The wolf is a species of Canidae native to the wilderness and remote areas of North America, Eurasia and
North Africa. The largest member of its
family, males average 43–45 kg (95–99 lb) and females 36–38 kg (79–85 lb). They are similar
in general appearance and proportions to a German shepherd, but has a larger
head, narrower chest, longer legs, straighter tail and bigger paws. Its winter
fur is long and bushy, and predominantly a mottled gray in color, although
nearly pure white, red, or brown to black also occur.
The gray wolf is one of the world's most well researched animals, with probably more books written about it than any other wildlife species. It has a long history of association with humans, having been despised and hunted in most agricultural communities due to its attacks on livestock, while conversely being respected by some Native American tribes. It is the sole ancestor of the dog, which was first domesticated about 500,000 years ago.
Wolves are legendary because of their spine-tingling
howl, which they use to communicate. The
wolf is a common motif in the foundational mythologies and cosmologies of
peoples throughout Eurasia and North America. The obvious attribute of the wolf
is its nature of a predator, and correspondingly it is strongly associated with
danger, destruction, making it the symbol of the warrior on one hand, and that
of evil on the other. In many cultures,
the identification of the warrior with the wolf gave rise to the notion of Lycanthropy,
the mythical or ritual identification of man and wolf.
Wolf
moon is the name that the Native Americans gave to the full moon in January.
Part of the reason the Native Americans chose this name was due to the howling
wolves outside their villages this time of year. The full moon is a time of great power. This is a good time to work on magic related
to protection, both physical and spiritual. Use this time to develop your inner
self, and advance spiritually, becoming closer to the higher aspects of your
deities.
Wolves feature prominently in Norse mythology, in
particular the mythological wolves Fenrir, Skoll and Hati. Fenrir, a son of Loki, served a dual role in
Norse mythology; as the maimer of God Tyr, and as the killer of God Odin at Ragnarok. The giant Fenrir wolf was feared and hated. Fenrir is bound by the Gods, but is ultimately
destined to grow too large for his bonds and devour Odin during the course of Ragnarok.
At that time, he will have grown so
large that his upper jaw touches the sky while his lower touches the earth when
he gapes.
He will be slain by Odin's son, Vidar, who will either stab him in the
heart or rip his jaws asunder according to different accounts.
Skoll was depicted in Gylfaginning as a wolf
which pursued the setting sun, while Hati chased the moon. Wolves that chase the horses that drag the
chariot which contains the Sun and Moon through the sky, trying to eat them. At Ragnarok, both Skoll and Hati will succeed
in their quests.
Other known wolves are Geri and Freki, who were the Norse
God Odin's faithful pets who were reputed to be "of good omen." It
was once told that Odin and his brothers created the world. In loneliness while
traveling, Odin created the First Wolves, Geri and Freki, to accompany him in
his travels and to be partners in the hunt. The wolves became Odin's special
companions. Wherever Odin went, the wolves went with him. Odin was also a God a battle and wisdom, and encouraged
his men to fight like wolves. This was due to Odin's admiration of wolves, who
fought together as a team with strength and intellect.
The wolf has a
reputation which is undeserved as a fearsome creature. Most of us grew up hearing
stories about the "big, bad wolf." The fact is that wolves are not
really all big or bad. Wolves are just animals trying to survive in the world,
just like we are. They belong to the same family of animals as the dog you may
have as a family pet. There are many
wolf organizations and government agencies working to both save wolves and
educate people about them.
This totem imparts
learning, wisdom and access to communication.
Tame wolves tend to be less predictable and manageable
than dogs, as they lack any alteration of their predatory behavior. But with wolf populations in danger in some
areas, or others living in a urban land, a domesticated dog does make a good
symbol. Both wolves and dogs are strong,
loyal, protective, teamwork and have great senses.
"I
call to those who went before me for guidance to travel this days path I ask
those who are yet to come what this holds for me of Wolf and Man is what I seek
I ask for the Wolf to be at one with the Man and for the Man to walk beside the
Wolf I offer this prayer to the Spirits above and humbly ask for their divine
help to live my life to the fullest and bring honor to myself and my people."
have an intense love affair with wolves and am researching fenris
ReplyDeleteI love Fenris (or Fenrir). I always found the tale of his chain interesting. It was made of the ribbon was fashioned of six elements: the footstep of a cat; the roots of a mountain; a woman's beard; the breath of fishes; the sinews of a bear; and a bird's spittle. http://www.odinsvolk.ca/O.V.A.%20-%20GODSundGODDESSES.htm#Fenris
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