Wolves are one of the wildest animals that may represent significant meanings in your life. Generally, these animals have lived all over the world. Since then, they have been brought into many myths and folklore.
But, what does it mean when you encounter these animals? What messages do wolves try to impart? In this article, we will discuss the symbols of wolves and the meaning of having them in your dreams.
What Are the Wolf Symbols?
A wolf signifies connection. This smart animal also symbolizes an appetite for freedom. In this section, we will elaborate more on these symbols.
1. Loyalty, family ties, and friendship
According to a study from Austria, one of the behaviors of wolves is that they love to be with other wolves. This is how they bond with the members of their pack, family, and friends. This is also the symbol of loyalty.
Generally, wolves depend on each other for them to survive. Before they think of themselves, they think of their pack first. In the end, their goal is for their pack to thrive.
Furthermore, wolves in the family with such big roles put their family first. Because of this, a wolf signifies great relationships.
Wolves also make you reflect on who you put first in your life. If you have children, is their safety and well-being your priority? Or do you prioritize your relationship over them?Â
The spirit of a wolf is a reminder for you to make sure that everyone, especially your immediate family is protected and taken care of. That no matter what storm occurs, you know how you can provide comfort and safety to your loved ones.
In real life, there are times when a misunderstanding occurs. Sometimes, these misunderstandings cause you to end your relationship or become unloyal. When you feel like this, hold on to what wolves are trying to teach you – keep your circles and learn to amend.
When you do this, your relationship will thrive just like how wolf tribes thrive.
2. Teamwork
Teamwork is needed for the survival of wolves. Without it, their tribe would fail from their predators and opponents. There is also this lone wolf legend that epitomizes synergism.Â
What wolves are trying to teach you is to reflect on the group of people you are surrounded with. Are you socializing with people that bring out the best in you? Are you with the people who can help you improve your community?
You know you are on the right team when you can unleash your potential, when your skills are upgraded, or just simply when you are able to sharpen your mind better.
Moreover, not all those who get inspired by a wolf spirit animal are already on a team. If you do not have one yet, consider the tips being sent to you by these animals when creating one.Â
Always go for those that can help you improve your talents so you can thrive in this world, even if you are alone.
3. Good communication
According to the International Wolf Center, wolves communicate with others by expressing their bodies. When they are angry, they stick their ears up and bare their teeth. Additionally, when they are suspicious, they pull back their ears and squint.
They also use vocalizations such as howls to communicate with others. They, especially the rulers or leaders, make sure that their pack would understand them.Â
In real life, these animals encourage us to communicate well with others. Silence will not solve anything, and during conflicts, communicating properly will be the best option for addressing issues.
When you are challenged by others, it is also important to reach out to them. You are not a wolf who is at war with other people. Instead, you are a wolf who should consider everyone as your community.
When someone tries to make war with you, try to communicate with that person. Use your wisdom to make peace so that both of you will thrive upward, together.
4. Education and intelligence
A wolf is usually used as a mascot in schools and universities because of its intelligence. According to a study from Italy, these animals are very complex and highly intelligent.Â
In fact, wolves even educate their young so that when they grow up, they will know how to face dangers even when they are alone.
In real life, educated people usually have the upper hand. However, intelligent ones are more advantageous. Generally, a wolf is encouraging you to take the opportunities when it comes to learning.
If you are given a chance to learn, do not miss the chance. Do not let poverty hinder you from getting that degree. Take risks and learn how to ask for help just like how wolves do to survive.
5. Playfulness and wildness
Like dolphins, wolves are playful animals full of energy. In real life, these animals remind you to enjoy yourself as well. Although focusing on your goals is vital, do not forget to give yourself a break.
You can take a break and be wild for some time to reduce your exhaustion.Â
6. Ferocity and protection
Wolves are savage animals and they are considered the epitome of ferocity. In real life, wolves are telling you to keep what is yours. If someone is trying to steal your belongings, prove to them that these belongings are all yours.
When we speak of belongings, we may refer to material things and people. Wolves know what belongs to them and they will fight for it. Be like this as well.
7. Instincts
Wolves are naturally wild. Thus, their instincts never change. Just like them, you have instincts as well and you should follow these instincts especially when it comes to trusting someone either related to your relationship or finance.
If you are a mom, wolves are giving you a warning to never leave your children around strangers. Sometimes, these instincts are represented by goosebumps and butterflies in your stomach. Whenever they appear, pay attention to them.
8. Curiosity
According to a study from Florida, like dogs, jackals, and coyotes, wolves are filled with curiosity. They might be shy to humans but deep inside them, they want to know what it feels like to mingle with us.
In real life, wolves are telling you to override your curiosity. Learn to explore life and do not stay fearful. If you are curious, find a way to learn the thing you are curious about.
Wolf Spirit Animal
When you have a wolf spirit animal, you have inner wisdom and guidance. You know how to encourage yourself and others as well to have that self-confidence and solitude in life. Additionally, you know when you should follow your instincts.
When you feel threatened or when you do not trust yourself, call this spirit animal and it will help you bring back your self-connection and intuition.Â
Having this spirit animal also means balance. If you do not know how to control your emotions, other people are also affected by your emotions. Like wolves, learn to set your feelings apart, especially when you are around the people you cared for the most.
For example, when you feel down, try as much as possible not to show it to your children. According to a study from North Carolina, the parents’ emotions affect the children’s emotions and behavior as well.
For this reason, you are encouraged to act maturely. It does not mean you should not express what you feel. But, just like wolves, learn to become a little more courageous, especially around your loved ones.
Wolf Power Animal
If you have this power animal, it means you have gained freedom. You have the freedom to transform your life and choose what you think is best for you.Â
When you feel you need better protection for yourself and your loved ones, when you need to make better decisions, and when you want to improve your social life to gain companions that have the same success-driven mindset as you, you can summon this power animal.
In life, there are times when your relationship with others tends to fail. When this happens, call this power animal to help you find ways to improve these relationships.
On the other hand, if you feel that you do not have the freedom you are looking for, you can summon this power animal so that you can bring more intensity to your life. Generally, wolves remind you to express your true self.Â
Wolf Totem Animal
Wolves symbolize medicine as well. If you have this totem animal, you might need to manifest more protection, better instincts, and stronger relationships.Â
A totem animal is not really a full positive symbol. Instead, it signifies restriction and how you can break free from this limitation.
Additionally, a totem animal can mean a threat or feeling of being threatened. Remember, there is a wolf in sheep’s clothing and if you feel that you are in this situation, call this totem animal to reduce your predatory feelings and vulnerability.
Moreover, a totem animal is encouraging you to entertain those people who can give you a positive influence in life. If you feel challenged, step back and plan wisely before going in again. Do not allow your emotions to bring you down. Instead, use these emotions to keep your mind recharged.
Meaning of a Wolf Tattoo
Generally, wolf tattoos symbolize family bonds. When you have one, you try to tell the world that you are a protective person and you value wildness and freedom.Â
Although tattoos are personal, the general representations of a wolf tattoo include power, loyalty, and perseverance.
Wolf, Bible, and ChristianityÂ
For Christians, the wolf is a symbol of pagan Rome, a place where Jesus lived and preached.
In some Christian stories, wolves represent threats just like how harmful the Devil is to humans. Wolves are very opposite to Jesus, the shepherd who protects the flocks. Because of this, wolves are perceived to be negative metaphors for greed and lust.
Another Christian story is about a positive portrayal of wolves. In the Story of St. Francis and the Wold, there is a town in Italy being attacked by a wolf. Eventually, St. Francis, who happens to be living in that town, goes to the hills and asks this wolf to put a halt to the attack on livestock.
Soon after, St. Francis realized that this wolf was attacking the town because it was hungry. Thus, he came up with the idea of feeding the wolf.Â
Global Wolf Meaning
Different cultures have different beliefs when it comes to wolves. Some are positive symbols while others imply dangers.
1. Native American Tribe
In native American cultures, wolves represent bravery and power. They view these animals as creators, guides, brothers, and sisters. Some native American tribes also believe that these animals howl at the full moon when they are singing to the gods.
2. German, Roman, and Norse Myth
In German and Norse mythology, wolves signify destruction, death, and chaos. In Norse mythology, there is this story of two wolves named Geri and Freki that are linked to Odin, symbolizing hunger.
In Roman mythology, there is this story about a she-wolf that raised Romulus and Remus, the twin brothers who founded Rome.
3. Celtic Symbolism
In Celtic folklore, wolves represent respect, helpers, and guides. Because of the loyalty of these animals, Celtic people consider them high-value creatures.
Wolf Dream Meanings
When you dream of wolves, you have to first analyze your emotions in your dream. Dreaming of these animals is not just about paying attention. Instead, it is also about learning conservation.
When you dream of these animals, you might be experiencing distress, fear, anxiety, and anger. In real life, you might be having the feeling of being terrified by other people.
If you dream of a wolf attacking you, there are unresolved resolutions that bother you and you cannot express the emotion you feel in a healthy way.
On the other hand, if you dream of a wolf protecting you, this is a warning that you should be careful of the people you trust. As spirit guides, wolves tell you about the situation and people that can drain your life.
Final Thoughts
Indeed, wolves are powerful animals that value family relationships. They are huge symbols of loyalty, wisdom, and teamwork.Â
In real life, these animals encourage you to be reconnected not just with others but with yourself as well. Like how loud they howl, they also remind you to express your feelings so that the world will look at you as a brave one.