Raven Thunderbird Eagle Feather Native American Earring

Description: 1.25 inch diameter shield with dangling eagle feathers. Length with feathers is 2.5 inches. Surgical steel ear wires. Made from hand crafted hard acrylic. All the rage in Europe. These earrings are so lightweight I forget I have them on.

Symbolism: Raven is a “trickster”. Raven appears in a variety of forms making us think they are another type of bird. Their voice can make us think they are human. They often appear to be another color instead of black. The “trickster” keeps us alert and aware. Honing our skills of observation and broadening our personal perspectives. If we communicate with Raven it is best to remember that they are true “tricksters”. Sometimes the answers they give are straightforward and other times the messages are the opposite of what it should be. The listener must be very in tune with which type of message the Raven is giving. Raven will show us the brighter side of life with sparkling and shiny objects in its beak or when it dives repeatedly at a shiny object on the ground. When raven does this, it is such an uplifting experience and so necessary for our well being in this illusionary world. To read more see my article and personal story of the Raven Heart Woman. NativeTalismanArt.com.

Inspiration: The following is my personal story of an experience with Raven. A few winters ago, I became very sad. There seemed to be no hope in my life. Then one cold winter night, I dreamed a Raven came to my window and invited me for a ride. I climbed on his back and we took off into the night sky. Flying up and up and up. Then…Raven turned his head and with his piercing eyes looked deep into my soul. Our minds and spirits seemed to merge into one. I was no longer a human person. I was as much Raven as Raven himself. I felt a sense of joy and a curiosity. The world was magical. As Raven and I continued to fly, I delighted in all the beauty of our world. When I saw my bedroom window, I knew the journey had ended. Yet, I still felt happiness, curiosity, hope and joy. All the things I had lost through the shadowy depression. To this day I remember vividly how it felt to be Raven.

Artist: Paula Bidwell of Native Talisman Art is an American Indian artist, jeweler and author. She is also considered an Indigenous Healer and spent many years on the reservation learning traditional healing and ceremony. She combines being an artist and indigenous healer into her art. Paula believes strongly that we are all related and there is very little separation between us. Her art resonates with all cultures and peoples.

Artist Paula Bidwell. Certifying Tribe Cheyenne River Sioux.