Befriending And Working With Crows
Crows have long been associated with witches due to their behavior, mystery, and connection to the supernatural. In folklore, they are seen as messengers between worlds, carrying secrets and omens. Witches were believed to communicate with or shape-shift into crows, using them as familiars to gather information or perform magical tasks. Their black feathers and eerie caws made them symbols of transformation, death, and hidden knowledge. This connection persists in modern witchcraft, where crows are often seen as guides for those practicing divination, shadow work, and spirit communication.
Crows are among the most intelligent birds, possessing problem-solving skills, advanced memory, and the ability to use tools. Studies have shown that they can recognize human faces, plan for the future, and even understand cause and effect. Their complex social structures and ability to communicate information indicate a high level of cognitive function, comparable to that of primates. Crows have been observed crafting tools from leaves and twigs, solving multi-step puzzles, and even holding grudges against perceived threats. Their intelligence makes them highly adaptable and capable of thriving in diverse environments.
Crows are highly intuitive, mysterious, and deeply connected to witchcraft, omens, and spirit work. These birds are known for their symbolism in folklore, association with deities like The Morrigan, Odin, and Hekate, and their ability to form strong bonds with humans. Befriending crows can be a rewarding experience, offering companionship, spiritual messages, and even small “gifts” from the birds themselves. Connecting with the crows isn't hard as they tend to be everywhere and their bravery and curiosity makes them willing to approach certain humans. They have senses of humor, empathy, critical thinking skills, and a lifespan of up to 30 years, all of which makes them excellent companions. Get to know the crows in your neighborhood.
🐦⬛Understanding Crow Behavior
Before approaching crows, it's essential to understand their nature:
• They are highly intelligent – Crows can recognize human faces, solve puzzles, and even speak.
• They have strong social bonds – They communicate within their flocks and even warn each other about potential dangers.
• They can be wary – Earning a crow’s trust takes patience, consistency, and respect.
• They have fantastic memories – A crow won't forget the face of a human that was kind to it and especially not that of one who was rude.
🐦⬛Attracting Crows to Your Space
To encourage crows to visit you regularly, follow these steps:
1. Offer Food Consistently
Crows love high-energy foods. Some of their favorites include:
• Unsalted peanuts (in-shell or shelled) – A crow favorite!
• Sunflower seeds – Nutritious and easy to scatter.
• Fruits (apples, grapes, berries) – Fresh or dried.
• Leftover meat scraps – A natural part of their diet.
• Hard-boiled eggs – A great protein source.
What to Avoid:
• Never feed crows processed, salty, or sugary foods.
• Avoid bread – it lacks nutrition.
• Do not leave large amounts of food – too much can attract unwanted pests.
2. Choose a Safe Feeding Spot
• Select a quiet, open area where they feel comfortable landing.
• Keep a routine – feeding them at the same time each day builds trust.
• If possible, create a dedicated offering space, like a small platform.
3. Provide Fresh Water
• A shallow birdbath or bowl of clean water can help attract crows, especially in dry seasons.
• Change the water frequently to keep it fresh.
🐦⬛Earning Their Trust
1. Observe From a Distance
• At first, let crows come and go without interference.
• Avoid sudden movements or loud noises.
• If they seem cautious, step back and let them approach at their own pace.
2. Speak to Them
• Crows recognize human voices and can distinguish between friendly and hostile tones.
• Greet them softly or whistle a simple tune when feeding them.
• Some witches even give their crows names, reinforcing a bond.
3. Leave Small Offerings
• In addition to food, place shiny objects (small trinkets, marbles, beads) as “gifts” for crows.
• Some crows may return the favor by leaving tokens like buttons, feathers, or shells.
🐦⬛Building a Magickal Relationship
Once crows recognize you as a friend, you can incorporate them into your spiritual practice:
1. Crow as a Spirit Ally
• If a crow visits during ritual work or divination, take note—its presence may carry a message.
• Crows can serve as psychopomps, guiding spirits between realms.
2. Divination & Omens
• A single crow cawing may indicate a warning or message.
• A group (a murder of crows) could symbolize change, transformation, or ancestral spirits.
• Here's some more information about counting crows.
3. Offering a Sacred Space
• Create a small altar outside with natural elements where you place food and gifts.
• Meditate near their space, listening to their calls and energy.
• Put up wards and cast protection magick for the crows.
🐦⬛Strengthening the Bond
• Be patient – Some crows take weeks or months to trust humans.
• Stay consistent – Regular feeding and positive interactions reinforce the bond.
• Respect their autonomy – Crows are wild and should never be captured or forced to interact.
🐦⬛Crow Spells
Crows can assist with your magick as well, through their presence and the lovely black feathers they often leave as gifts or lose through natural shedding. Here are some spells you can do with your crows.
Crow’s Omen Spell (For Divination & Messages)
Needed:
• A quiet outdoor space where crows gather
• A small offering (unsalted nuts, shiny objects, or seeds)
Instructions:
Sit in a place where crows are present and place the offering nearby. Close your eyes and ask the crows for a message:
“Messengers of fate, winged and wise,
Show me the truth with your keen eyes.
A sign, a word, a lesson true,
I call on crows to send their view.”
Observe their behavior. Watch how they move, call, or interact. Their actions may symbolize an answer to your question. Thank the crows and leave the offering as a sign of respect.
Crow’s Wisdom Spell (For Guidance & Insight)
Needed:
• A feather from a crow
• A small black candle
• A piece of paper and a pen
Instructions:
Light the black candle and sit quietly, focusing on a question or situation where you need insight. Hold the crow feather and say:
“Wise crow, keeper of secrets and sight,
Bring me knowledge, clear my mind this night.
Show me the path, help me see,
Reveal the truth and guide me free.”
Meditate for a few moments, then write down any thoughts, visions, or feelings that come to you. Let the candle burn down safely or snuff it out to use again.
Crow’s Shadow Cloak (For Invisibility & Stealth)
Needed:
• A black cloth or scarf
• A crow feather
• A small mirror
Instructions:
Hold the black feather and visualize yourself surrounded by a shadowy aura. Place the mirror face down on the cloth, symbolizing the reflection being hidden. Whisper:
“Dark-winged shadow, silent flight,
Hide me well, keep me from sight.
As the crow vanishes into the night,
Let me fade from every light.”
Wrap the feather in the cloth and carry it when you need to go unnoticed.
Crow’s Omen Spell (For Divination & Answers)
Needed:
• No physical tools, just observation
Instructions:
Find a place where crows are naturally present. Ask your question either aloud or in your mind.
Observe the crows for signs:
• A single crow cawing: A warning or negative response.
• A pair of crows flying together: A positive or cooperative outcome.
• A group of crows circling or gathering: Major change or important news coming.
• A crow bringing or dropping something near you: A strong affirmation or message from the spiritual realm.
Thank the crows for their wisdom.
Crow’s Curse Spell (For Revenge & Justice)
Needed:
• A black feather given by a crow
• A piece of paper with the target’s name
• A dark stone (obsidian, onyx, or jet)
Instructions:
Write the target’s name on the paper and place the crow’s feather over it. Hold the dark stone in your dominant hand and visualize the negative energy returning to its source. Say:
“As the crow flies, swift and free,
Let justice return threefold to thee.
No more harm, no more pain,
What was given, be reclaimed.”
Let the feather sit overnight. The next day, release it into the wind or place it somewhere the crows frequent.
Crow’s Guardian Spell (For Protection & Psychic Defense)
Needed:
• A crow feather
• A small black candle
• A piece of black string
Instructions:
Light the candle and hold the feather. Close your eyes and visualize a crow circling around you, forming a protective barrier. Tie a knot in the black string while chanting:
“Black-winged guardian, fierce and free,
Stand between harm and me.
No ill may pass, no foe may near,
On shadowed wings, keep my path clear.”
Carry the string as a charm of protection, or keep the feather in your home as a spiritual ward.
By observing, working with, and honoring crows, you can create powerful bonds that enhance protection, divination, communication, and justice in your magical practice. If nurtured properly, crows can become lifelong allies, offering wisdom, companionship, and even protection. Treat them well, and they may even become your loyal feathered familiars.
