Although ravens (and crows) are typically used in tattoos as omens of ill will or the dark side of the psyche, they have not always had this association. In Japan and China it is a symbol of family affection, while in the Book of Genesis the bird is a symbol of clear-sightedness. It is, however, a bird of prey and in this respect in was affiliated with the gods as their messenger, especially in terms of bringing death or conveying souls (as with Odin and the Valkyrie).