Wolves are probably the most misunderstood of the wild animals. Endless tales of cold bloodedness are told relating to wolves, in spite of their friendly, social and intelligent traits. They are truly free spirits even though their packs are highly organised. Wolves seem to go out of their way to avoid a fight. One is rarely necessary when a shift in posture, a growl, or a glance gets the point across quite readily.Traditionally, someone with Wolf Medicine has a strong sense of self, and communicates well through subtle changes in voice inflection and body movements. They will often find new solutions to problems while providing stability and support that one normally associates with a family structure.
The wolf is held in very high esteem, as they are used as totems and representative of clans. In the stars, Wolf is represented by the Dog, Sirius in the Pleiades, thought by many aboriginal tribes to be the home of the "Ancients. It seems to be through this connection that Wolf has come to be associated with ancient teachings.
The wolf is perhaps purely "the beast", which appears from nowhere, wreaks devastation, and vanishes without trace, leaving carnage in its wake. In mythology, its role is sometimes benevolent, sometimes evil. The wolf sees in the dark, so is symbolic of light and the sun. The wolf can be the solitary hero who defies the hunters. It is a symbol of intelligence and courage.
Wolves have been long regarded by Native Americans as teachers or pathfinders. Wolves are fiercely loyal to their mates, and have a strong sense of family while maintaining individualism.
In dream symbolism, the wolf acquires the importance that we attribute to it. It is often a part of the self, positive or negative. It can represent solitude and self-absorption, and retreat from relations with others, but it can symbolise instinct too; the instinct that certain people can only keep locked inside.
'Winter Wolf'
Illustration by Jabberwockygraphix
