Totem – Wolf
Animal Totem Energies

Wolf (Pathfinder for the human spirit; heart of the wildness of the world. Knowledge.)
Canis Lupus

Much maligned throughout history, the wolf is a shy creature which would prefer to have little to do with humans. Certainly it is not the vicious marauder of faery tales and fables. Perhaps people fear the Wolf because of the way he calls to them. His howl in the night raises the hackles of our souls and calls us awake and wondering. Perhaps what we fear is not the wolf, but the wildness in ourselves.

Like humans, wolves live in a communal structure. The pack has a strict hierarchy, with the alpha male and female leading the pack. The beta wolves do not breed, but instead care for the pups of the alpha male and female. At the bottom of the hierarchy is the Omega wolf, the scapegoat, who is bullied, and who often goes without when food is scarce.

Wolves hunt in a cooperative technique that served as a model for many “primitive” tribes who watched them. Pack members take turns chasing the prey, in a “tag team” manner so that they can exhaust their prey long before themselves.

As with most animals who live in social groups, wolves have evolved a variety of ways to communicate. The communicate through an evocative mix of body postures, facial expression and tail stances as well as through vocal means – yelps, whines, growls. And they howl. And incredible hair-raising, spirit wakening sound. The howl is used to help locate members, establish territorial boundaries, strengthen group unity, and dare I suggest — worship the Moon.

With the exception of Alaska and Canada, where wolves are abundant, and Montana, where wolves are only considered “threatened”, wolves are an endangered species throughout North America.

Wolf Energy

In Native American traditions, Wolf is said to be “teacher” medicine. Humans have followed Wolf for millenia, studying Wolf’s ways of the hunt, learning from their social structure. Wolf is allied with Sirius, the Dog Star, and it is said in many cultures, that our ancestors and teachers came from there. This is agreed upon by Australian Aborigines, and the Dogon tribe of Africa, as well as certain Native American tribes. Wolf has much to teach us, if only we will listen.

Wolf is allied to the moon and lunar energies, teaching us to respect our emotions and unconscious urges. Respect for the wildness of our animal natures, and willingness to face the dark within ourselves is an imperative for Wolf people. Trust in the unspoiled nature of your Child/Wolf self.

Because the Moon rules psychic perception, Wolf people should work on learning to trust their intuition and psychic urges, to listen for the still small voice within.

The communal nature of Wolf’s culture and hunting helps us to learn to cooperate to achieve a goal. Wolf people make good “team players” and are fiercely loyal to those they consider part of their pack. They often have strong leadership qualities, however they must often learn to balance their tendency for “social dominating.” As a predator, Wolf culls the sick and weak of the herd. Wolves are often quick to scent when a situation is “sick,” and will work to change it. It is important that they learn to lead the situation gently, and without tearing others apart, or the pack may turn on them.

Wolf’s capacity for communication suggests that Wolf people should learn to utilize the strength of their voice and to be aware of their body language. When dealing with Wolf people, listening for the nuances of vocal tone and watching their motions will help in gaining an understanding of them. Wolves often make excellent bards and storytellers.

Ritual is very important to Wolf. Both the little rituals of day-to-day conduct, and the bigger rituals of lunar howling. Whatever their spiritual beliefs, Wolf people will feel more in tune when they honor and re-link (the actual meaning of the word “religion”) with the life force.

Connecting with Wolf

To bring Wolf energy into your life, try some of these exercises:

Water (Emotional):
Write poetry or draw pictures of wolves Hang pictures of wolves around your house or work area. Wear wolf jewelry. See our Wolf Rings Go for walks in the woods. Lift your head and howl at the Moon. (Note: If you live in a wolf-populated area, howling should be done rarely, as by listening to humans howl, wolves learn to sound like humans, and forget the correct wolf-way to do it.)

Air (Mental):
Read books about wolves. Utilize your voice. Work at mellowing your vocal tone, and take note of the way that your tones affect the way people hear you. You may even want to take vocal lessons. Tell stories .

Fire (Dynamic):
Teach someone something you have learned. Learn something from someone. Play tag. Sniff out a situation you don’t like, and DO something about it. Participate and cooperate with others.

Earth (Physical):
Eat venison, one of Wolf’s favorite foods. Wear moonstone, and other lunar stones. Let your hair grow.

Spirit:
Make up a simple daily (or nightly) ritual that makes you feel closer to your spiritual self. Use any motions, noises, words and props that you feel comfortable with. Join in group ritual with others. This can be as simple as a sing-along, or as complex as high church rite or magickal ritual. Go with whatever feels right for you.

Jim “Greywolf Spiritsong” Queflander