Crow symbolism can be found all over the world and is a part of many different cultures. The species represents transformation and change but more so a spiritual or emotional change. Crows can provide insight and help us to adapt to the situations we find ourselves in.
What is a Crow?
Crows are glossy black birds that can be found in many parts of the world. Crows are not solitary creatures. They live in large and close-knit groups where they don’t only hunt and forage with one another, but also defend territories and care for their young.
Crows are highly intelligent and can mimic people’s voices. They are also a curious species, which enforces their reputations as pranksters and calculating thieves. Crows are known to be intelligent, adaptable, versatile, and more.
Difference Between Crows and Ravens
While crows and ravens share a number of similarities, there are also a number of differences between the two different birds. Ravens are thought to symbolize change, healing, wisdom, death, longevity, and more.
The species is considered sacred to a number of cultures, but can also have negative connotations for many. Crows, on the other hand, represent transformation and change.
Crow Meaning
When looking at stories and fables, crows are written as being a species that can make people take a specific action. Crows are considered to be manipulative spirit animals.
- Crows are considered to be an intelligent species, while also being cunning. They are thought to be smart and clever.
- Crows thrive in group environments as they excel with teamwork. Crows work together to raise their young and keep each other safe.
- Crows also possess strength. Crows tell us to be fearless.
- Crows are also good problem solvers. Crows are able to arrive at solutions by looking at different perspectives. This species looks at problems from an analytical angle rather than an emotional one.
- Crows are known to be loyal. They stick with other crows and remain with their group of crows for a lifetime.
- Crows are able to adapt to a number of different situations, which makes them versatile. This species is able to fit in with its surroundings and gain people’s trust which helps its manipulative and cunning nature. Crows are able to adapt to change and thrive in many different environments.
- Crows are also perceptive. Crows remind us to not be too naive and trusting.
Crow Totem Animal
People who have a crow as their totem animal are thought to be well-known for their outside-the-box thinking. While you have the knack for creating, this doesn’t mean you are artistic.
Rather, you can take the resources available to you and turn those materials into something useful.
You possess integrity and are mindful of your actions and opinion. You are always self-reflecting and holding yourself to a high standard based on your own beliefs.
With the crow as your totem animal, you are likely excellent at reading situations and people. You are able to analyze a situation, figure out an appropriate response, and adapt. To do this, you are able to empathize with others.
Crow Spirit Animal
If the crow is your spirit animal, you are able to think of the big picture. Crows are known to be intelligent, observant, and intuitive. You likely have a strong memory and a lot of insight.
People who have the crow as their spirit animal have a strong curiosity about the world and also decisive problem-solving ability.
Pros of a Crow Spirit Animal
- If the crow is your spirit animal, you are thought to be trustworthy. You also always honor your word.
- You also are a hard worker. Whatever you have been working towards, if the crow is your spirit animal, it also means your hard work is paying off.
- You use your intuition to make decisions, which means you may be psychic in some way.
- If you have something major happening in your life, it could be a sign that the crow is your spirit animal.
- You are intelligent, and you rely on your common sense and wit to help you navigate different situations.
Cons of a Crow Spirit Animal
- You can be manipulative in certain situations. You like things to go your way and might use intimidation to do so.
- Some think that crows are bringers of bad news, but it’s often misunderstood. Crows are a message about transformation.
- If the crow is your spirit animal, you might be a trickster. You can be deceptive and sometimes lie to the people around you.
Are Crows a Good or Bad Omen?
Crows can be considered a good omen as it includes wisdom and transformation. Crows can provide insight into how to deal with certain circumstances you are facing. You want to rely on your wit and intelligence.
Crows and Death
There are a number of people that believe crows are able to detect when someone might die soon. People also believe that crows indicate where people have died in the past.
While crows are not able to sense death in humans, it is known that crows have the ability to sense death in animals.
What Does Seeing a Crow in Your Dreams Mean?
If you see a crow in your dreams, you should view it as a sign of transformation. Depending on what is going on in your life, crows tell you to trust your intuition in the actions you take.
To interpret a crow in your dream, you need to analyze your feelings and emotions. It’s important to understand your state of mind as it will help you understand the meaning of why the crow was in your dream.
Crow Symbolism and Magic
In mythology or magic, crows are depicted both positively and negatively. Crows are thought to be messengers that guide people when they are trying to make a decision. On the other hand, crows can also signify destruction.
In Greek stories and folklore, crows might appear as a prophecy in order to warn someone that bad things might come.
Crow Symbolism and Literature
In literature, crows are used as symbols for greater ideas. How crows are depicted in old tales, mythology, and modern stories gives an answer to why crows appear in literature. Crows are often associated with mystery, death, and haunting.
Crows will often represent death, decomposition, tragedy, transition, and trickery. In poems, crows most often symbolize power, the influence of destruction, and tragedy.
How to Interpret a Crow Encounter
When you encounter a crow, you should consider it a message. For example, the message might be a piece of advice, an omen, or a warning sign.
It’s up to the person who encounters the crow to decide what it means at that moment, and you’ll want to take an in-depth look into the encounter.
One Crow Sighting
If you see a single crow, you can consider it a positive omen. It signifies fortune and that new opportunities will be coming your way.
Seeing a singular crow can also be a message from a deceased loved one who is trying to comfort you during vulnerable times.
Seeing Many Crows
If you see many crows, there are a variety of things it can mean. In general, a sighting of many crows can be a sign of spiritual growth and transformation.
Being Followed by a Crow
If you are being followed by a crow, you could think of it as a sign that someone from the spiritual world is trying to communicate with you. You are also being guided by your intuition and instincts when taking on new opportunities or making important decisions.
Being Attacked by a Crow
If a crow attacks you or tries to attack you, this is a sign of misfortune. You might have received bad news.
Number of Times You See Crows
One thing that crows represent is teamwork. If you encounter a flock of crows, you need to turn to those around you to help you face a problem or challenge you’re facing.
Crows Cawing
Crows caw for many reasons, and it can be taken as a warning sign. If you hear a single crow caw in your immediate surroundings, the crow might be trying to speak to you.
The sound of a crow cawing can also mean that you are on the right path and need to keep moving forward. If you’re currently experiencing personal growth or taking on a certain endeavor, a crow cawing can mean that you need to stay strong and persevere.
Crows Feeding on a Dead Animal
If you see a crow feeding on a dead animal, it can be a sign of misfortune. It could also mean that something new or exciting is coming soon.
Finding a Crow Feather
If you come across a crow feather, it’s a powerful sign. Crows feathers are often associated with magic and ancient bird symbolism.
Seeing a crow feather can be a sign that you have been given a new opportunity or that you tapped into mystical powers that will help you in certain situations.
Seeing a Dead Crow
If you see a dead crow, there are multiple ways that you can interpret the sighting. One is that you have a secret that is weighing you down or that you have a secret that you will take the grave with you.
You might need to reach out to a friend or tell a counselor if you have a secret that is currently weighing you down.
The sighting of a dead crow can also mean that there is a shift in energy. It requires you to look within yourself to figure out if this change is positive or negative.
For many, seeing a dead crow is a positive sign and positive changes are happening in your life. For some, seeing a dead crow is a negative sign and you might have been caught up in other people’s opinion of you, didn’t take care of your health, and more.
A dead crow can symbolize that you currently are lacking the courage to speak up. You need to consider whether or not there is something in your life you need to speak up about.
Crow Superstition
There is a superstition surrounding seeing multiple crows. If you see five crows, this could mean that sickness will follow. If you see six, death might follow.
There is also a superstition that a group of crows, called a murder, can be an indication of bad health.
Crow Symbolism and Spiritual Meanings
1. Buddhism and Crow Symbolism
In Buddhism, crows are represented by Mahakala as he takes on a physical form in life. Mahakala is a protector of Dharma. Crows are associated with protection and wisdom.
2. Crow Symbolism in Catholicism
Within Catholicism, crows represent God coming in and out of people’s lives. Crows are also thought to be a messenger that symbolizes guidance in your life, the direction your life is going, and any transformation that occurs during your life.
3. Celtic Culture Crow Symbolism
In Celtic culture, crows represent the ‘warrior god’ and ‘queen’ Morrighan. They symbolize uniqueness, unforeseen knowledge, and fastidiousness.
Crows are viewed as a positive species as they embody a combination of abilities and skills. Under the Druidic rule, killing a crow was considered a felony.
These birds are thought to carry secrets in between the feathers of their rings. In the Celtic culture, crows can teach us to accept our own individuality and not get caught up in what other people think.
4. Chinese Culture and the Symbol of Crows
In Chinese culture, crows have a negative connotation. They are thought to symbolize bad fortune and deceit.
5. Crow Symbolism in Christianity
You won’t find a direct mention of a crow in the bible. Within Christianity as a whole, crows symbolize death because of the bird’s color and the way crows feed.
Crows also represent earthiness, as the bird spends most of their time on the ground rather than flying in the air.
6. Hinduism and Crow Symbolism
In Hinduism, crows represent a portal between death and life. Those within Hindu culture will sometimes leave an offering of food to crows that will be given to deceased loved ones.
7. Crows as Symbols in Native American Culture
In Native American culture, crows represent aged wisdom and as a sign of good fortune. Another interpretation is that crows are tricksters as crows are mischievous animals that find joy in playing mind games and deceiving people.
On the other hand, crows are portrayed as intelligent in Native American folklore. They consult the crow for words of wisdom when it is needed.