The Raven is often considered a bird of ill will, bad omens, death and a forewarning of war in popular folklore, fairy tales and mythology. Ravens are enigmatic birds, playful, tricksters and highly intelligent. Their negative symbolism can be partly blamed on their black plumage and their eating of carrion.

The raven is also frequently linked with prophecy, further enhancing its status as a bird of the occult. Not only was it a messenger of the gods, both as an informant and as a guide, but it also was thought to be the most prophetic of all birds.

In Sleeping Beauty, a popular Fairy tale, (Disney version) we see the villian-ess Malificent with her familiar, the Raven, Diablo. There are other fairy tales by The Brother’s Grimm that have ravens within, and show how superstitious people were about the black birds.

I think ravens are misunderstood and should be looked upon with wonder at their high intelligence, problem solving skills and their dark beauty. I designed this shawl as a celebration of the misunderstood black beauties…(the bird and the evil Queen).