Not long after I posted my reflection on Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door, I found myself at Alouette Lake just after sunrise. My sister and I had arrived early. The morning was fresh and calm.
I could hear the ravens calling, two nearby and one farther off in the trees. I listened closely, wondering what they might be saying to one another, and maybe even to us.
Then one of them flew directly over my head. I was struck by the sound of its wings. Whoosh, whoosh, strong and steady. I called out, “Listen!” to my sister, surprising myself. Maybe it was the stillness of the lake, or the wide open space far from the city, but I felt that sound. For a moment, everything was quiet and clear.
The Ravens’ Message
In many traditions, ravens are seen as symbols of connection with the unseen. That morning by the lake, I understood why. There is something about them.
My mother grew up in Einsiedeln, Switzerland, the home of Saint Meinrad, who lived with two ravens over a thousand years ago. The ravens became an important part of his story and came to symbolize guardianship and loyalty. They still appear on the coat of arms of Einsiedeln today. Einsiedeln remains one of Europe’s most important pilgrimage sites. And all because of two ravens.
Standing there by the lake that morning, the story came back to me and reminded me of the enduring connection between humans and nature.
Listening as a Bridge
As I watched two of the ravens perched close together, they made softer, gentler sounds. These are the kinds of calls ravens use within their family groups.
Gentle raven calls recorded that morning.
Hearing them reminded me how connected everything can feel. Sometimes, all it takes is one sound to remind us that we are part of everything.
