Crows and Ravens Mystery, Myth, and Magic of Sacred Corvids with Rick de Yampert
Mar 8, 2024
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Rick de Yampert delves into the intelligence, language, and mythology of crows and ravens, exploring their presence in religion, prophecy, and paleolithic art. The podcast discusses crow magic, their association with death, and the revival of pagan spirituality in modern times. It also highlights the connection between corvids and nature, inviting listeners to embrace the mystical realms of these sacred birds.
Crows and ravens showcase exceptional intelligence through distinct communication and problem-solving abilities.
Ancient myths globally connect crows and ravens to profound symbolism, including death messengers and gods of memory.
The modern pagan movement signifies a shift towards individualized spiritual experiences, embracing Earth-based practices and diverse manifestations of divinity.
Deep dives
Ancient Connection with the Earth
Crows and ravens are revered as intelligent creatures, connecting humans to Gaia, the Earth goddess. Dating back to ancient cave paintings, these birds have been seen as emissaries, featuring prominently in sacred symbolism.
Personal Fascination with Crows
The speaker's interest in crows began with a statue in Ireland depicting the crow companion of the Irish warrior Cu Chulainn, leading to a deeper exploration due to its connection with ancient myth and personal pagan spiritual path.
Complex Crow Behavior
Observations of crow behavior reveal their exceptional intelligence, with distinct vocalizations and behaviors indicating communication, memory, and even potential guidance provided to other animals like wolves.
Cultural and Mythological Significance
Crows and ravens feature prominently in myths worldwide, from Norse mythology connecting Odin to thought and memory with his ravens, to traditional beliefs linking these birds to messengers of death due to their historical presence in battlefield settings.
The Intriguing Intelligence of Crows and Ravens
Crows and ravens exhibit remarkable intelligence as observed by the ancient Norse, who noticed their memory and problem-solving abilities. The Norse associated their god with ravens, symbolizing thought and memory. This connection highlighted the mortality and legacy of thought in ancient cultures, emphasizing the deep understanding of the natural world. Ravens' behavior and intelligence were linked to spiritual messages, reflecting a connection between nature and spirituality.
The Evolving Path of Paganism: A Modern Renaissance
The resurgence of pagan practices, including Wicca and witchcraft, signifies a shift in religious identity towards personal spirituality. The modern pagan movement emphasizes individualized spiritual experiences and a deep connection to nature. As paganism evolves, practitioners explore diverse paths, embracing Earth-based spirituality, diverse manifestations of divinity, and the role of magic. The narrative of paganism as a religion of experience highlights personal connections with the divine and the fluidity of spiritual practices across generations.
In this episode, I’m joined by author Rick de Yampert to discuss his book Crows and Ravens: Mystery, Myth, and Magic of Sacred Corvids. Rick discusses the intelligence of crows and ravens, crow language, how they show up in myth, religion, and prophecy, crow magic, and how a corvid just might have been depicted in the paleolithic cave art of Lascaux .
