What is the symbolic meaning of the raven?

Depending of the context the symbolic meaning can change. If one is refering to dream interpretation...

Birds in general mean hopes, aspirations, future and change.
Ravens in particular mean mischief, to roam, and intense hunger.


However, in the awake sense ravens are thought to be the guardians (so to speak) of graveyards and the dead.

Ravens are also considered to be omens of ill.

***In Welsh folklore, the raven is also an omen of death. If the raven makes a choking sound, it is a portent of the death rattle. A crying raven on a church steeple will "overlook" the next house where death will occur. A raven could smell death and would hover over the area where the next victim dwelt, including animals. Ravens were heard to "laugh" when someone was about to die. Welsh witches, and the Devil, would transform themselves into ravens. ***

However, in some eastern traditions the raven is a good symbol and most commonly associated with the sun.

***To invoke Raven as bird of prophecy, you can use the old English rhyme used to interpret omens by the number of ravens, crows, or rooks seen in a flock:

One for bad news,

Two for mirth.

Three is a wedding,

Four is a birth.

Five is for riches,

Six is a thief.

Seven, a journey,

Eight is for grief.

Nine is a secret,

Ten is for sorrow.

Eleven is for love,

Twelve - joy for tomorrow. ***


*** Pulled directly in its content from http://www.druidry.org/obod/lore/animal/raven.html