The Raven Native American Birth Totem September 22 to October 22 |
Nature: A Time of Retreat Wind: West Wind Animal Totem: Raven Strengths: Cooperation, Diplomacy Element: Air Weakness: Indecision, Naivete Clan: Butterfly |
The Animal Totem: The Raven, with his black feathers--singed from bringing stolen fire back into the world--and his large beak and powerful legs, easily adapts to any situation. His strength allows him to handle almost anything. Generally, Ravens search for food in pairs or groups and even share sleeping quarters, at least during winter months. While many Westerners have considered Raven a plague, Native Americans recognize that this carrion-eater represents a balancing agent in nature. Raven is an intelligent and capable bird, one who moves adroitly both in the air and on the ground. The Element: Raven is influenced by the element air. The air we breathe, which maintains human life and those of all plants and animals around us, has many different qualities. Air ranges from mild and refreshing to wild and stormy. Since air connects us to the world and encourages association, people born under the sign of Raven are anything but solitary. They are quite sociable and friendly, circulating like the air. The Clan: Raven belongs to the Butterfly clan, which has a affinity with the element air. This makes members of this clan active, not just physically but intellectually. Their intellectual exercises produce interesting ideas and conversations. This is why they have a very stimulating effect on their surroundings. Butterflies keep everything in motion--which also means that they love to create changes. The Wind: The period between September 22 and October 22 is a time when the wind blows from the West, acting as a harbinger of transformation. The West Wind not only makes the leaves on trees fall to the ground, but it is also a symbol for introspection. In human terms, it means that the West Wind represents the middle years of life. This is a time when one takes stock and gets ready for more mature considerations. Raven Character: Harmonious and peaceful interaction is very important for people born under the sign of the Raven, and that's why Ravens are often diplomatic and accommodating. They have a strong sense of fairness and justice. These qualities make them ideal mediators. Being alone is particularly difficult for them. This accounts for the fact that they usually feel safe and more comfortable in groups and larger communities. They also dislike confrontations and would prefer to walk away from tricky situations than deal with them. Raven people always make an effort to see both sides of an issue and are masters in the deliberative decisions and forming opinions, which could mean missing important opportunities. In addition, Raven people have a tendency to be influenced by others. People born under the sign of the Raven usually have a well-developed sense of beauty and aesthetics. It is not uncommon for then to have musical and artistic talents. They have a great need to be well-groomed and elegant, often concentrating too much on externals. They observe people and things very carefully, at least in terms of outward appearance, but sometimes fail to discover what's inside. Love: Ravens seek out company and, therefore, need to have relationships more than people born under other signs. Turning to and showing devotion to a partner is an important key to their happiness. Charming and obliging as they are, they are masters of seduction, blessed in the art of living and loving. Flirting is a favorite preoccupation of Ravens. Long live love and relationships! The single life was not invented by Ravens. They suffer a great deal when they have to live alone and will muster as much charm as they can to please and hold on to their partner and to avoid differences. In matters of the heart, Ravens give importance to all things relating to harmony and cooperation--even if they are totally submissive. They know what they want and have a great need for diversion and social connections. Career: Since Ravens are very cooperative and approachable, they rarely try to go it alone. They prefer working within a group or team. They are people who, to a great degree, contribute much to a comfortable working environment. But Ravens would do well, every now and then, to promote their own interests in a more spirited and energetic way. Because of their propensity toward the creative and beautiful things in life, they feel particularly comfortable where these criteria are met--such as in fashion, art, antiques, architecture, or engineering. Vitality: Ravens also should make sure they stay fit with consistent physical or athletic activities. Especially important are exercises that strengthen the back and pelvis, helping them stay in balance both physically and intellectually. The Young Raven: Even at a very young age, Raven display a style and charm that is simply delightful. Generally speaking, these fledglings don't need to resort to temper tantrums or angry outbursts to get what they want. All they have to do is let people see their beaming smile. Since Raven hate friction, regardless of age, they won't be much trouble to parents or teachers. There are, however, some things that are difficult for the young Raven: making concrete and resolute decisions. It does not matter if the subject is homework or choosing what sweater to wear. The young Raven needs a lot of time for simple, everyday decisions. This can be nerve-racking for parents. They will do their child a great favor by giving simple, straight-forward directions, but not all the time. Young Ravens need to learn how to decide for themselves. This also applies to the child's powerful need for peace, which leads him to avoid open confrontations. He will always try to be conciliatory, which, of course, does not always work. Sooner or later this child must learn that weighing both sides is not always possible. Sometimes it is necessary to stand up for one's own needs and interests. Young Ravens must learn not to say yes when they mean no. |
The Raven and His or Her Partner |
Raven and Falcon A Raven and Falcon relationship is likely to experience some conflict. While the elements fire and air complement each other, their personalities are very differerent. Harmony can be difficult to establish because the Falcon does not do well when it is time to compromise. Here the Raven will make more concessions than he would like, and frustration is likely. Raven and Beaver In the beginning, these two people won't have much in common. It might take a while for them to like each other. The Raven, influenced by the element fire, needs diversion, stimulation, and variety in his life, while Beaver is more inner-directed and loves domestic life. Raven and Deer The element air is a good foundation for this combination. It both unites and heightens their relationship. Both signs take great joy in intellectual and social activities. Good communication and intense discourse is very important. While this relationship will not suffer from boredom, a calendar filled with too many different activities could be a source of stress. But--so what? Both Raven and Deer love it and feel connected because of it. Raven and Woodpecker It has been said that opposites attract, and this folk wisdom describes this relationship perfectly. But will raven and Woodpecker get along? Not immediately. With goodwill and with time, a harmonious relationship can be established. However, this relationship will be made up of a lot of compromises. Raven and Salmon Raven and Salmon can have a promising relationship because the elements fire and air usually go well together. Raven can lean on the strong Salmon (if Salmon allows him) and, in turn Salmon enjoys Raven's social and culivated life-style. In other words, their relationship is happy and harmonious. Raven and Brown Bear Brown Bear has an even temperament and a steady nature. He loves rules he can depend on and favors safe boundries and predictable schedules. It is possible that Raven will feel restricted in her natural tendencies. She cherishes diversion, loves not only being on the go but also the finer things in life. Misunderstandings are inevitable in such a relationship. Raven and Raven Two Ravens will fly into each other arms. They belong to the element air and are in great need of varied and exciting stimulation, diversion, and entertainment. Since they perceive the world in much the same way, they will fulfill their desires effortlessly. The only thing this relationship may lack is emotional and spiritual depth. Their partnership may remain somewhat platonic and hinge on intellect rather than passion. Raven and Serpent Raven has a kind and accommodating personality and is always interested in balance. This often leads to having different opinions at different times, depending on the situation. Serpent, in comparison, tends to hold steadfast to an opinion once it has been reached. This could be a possible point of contention, particulary since, at times, Serpent wants to explore emotional aspects in more depth, something with which Raven is not comfortable. Raven and Owl Since the elements fire and air are involved in this relationship, Raven and Owl get along well. They also have promising things in common that make for a very harmonious relationship. Among other things, it is particularly the diplomacy and tolerance of Raven that accommodates Owl's needs. Raven and Goose When Raven and Goose meet, the spark of love might be missing in the beginning because of the difference in their personalities. The carefree attitude of Raven is difficult for Goose to understand because she lives life in moderation and has a serious and sober attitude. She could, however, learn a few things from Raven's carefree lifestyle. In turn, Raven could learn from concentration and consistency from Goose. Raven and Otter Whenever two people share the same element, things look very good indeed. Such is the relationship between Raven and Otter. The idealistic Otter, rich in ingenuity, can be very stimulating--something Raven seeks. Otter, on the other hand, finds in Raven a partner who will be interested in his plans and who supports them enthusiastically. Raven and Wolf Raven and Wolf need time to respect and understand each other, if that is possible at all. Their greatest problem may be that Raven sometimes seems to be emotionally unavailable--which makes Wolf withdraw into his own world. |
This page was last updated on: October 25, 2003
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Cry of the Raven by Daniel Smith, Courtesy os Snow Goose Gallery. |
