Wolf Totem Meaning

Last Updated on September 30, 2020 by Avia

Howling Good Wolf Totem Symbols and Meanings

This article dives into wolf totem and wolf symbols as a guide to uplift and inspire anyone who is connected with the majestic animal. If the wolf is your totem, this page helps understand your animal connection and learn more about the wolf as a helper in life. Read more about wolf totem meanings here.

To understand totem wolf symbols, one must first understand the heart of the wolf. This takes time because the wolf has had to endure many false stereotypes, misconceptions and misunderstandings.

Not at all the picture of ferocity or terror, the wolf is a creature with a high sense of loyalty and strength. Another misconception is that of the “lone wolf.” On the contrary, the wolf is actually a social creature, friendly, and gregarious with its counterparts.

The wolf is an incredible communicator. By using touch, body movements, eye contact as well as many complex vocal expressions – the wolf makes his point understood.

Those with totem wolf symbols are of the same inclination – they are expressive both vocally and physically. Those who have the wolf as their totem animal are naturally eloquent in speech, and also have knack for creative writing.

A quick-list of totem wolf symbolic attributes include…

Wolf Totem Meaning Keywords

• Loyalty
• Cunning
• Intuition
• Intelligence
• Independence
• Compassionate
• Communication

Totem wolf symbols belong to those who truly understand the depth of passion that belong to this noble creature. The wolf is a representative of deep faith, and profound understanding.

Further, the wolf possess a high intellect, and have been observed using strategies about hunting, habitat and migration.

“All things share the same breath – the beast, the tree, the man. The air shares its spirit with all the life it supports.”

~Chief Seattle

Wolf Totem Symbolism in Culture and History

In history, the totem Wolf symbol appears with the founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus. Legend has it that the two founding brothers were raised and suckled by a she-wolf. Her name was Lupa, and immortal she-goddess of the Romans. She not only nurtured the brothers who would launch Rome, she also is said to have trained other Roman hero’s so they would be cunning and fearless in battle. This goddess is a great reminder of the wolf’s ability to both nurture and be tough. It’s also a symbolic nod to giving all the knowledge and resources we can to those who need it in order for them to succeed in the world.

In Norse mythology, the Wolf is a symbol for victory when ridden by Odin. Their names were Freki and Geri. Much like Huginn and Muninn, Odin’s oracular ravens, Freki and Geri also offered Odin otherworldly wisdom. They did this in by traveling far ahead of Odin then returned to report news on the ground. This allowed Odin know the best hunting grounds, as well as the status of the people. Odin’s wolves would also join him on the battlefield, and were one among many supernatural creatures who aided the Valkyries in transporting fallen warriors to Valhalla.

As a Celtic symbol, the Wolf was a source of lunar power. This means it has knowledge that is not clearly seen by most other creatures. Celtic lore states that the wolf loved having this advantage of uncommon knowing and uncanny intuition. So much so, it is said the wolf would hunt down the sun and gobble it up so that the moon’s power would come forth. This, in legend, made the wolf consummate hunters. With these remarkable senses, the wolf was seen as a guardian and ally to the Celts. Indeed, the Celts became friendly with them, and relied on them for both protection of threat (the wolf being able to sense danger) and aid in hunting.

In Asia, the wolf guards the doors that allow entrance to heavenly, celestial realms. The wolf is also said to be among the ancestry of Genghis Khan. This legend grew to the point where all ancient Mongols believed they were descended from wolves. In Japan, the wolf is considered very lucky. Offerings of rice are placed in kamidana (small shrines devoted to the spirit of nature, including animals). These offerings were intended to appease the wolf, and encourage them to hunt down pests that disturbed Japanese crops.

“The soul that sees beauty may sometimes walk alone.”

~Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

When this gracious creature appears to us, and serves as a totem in our lives, the wolf beckons us to ask these questions:

Potential Questions Your Wolf Totem May Ask You

♦  Are you thinking about a different form of education?

♦  Are you being a true friend, and are your friends being true to you?

♦  Are you communicating yourself clearly to others?

♦  Are you being loyal to yourself?

♦  Are you incorporating strategies and planning to achieve your goals?

♦  Are you spending enough quality time with yourself, friends and family?

Take some time to know more about the wolf, you will be amazed at the knowledge these regal creatures can share with you.

These messages are modern-day applications to what the wolf may be trying to tell you. Education is mentioned because the wolf is extremely clever at getting what it wants. Whether you gain your education on the job, conventionally back in school, or even voluntarily reading books – the wolf will guide you towards the good stuff you need to know. This guidance comes from a strong motivation to hunt down resources for survival. Learning from any kind of education – including our mistakes – is a great leg-up to our own survival as humans.

Those connected with the wolf

take three things very seriously:

1) Work

2) Play

3) Protecting who or what they love from harm.

The wolf totem also asks us to incorporate play as a means of learning. Sure, wolves have spectacular communication skills, but often, the opt to show rather than speak. And they often show in frolic and fun. This is especially true with their offspring. Perhaps you have a young one in your life that is getting rebellious or taking a path that you feel might not be the best. Consider ways to apply fun and humor into this young person’s life. As you do, be clever about tying in a moral, or helpful advice to this person. To be true, wolves know how to make a point, whether verbally or in play…so the wolf will help you in this matter.

That said, the wolf gets its message out loud and clear with tough love. A nip, a bite, a growl from the wolf – and it gives one pause. Wolves are not violent by nature. But if threatened, they can conjure hair -raising fear within their foes. When I say ‘threatened’ I’m talking about a wolf defending territory, and that covers a lot of things. In our modern-day lives, the wolf often lopes through to help us protect what is dear to us. Defending territory can mean standing up for our beliefs. It can mean protecting our livelihood. It certainly applies to guarding the ones we love against threat. So which would the wolf have us do? Employ fun for problem solving? Or bear teeth and growl to chase away threat? That, my wolf totem people, is for you to hash out with the wolf. You’ve already got half your answer, because the wolf has shown itself to you. That’s powerful. It says you already have established a wolf connection. The next half to figuring out what the wolf is telling you is to go into its energy. Go into the wolf dream. What do I mean by that?

There is an old Haudenosaunee (Northeastern Native American tribe) song that is sung when communication needs to be made with anything (animal, human, alive or otherwise). The Dream Song. The song explains that everything on this planet is living its own dream. From a blade of grass to grizzly bears, each is experiencing everything in their own separate perception, which is very much like a dream state. The only ones who are free from this singular view are Medicine people of the tribe, because they came move in other dimensions. Animals move out of their dream into expanded view when they help mankind, and/or when they pass from this world into the spirit world where they work together to help the earth (and all its inhabitants) grow and become better.

“One of the first conditions of happiness is that the link between man and nature shall not be broken.”

~Leo Tolstoy

I guess I got lost in the Haudenosaunee dream song. My point is this: If you want advice from your wolf visitor, then get into the wolf dream. How? Sing your own dream song. Get into your own dream state. Then move your dream-mind into the forests where the wolf dreams its dream. You will find it, because the wolf has already made efforts to find you. Once your dreams have connected, respectfully ask for help. Wolf is remarkably intelligent, so don’t dumb it down. Ask for solutions that will help you and help your clan (whether it be work, family or even the global community).

Sound like a bunch of hogwash to you? If so, then I’m pretty sure dream-weaving with wolf won’t work for you. Regardless, I’d recommend suspending doubt and giving it a try. I’ve practiced this technique with astounding success. From raccoons to rocks, dream-weaving has been consistently revealing (and revolutionary). Remind me to tell you about the time I went into the octopus’ dream. *Gripping!* Whether you were just curious about totem wolf symbols and meanings, or you really wanted to learn from a wolf connection you’ve had…I hope this article has been helpful on your journey.

May all your wolf experiences be howling with wisdom.

Brightly,

Avia

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