Having seen Wolf misrepresented on social media recently, I decided to share the lesser-known, positive qualities and energies of this magnificent Spirit Guide.

Wolf has appeared to me in Shamanic Journeys several times over recent months and I have enjoyed interacting with him.  For me, he is a loyal protector holding physical strength that is moderated by the wisdom which can be found in the Divine Masculine.

Contemporary society has a lot to learn from Wolf Medicine at a time when men acting for greedy corporations intimidate single mothers and grandparents who are experiencing fuel poverty due to falsely inflated prices. 

Over years of reading, I have noticed that Wolf is often associated with danger and destruction, being depicted as a fierce predator roaming around looking for something vulnerable to kill. However, further research demonstrates that this ferocious reputation is a misrepresentation, causing him to be misunderstood as an egotistical creature in service to self.

The modern notion of the Big Bad Wolf arises from European folklore which has its origins in the Bible, which contains 13 references to wolves, usually as metaphors for negative traits such as greed and destructiveness:

• Ferocious – Habakkuk 1:8;
• Sheep-eating – John 10:12.
• Treachery – Genesis 49:27;
• Desolation – Isaiah 13:22; 34:14; Jeremiah 50:39;
• Wicked leaders -Ezekiel 22:27; Zephaniah 3:3;
• False prophets/teachers – Matthew 7:15; Acts 20:29.

These traits are further embedded through several pre-17th-century folk tales around the theme of Little Red Riding Hood where the wolf is presented as a sly, cunning creature who wants to take advantage of the young and the old in service of his selfish greed without any consideration for others.

Later, the fable of The Three Little Pigs presents the Big Bad Wolf; an intimidating force that causes fear through the unnecessary harm done to the pigs by destroying their homes.

In Peter and the Wolf, Prokofiev’s 1936 musical symphony for children, Peters’s grandfather is in fear of wolves when a ferocious wolf comes out of the forest to attack Peter and his animals. The response is to humiliate the beast by parading him at a zoo. Of course, given that we create our own reality via the Seven Hermetic Principles, the grandfather’s fear likely attracted the wolf – see https://www.roseautumn.com/2022/01/the-seven-hermetic-principles/.

In America, the notion of there being two wolves inside us continually competing for supremacy comes from an old Cherokee story; but instead of being seen as an aggressive fighter, this intelligent creature deserves our respect as a caring animal who observes consideration for their fellow pack members.

When they are on the move, the pack leader shows respect to his elders and those less able than himself by walking at the back to allow the slowest members to lead at their own pace. This is evidenced in the following picture showing the Wolf Pack Formation.

The first three (circled in yellow) are the weakest pack members, the old and sick, who walk at the front to set the pace so that the others have to slow down to their speed. They also serve as a form of protection; they will lose their lives first from a frontal attack, preserving the young and the women who can bear more children.

Behind them, the wolves in the red box are the five strongest of the pack who will protect the young and the mothers behind them. By walking at a slower pace they will conserve their energy ready for a frontal attack.

In the middle are the females and young wolves who are fully protected from the front and rear. They receive the most protection as they represent the future of the pack.

Following are another five strong wolves to protect them from behind.

Finally, the leader of the pack (blue arrow) watches over them all. He ensures that no one is left behind.  He keeps the pack tight and on the same path. He is ready to run in any direction to protect his fellow members from danger.

A Wolf leader reminds us that it is not important to be at the front; it is more important to equally value and take care of all members of your team. If our leaders in the government, the councils, and other community groups took some Wolf Medicine our society would be a better and safer place to be: women would be respected in their nurturing role as mothers; children would be properly nurtured by the women and supported by the men; and the old would remain a respected part of the community.

Wolves have other traits that cause them to deserve our respect:

• They do not mate with their sisters or mothers;
• They are monogamous mating for life with one partner and if one dies, the other remains alone;
• It is the only animal that helps their parents by bringing them food in old age;
• They are not scavengers; they do not eat meat that is already dead when they find it;
• As a wild animal, their main focus is survival so they will only kill for food, not sport, and do so as part of a very adept team;
• They are very intuitive with an instinct for detecting risky situations and as such they will also have strong spiritual connections.

Wolf Sprit Medicine

As a Spirit Animal, they symbolise an intriguing mix of power, loyalty, guardianship, teamwork, and the importance of social connections whilst retaining one’s independence, together with being wild and free.

Wolves are often associated with several spiritual personality traits across various cultures and belief systems. Some of these include:

1. **Intelligence and Instinct**: Wolves are revered for their intelligence and deeply ingrained instincts. They are seen as symbols of guidance and wisdom in navigating life’s complexities.

2. **Freedom**: Wolves symbolize a strong sense of freedom. They are known for their wild nature and the ability to roam large territories, embodying the spirit of independence.

3. **Social Connection**: Despite their association with independence, wolves are also very social creatures. They emphasize the importance of family and community, often represented in the spiritual context as loyalty and the value of strong social connections.

4. **Protection**: In many cultures, wolves are considered protectors. They are vigilant and brave, often seen as guardians in spiritual realms who guide and protect individuals or communities.

5. **Resilience and Endurance**: The wolf embodies resilience and endurance, able to survive and thrive in harsh conditions. This trait is often mirrored spiritually as the ability to endure challenges and adapt.

6. **Mystery and Mysticism**: Wolves also carry an air of mystery and are frequently associated with the spiritual and supernatural world. They are often connected to the moon and night, enhancing their mystical qualities.

7. **Teacher**: Spiritually, wolves are seen as teachers or pathfinders, guiding souls in the physical and spiritual world, helping to uncover deeper truths and explore the unknown.

These traits make the wolf a powerful symbol in many spiritual narratives, often used to teach important life lessons or as a guide in personal development.

Norse Warriors

The Úlfheðnar were the ultimate Norse warriors holding the spirit of the wolf and wore wolf pelts. As such they viewed wolves as being sacred and did not hunt them, being instead gifted their pelt upon the animal’s death. They were capable of performing feats far beyond the abilities of other warriors due to their having reached exceptional levels of spirituality, self-control, and group cohesion.