Raven – Kȟaŋği Tȟáŋka

The symbolic meaning of the raven, kȟaŋği tȟáŋka in Lakota 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 and holy men of tribes for its shape-shifting qualities, the Raven was called upon in ritual so that visions could be clarified.  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  American Indian 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.