Wolf Symbolism

-= The Wolf as Symbol =-

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 the stars, Wolf is represented by the Dog, Sirius, thought by many Abroginal 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.

Wolves are probably the most misunderstood of the wild animals. Tales of cold bloodedness abound, in spite of the their friendly, social and intelligent traits. They are truly free spirits even though their packs are highly organized. They 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 often find new solutions to problems while providing stability and support that one normally associates with a family structure.

-= Other Cultural Symbology =-

In Roman mythology there is the she wolf, she raises the abandoned Romulus and Remus who are the twin founders of Rome. This human infant raised by wolf mother is echoed in many other tales, particurly stories of indian children who have been raised by wolves.

Cental and West Asian people who belong to Turkic speaking tribes believe that the cultures founders were mothered by a wolf. In Turkey there is an extreme nationalist group that call themselves the Grey Wolves.

Genghis Khan also believed himself to have been mothered by a wolf. The fact that these war like nomadic peoples revered the wolf so much much shows the reverence they had for the wolves endurence, group cohesion and skill in hunting.

To me the wolf symbolizes freedom, the spirit of nature and adaptability under the most dire circumstances. Humanity's attempted genocide of the wolf shows it's most foul and ignorant attempt to conquer that which sustains them, nature. The wolf must survive for if humanity can come to terms with this falsely maligned creature suely there is some room for compramise between oursleves and other living things which have an intrinsic right to survive even if the have no odvious purpose that serves humans.

In Europe during the Middle ages (12 - 14 century) wolves were often used as a symbol of the devil.

Rabies was a common disease at that time and it is thought that the sight of rabid wolves engendered a superstitious fear reaction which lasted for centuries, and probably helped to ensure the demise of the wolf in Britain & many parts of Europe.

Of course, the majority of people would not have encountered a healthy wolf.