Difference between revisions of "Symbolic Meaning of the Raven in Native American Indian Lore"
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| − | The [[symbolic]] meaning of the [[Raven]] in Native American [[Indian]] lore describes the [[raven]] as a creature of metamorphosis, and [[symbolizes]] change/transformation. | + | |
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| + | The [[symbolic]] meaning of the [[Raven]] in Native [[American]] [[Indian]] lore describes the [[raven]] as a creature of {{Wiki|metamorphosis}}, and [[symbolizes]] change/transformation. | ||
In some tribes, the [[Raven]] is considered a trickster because of its transforming/changing [[attributes]]. | In some tribes, the [[Raven]] is considered a trickster because of its transforming/changing [[attributes]]. | ||
| − | Often honored among [[medicine]] & {{Wiki|holy}} men of tribes for its shape-shifting qualities, the [[Raven]] was called upon in [[ritual]] so that visions could be clarified. Native {{Wiki|holy}} men understood that what the [[physical]] [[eye]] sees, is not necessarily the [[truth]], and he would call upon the [[Raven]] for clarity in these matters. | + | Often honored among [[medicine]] & {{Wiki|holy}} men of tribes for its shape-shifting qualities, the [[Raven]] was called upon in [[ritual]] so that [[visions]] could be clarified. Native {{Wiki|holy}} men understood that what the [[physical]] [[eye]] sees, is not necessarily the [[truth]], and he would call upon the [[Raven]] for clarity in these matters. |
| − | Foremost, the [[Raven]] is the Native American bearer of [[magic]], and a harbinger of messages from the [[cosmos]]. Messages that are beyond {{Wiki|space and time}} are nestled in the midnight wings of the [[Raven]] and come to only those within the tribe who are [[worthy]] of the [[knowledge]]. | + | Foremost, the [[Raven]] is the Native [[American]] bearer of [[magic]], and a harbinger of messages from the [[cosmos]]. Messages that are beyond {{Wiki|space and time}} are nestled in the midnight wings of the [[Raven]] and come to only those within the tribe who are [[worthy]] of the [[knowledge]]. |
The [[Raven]] is also called upon in Native [[ritual]] for [[healing]] purposes. Specifically, the [[Raven]] is [[thought]] to provide long-distance [[healing]]. | The [[Raven]] is also called upon in Native [[ritual]] for [[healing]] purposes. Specifically, the [[Raven]] is [[thought]] to provide long-distance [[healing]]. | ||
| − | The [[Raven]] is also a keeper of secrets, and can assist us in determining answers to our own “hidden” [[thoughts]]. Areas in our [[lives]] that we are unwilling to face, or secrets we keep that harm us – the [[Raven]] can help us expose the [[truth]] behind these (often distorted) secrets and wing us back to health and [[harmony]]. | + | The [[Raven]] is also a [[keeper of secrets]], and can assist us in determining answers to our [[own]] “hidden” [[thoughts]]. Areas in our [[lives]] that we are unwilling to face, or secrets we keep that harm us – the [[Raven]] can help us expose the [[truth]] behind these (often distorted) secrets and wing us back to [[health]] and [[harmony]]. |
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| − | [[Puja]] is a {{Wiki|ceremony}} officiated by a [[Lama]] and two or more [[monks]] in front of an [[altar]] built of stone. Those performing a [[puja]] ask the [[Gods]] for good [[fortune]] for the sherpas and the climbers as they attempt to summit the mountain. In front of the [[altar]], [[offerings]] are made to the [[Gods]]: [[sampa]] cake, yak milk butter, fried dough, {{Wiki|fruits}}, chocolate, and drinks. {{Wiki|Juniper}} burns continuously in a niche in the [[altar]]. | + | [[Puja]] is a {{Wiki|ceremony}} officiated by a [[Lama]] and two or more [[monks]] in front of an [[altar]] built of stone. Those performing a [[puja]] ask the [[Gods]] for good [[fortune]] for the [[sherpas]] and the climbers as they attempt to summit the mountain. In front of the [[altar]], [[offerings]] are made to the [[Gods]]: [[sampa]] cake, {{Wiki|yak}} milk butter, fried dough, {{Wiki|fruits}}, chocolate, and drinks. {{Wiki|Juniper}} burns continuously in a niche in the [[altar]]. |
| − | All the critical climbing equipment is blessed — harnesses, crampons, ice-axes, and helmets, as well as the expedition [[flag]]. [[Prayer flags]] are strewn for 100 feet in several [[directions]]. During the {{Wiki|ceremony}}, the sherpas [[chant]] along with the [[Lama]] and [[monks]], and everyone throws {{Wiki|rice}}. The sherpas raise a pole with {{Wiki|juniper}} branches on the top, and it is a sign of good [[fortune]] if a gorak ([[raven]]) lands on the pole. The {{Wiki|ceremony}} closes with the participants sharing [[food]], and finally with the climbers and sherpas smearing gray [[sampa]] flour on each others’ faces — a [[symbol]] of their {{Wiki|hope}} that they may [[live]] to see each other when they are old and gray. | + | All the critical climbing equipment is blessed — harnesses, crampons, ice-axes, and helmets, as well as the expedition [[flag]]. [[Prayer flags]] are strewn for 100 feet in several [[directions]]. During the {{Wiki|ceremony}}, the [[sherpas]] [[chant]] along with the [[Lama]] and [[monks]], and everyone throws {{Wiki|rice}}. The [[sherpas]] raise a pole with {{Wiki|juniper}} branches on the top, and it is a sign of good [[fortune]] if a gorak ([[raven]]) lands on the pole. The {{Wiki|ceremony}} closes with the participants sharing [[food]], and finally with the climbers and [[sherpas]] smearing gray [[sampa]] flour on each others’ faces — a [[symbol]] of their {{Wiki|hope}} that they may [[live]] to see each other when they are old and gray. |
{{R}} | {{R}} | ||
[http://www.symbolic-meanings.com/2007/11/15/symbolic-meaning-of-the-raven-in-native-american-indian-lore/ www.symbolic-meanings.com] | [http://www.symbolic-meanings.com/2007/11/15/symbolic-meaning-of-the-raven-in-native-american-indian-lore/ www.symbolic-meanings.com] | ||
[[Category:Crow]] | [[Category:Crow]] | ||
Latest revision as of 10:48, 6 January 2024
The symbolic meaning of the Raven in Native American Indian lore describes the raven as a creature of metamorphosis, and symbolizes change/transformation.
In some tribes, the Raven is considered a trickster because of its transforming/changing attributes.
Often honored among medicine & holy men of tribes for its shape-shifting qualities, the Raven was called upon in ritual so that visions could be clarified. Native holy men understood that what the physical eye sees, is not necessarily the truth, and he would call upon the Raven for clarity in these matters.
Foremost, the Raven is the Native American bearer of magic, and a harbinger of messages from the cosmos. Messages that are beyond space and time are nestled in the midnight wings of the Raven and come to only those within the tribe who are worthy of the knowledge.
The Raven is also called upon in Native ritual for healing purposes. Specifically, the Raven is thought to provide long-distance healing.
The Raven is also a keeper of secrets, and can assist us in determining answers to our own “hidden” thoughts. Areas in our lives that we are unwilling to face, or secrets we keep that harm us – the Raven can help us expose the truth behind these (often distorted) secrets and wing us back to health and harmony.
Puja is a ceremony officiated by a Lama and two or more monks in front of an altar built of stone. Those performing a puja ask the Gods for good fortune for the sherpas and the climbers as they attempt to summit the mountain. In front of the altar, offerings are made to the Gods: sampa cake, yak milk butter, fried dough, fruits, chocolate, and drinks. Juniper burns continuously in a niche in the altar.
All the critical climbing equipment is blessed — harnesses, crampons, ice-axes, and helmets, as well as the expedition flag. Prayer flags are strewn for 100 feet in several directions. During the ceremony, the sherpas chant along with the Lama and monks, and everyone throws rice. The sherpas raise a pole with juniper branches on the top, and it is a sign of good fortune if a gorak (raven) lands on the pole. The ceremony closes with the participants sharing food, and finally with the climbers and sherpas smearing gray sampa flour on each others’ faces — a symbol of their hope that they may live to see each other when they are old and gray.
