Wolf

(Canis lupus)

The wolf is the largest predator of the canidae family, to which also foxes, dingoes and jackals belong. They adapt easily, hunt and live in packs of up to 12 animals, making them efficient hunters. Wolves live in Northern Europe, in Greenland, in Asia and in North America. Hunting and habitat destruction are threats to these animals. They have a hierarchical order clearly established within the pack and they are led by an alpha animal. Wolves can weigh up to 176lb (80 kg) and their body is about 3.93 to 5.24ft long (120 to 160cm). It has a bushy tail as well as strong hind legs and pointed ears. They communicate with each other through a subtle body language, such as positions of the tail and through squeaks, grunts and moans.

Wolves in Mythology: The wolf plays a central role in the mythology of many cultures and it also appears in many stories. As it happens with the bad wolf in Little Red Riding Hood, people always project their fears in the wolves, when in reality they do not attack or kill men. In Germanic mythology, the Wolf was considered as a symbol of victory, as when it was ridden by Odin or the Valkyries. However, the wolves companions of Odin, Geri and Freki mean limitation and rejection. From the Germanic mythology, we also get to know the symbol of the werewolf i.e. a man who changes for periods of time into a wolf, typically when there is a full moon.

The Celts believed that every night the wolves ate the Sun. Druids worshiped them as a powerful totem, which protected and guided the community. In Greek mythology, the goddess Hecate, who was considered a magician, was often represented with three wolves. King Lycaon was transformed by Zeus into a wolf. The Romans said that the twins Romulus and Remus, who were subsequently the founders of Rome, were bred by a she-wolf. The Bible frequently represents the wolf as a dangerous predator that destroys the herds. American Indians called Waheela to the spirit in the form of a large wolf. Many tribes, such as the Tlingit of the kolosh group venerated the wolf as its totem. Many other cultures worshiped them such as the Turkomans, the Mongols and the Uzbeks.

The Wolf in the interpretation of dreams: It may want to call our attention in regards to leadership and guidance of a thing or matter.

The Wolf essence sharpens the perception of our senses and our concentration. It strengthens our consciousness of a group and its corresponding dynamic.

On the body level: The essence gives us strength and resistance. We learn to use our strength assertively so that we do not give up and go on in order to reach our goals for the sake of us all.

On the emotional level: The wolf helps us to perceive our feelings and also the way in which other people feel within the group or the community. It also gives us the ability to communicate and integrate us better and more clearly in the group.

On the spiritual level: The wolf teaches us the secret of humility. We learn that only the one that is capable of serving can be a good leader. It can help us free ourselves of negative dependencies and teaches us to trust in the guidance of God and to pay attention to our inner voice. This is the way in which we learn to act for the good of everyone.