The Spiritual Meaning Of Crows And What To Do If You Keep Seeing Them

Have you been noticing more crows than usual? This bird may be sending you messages about spiritual law, upcoming changes, or even death.

"Ravens and crows often—but not always—represent death," explains Daniel P. Compora, Ph.D., an associate professor at the University of Toledo whose scholarly focus is on folklore and popular culture. (A group of crows is called a "murder," after all.)

Some also consider crows to be messengers that are capable of existing between both worlds. "They represent spiritual law, the universal wisdom that the physical world must integrate,'' says Cat Rambo, a sacred medicine and dreamwork expert.

This means that crows can be considered a good omen or a bad omen, depending on the number of crows and the context.

"Seeing a single crow is often thought to be a bad omen, but seeing two could indicate good luck is coming," says Compora. "Seeing three suggests impending change."

"Native Americans view them as messengers between the living and the dead," says Compora. "Sometimes, they are depicted as tricksters."

Crow appears as an important symbol in Norse and Roman mythology. "In Norse mythology, the God Odin has two crows that he sets free daily," says Compora. The crows serve as Odin's messengers.

When you see a crow, it could be a sign that it's time to reflect on your values and "sacred laws."

Spiritual circles believe that if an animal wants to send you a message, it will keep appearing until you get the memo.

"If you see crows everywhere, it can be an indication that change is coming or you need to do some rigorous self-inventory, some serious look at your inner self," says Rambo.

"Noticing crows means you are attuned to your surroundings," adds Compora. Or, "maybe someone is trying to communicate with you from the spiritual realm," he suggests.

Dreams are full of clues and information and can be a form of receiving messages or signs. "Dreams are always about unfinished business," explains Rambo. "Dreams are something we are working through. The mind speaks in terms of symbols." 

Because the crow is deeply rooted in sacred law, seeing this symbol in a dream means it's time for self-reflection. "When a crow appears in a dream or as a symbol, it's asking you to self-reflect where the rules of man aren't in alignment with sacred law," says Rambo.

She offers up examples of how you may be out of alignment with man's law vs. spiritual law: "Maybe you need to stand up when something isn't right, or maybe you need to ask yourself if you're treating a situation or a person properly." 

The color of a crow is important. "Colors are relevant," says Rambo. "If a crow shows up as a different color, sometimes it has to do with a specific spirit or God trying to speak to them, depending on the pantheon or preference of the dreamer."

The number of crows in the dream is symbolic, too. "If numerous crows show up as a group. it's a message to bring your lessons back to yourself and learn more," explains Wilson. "The crow is always learning from people, places, and other animals."

If a crow appears in your dream, jotting down your dream (with as many details about symbols, colors, numbers, and context as possible) will help you decipher what it means for you.