www.sacred-texts.com/neu/cel...ndex.htm

I found this at my favorite library site. It is called "The Ancient Irish Goddess of War", written by William Hennessey abt. 1870. It is an article in a larger manuscript. Collected in this article are the references of the Morrigna in the ancient literature of Ireland written down by monks and folklorists. Nemhain, Badb, Macha, and the Morrighan or Morrigu, also called Ana (Anu, as in the Paps of Anu in County Kerry) and Anand.

It is pretty clear that the Lady of Ravens is actually the Lady of Scare-Crows. It is the Hooded Crow (Royston crow, scald crow, scare-crow, hoodie) that was seen as Badb, and hence all of the Morrigna. Though try telling Pagans today to switch from the Raven. It won't happen. I believe that any crow or raven can be an avatar of the Morrigna, including red-winged blackbirds and grackles.

Please don't let this raise any hackles. :) I also am a child of the Morrigna, and They speak to me in Their own way, by leading me to this piece at Sacred-Texts.com, for example. I know She/They touch us each differently. That said, I believe that my understanding of Her/They has deepened greatly in the last year. May the Blessings of our ancestors be with you this Samhain-tide, and all year long!