WOLF

The wolf has been much misunderstood and maligned in history and is not the vicious intruder of western fairy tales.  The wolf is a shy, yet very sociable creature with strong rules of behavior.  Fear of the wolf is perhaps born when its eerie howl raises the hackles on our neck and in our souls.   Maybe we do not fear the wolf at all, but only the wild nature within ourselves.  To American Indians, the wolf is said to be "teacher" medicine. We study wolfs ways of hunting and their social structure.  The wolf is associated with the Dog Star, Sirus and some cultures belief humans came from this distant star.  Wolf populations are threatened in the lower 48 states, but abundant in Alaska and Canada.  Wolf has much to teach us, if only we will listen. 

WOLF MEDICINE

• Wolves live in a communal structure like humans. The Alpha male and female lead a strict social order.   Next in the order are Beta wolves who do not breed and serve as nursemaids for pups of the pack.  The Omega wolf is at the bottom rung and is the 'scapegoat' in situations when the pack is being attacked.  Often the Omega wolf is forced not to eat when food is scarce.  If wolf has entered the forest of your mind, it may be to teach you that all things in nature have order amid chaos and to accept your duties in life, whether they be leadership roles or otherwise, with humility and strength.

• The wolf spirit teaches us to have balance between your personal needs and those of the family and community.  Wolves are absolutely committed and loyal to the pack and find their place within the group.  If wolf exhibits these traits, it may mean that you must examine your function within the community and loyalty.  It may also be a sign to bring better balance to the varied interests of self, family and community.

• The hunting techniques of wolves served as an example for many tribes who copied them.  Members of the pack form 'tag teams' who take turns chasing prey to exhaust the prey before themselves. Packs are known to have run over thirty miles a day in pursuit.  Cooperation in achieving a common goal is the message conveyed here.

• Wolves have developed many ways to communicate by body language and vocally.  Facial expressions, tail and ear movements, body posture, teeth bearing, eye squinting and scratching are part of their vocabulary.  Vocally, a wide variety of growls, yelps, whines and howls make up a sophisticated system of communication.  Wolf language helps the pack to identify and locate its members, establish territorial boundaries, give instruction, request assistance, sound warnings, teach the young, and generally to bring cohesion and unity to the pack.  If a wolf or wolves have entered your physic, you are fortunate to have an animal spirit to knows the importance of communication and one that will find many ways to make their messages know to you.  This ability to communicate may be a sign to hone your own speaking skills to effectively relate your feelings and ideas in a good way - to pray, sing and dance in praise of the blessings of the Creator.

• When a lone wolf is seen the wild it symbolizes freedom.  When seen in a pack it represents community. If wolf appears to you alone or in a pack it is asking you to acquire the same within your own life.  

• The primal and piercing howl of the wolf sometimes is marking their territory boundaries.  If you hear a wolf howl it might be telling you to stand your ground and defend your boundaries.

• Wolves have great stamina and strength. They do not fight needlessly and often avoid fighting whenever possible.  Wolf teaches to know who you are and to develop strength and confidence.

• Wolf is associated with the lunar influences and energies that rule psychic perception.  They teach us to respect our emotions and face the darkness within.   

• The wolf is ritualistic.  It knows the importance of regular lunar howling ceremonies and daily social rituals designed to communicate needs and express feelings.  The message of your wolf spirit may be to honor the forces of spirituality and connect with the life forces of Mother Earth.

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