There was one Sioux story of a white raven that warned a group of buffaloes about approaching hunters. As a result, the hunters cast the white raven into a fire to give it its current black color. In Aboriginal mythology, Raven tried to steal fire from the Pleiades (Seven Sisters) and was also charred black. Seems to me like the Raven kept getting burned for prying too much – might be a lesson in itself!
Either way, the blackness of the Raven is typically associated with darkness, evil, the unknown, shadows, or negativity. However, we must remember that, although the darkness is a realm we fear, we should not as it is where creation starts, light begins, and matter formed. Being comfortable with both light and dark, the Raven is able to bring messages from the darkest realms, straight into light.
If a Raven has come to you, do not fear. Sometimes it is helping you to prepare yourself for what may come. Although it is known as a messenger of Death, it is certainly not the cause of it.
Image source: Raven