The power of the wolf seems appropriate as we move toward spring. Leaving the depth of winter is captured in the image of the wolf emerging from its den with pups into the spring sun. Many astrologers ascribe rulership of the wolf to Aries, but I feel the instinctual nature of this animal suits the sign before Aries - Pisces.

"Wolf is the pathfinder, the forerunner of new ideas who returns to the clan to teach and share medicine. Wolf takes one mate for life and is loyal like Dog.

"The senses of Wolf are very keen, and the moon is its power ally. The moon is the symbol for psychic energy, or the unconscious that holds the secrets of knowledge and wisdom."

- Jamie Sams

The wolf is "symbolic of valour among the Romans and the Egyptians. It also appears as a guardian in a great many monuments. In Nordic mythology we are told of a monstrous wolf, Fenris, that would destroy iron chains and shackles ... Nordic mythology presupposes that cosmic order is possible only through the temporary shackling of the chaotic and destructive potential of the universe."

- Cirlot

"Instincts have a personal manifestation, and are accepted as our personal property ... That instincts are common to the race does not eliminate a personal sense of ownership ... Likewise the collective unconscious is experienced personally."

- Bennet

 "There is a time of great anticipation as the sun moves into the last segment in the yearly cycle. Winter is over, but although the periods of darkness are shortening and the Sun is beginning to wax towards the warmer months, it is not yet spring.

"The wolf is an ancestor of the domestic dog and a powerful and muscular animal with a broad chest, pointed ears, and a thick, bushy tail ... The wolf was a highly regarded animal among the ancient tribes of northern Europe. It was a totem animal among the ancient Celts and the period just before the arival of spring was regarded as the Wolf-month in some traditions."

- Kenneth Meadows

  Wolves hold a fascination for me. They have tremendous power and can chase their prey for miles. Their intelligence is evident in the organization of the pack and the way they work together. They are loyal to their mates for life and can serve as a good example for humans in this department. I think the key for me, though, is that they can play well. For us, a balance of qualities is essential for the satisfied life, and Wolf demonstrates such a balance.

Sources

Andrews, Ted, Animal Speak. St. Paul, Llewellyn 1995.

Clement, Stephanie and Terry Rosen, Dreams: Working Interactive. St. Paul, Llewellyn, 2000.

Meadows, Kenneth, Earth Medicine,. Rockport, Element, 1991.

Sams, Jamie and David Carson, Medicine Cards. Santa Fe, Bear & Company, 1988.