They are beautiful, intelligent and fascinating.
Of all animals, ravens behave in ways most similar to humans.
Not always predictable.
Ravens have often been described as “making it up as they go along.”
Kind of sounds familiar to me with this website!
Ravens have the ability to reason, helping them to avoid threats.
They do not particularly like new situations, but when confronted with realities they cannot escape from, they seem to be capable of human-like responses.
It has been said that no matter how strange or amazing the story is about a raven – chances are good that at least some raven, somewhere, has done it.
Scientists have documented ravens hanging upside down by their feet simply for fun. Bathing themselves in snow, making what looks familiar to a snow angel. Flying upside down for more than ½ mile at a time. They pick up rocks with their beaks and throw them at predators that are threatening their babies. Poking holes in the bottom of their nests on a hot day to cool off. Even making fun of reindeer grazing on moss. Those are just a few of their non-bird like behaviors.
Ravens are among the smartest of birds, with their intelligence compared to that of apes. Experiments have documented that they are able to problem solve, use tools, plan ahead and hold a grudge.
If a raven has been raised in captivity it is not unusual to hear them mimic human voices.
They are very affectionate and emotional birds. Ravens mate for life, and partners serenade one another with gentle cooing.
Ravens have been revered in many cultures for centuries. They are frequently seen as mysterious. Some have considered them messengers between the physical and spiritual realms. Ravens have often been associated sorrow, intuition and things not easily explained.
Biblically, ravens were symbolic of God’s provisions – as exampled when God used ravens to feed the prophet Elijah.
One raven who visited us recently made all this a bit more personal. Oci.
She would bring little treasures to the door, lay them on the porch, and knock. Knowing that someone would bring treats for trade – peanuts, popcorn or cheeseballs. If she saw a Dr Pepper can or bottle, or even a Sonic cup, outside, she would find a way to tip it over so she could drink the Dr Pepper. Apparently, a raven who has a Dr Pepper addiction does exist!
Oci was clever and curious.
A little mischievous.
She noticed things, gathered treasures.
She remembered people, and treats.
In thinking on all these things about Ravens, and Oci, it seemed only natural that The Cottage needed one of its own.
Meet Ravena, the raven.
Our Guardian of Mysteries & Wisdom.
She may be watching from a branch somewhere.
She may be quietly listening at the edge of the Grove.
She may be gathering treasures for you.
You never know for sure.
But then, Ravena may – because Ravena can.
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