COMMON CRANE (EURASIAN CRANE): Knowledge

A tall, elegant Bird, Common Crane breeds in secluded wetlands of Northern Europe. During the breeding season, He and his Family keep Themselves secluded from other Common Cranes. Whilst nesting, Common Crane’s Family covers their bodies with mud to hide from the others.

During migration, Common Crane returns to the same nesting spot with his Mate. Traveling in large flocks, Common Crane and his Friends fly in a “V”. Flying with his long neck and head straight out, He looks like an alphabet letter in the sky.

The Ancient Greeks once used the migration of Common Crane as their calendar. When He arrived in the spring, it was the start of their New Year. After Common Crane left in the autumn, it was time to bring in their boats from the sea.

Lore among the early Europeans tells of Common Crane inspiring the Gods to invent writing. For the Greek, Hermes, the God of Communication, saw Common Crane flying over Crete. He formed the Greek letters from the Common Crane flocks flying across the sky. Meanwhile, Oghma of the Irish created the Oghams (the stick alphabet) from watching Common Crane.

In addition, Common Crane was associated with hidden knowledge and prophecy. Apollo, the Greek God of poets and seers, often took the form of Common Crane when He moved amongst the humans. Among the Irish, Druids carried Crane bags, which were emblems of their arcane knowledge.

Through the years, Common Crane has guided people seeking to deepen their knowledge. He brought auguries to people to foretell the future. Common Crane inspired the creation of ancient alphabets. In fact, the Irish viewed Him as the Guardian of Magical Alphabets. Let Common Crane inspire you to your pursuit of knowledge.