Tag Archive | animals

Wolf Communication

Mar28

communicationThe Howling Voice

Wolves communicate through a variety of howls, yips, squeals, growls and barks. Howls are most often a high pitched bark, followed by a short howl. No one can truly know what their language means, but we can make certain probable interpretations. Wolves howl to:

  • attract a mate.
  • rally the pack for a hunt and communicate strategy or position during the hunt.
  • to frighten prey out of hiding.
  • to announce an intruder.
  • to alarm the pack.
  • to express distress or lonesomeness.
  • because they miss their friends.
  • just for fun after play or excitement.
  • to sing their song.

Continue reading →

Wolf As A Birth Totem

Mar27

WindyWolfThe Blustery Winds Time

There are many astrological systems around the world. The most common in the west is the European Astrological system of the Zodiac. If you’re born in late May you fall under the sign of Gemini. But there are other system that people find interesting as well. The Chinese have their own form of astrology which relates to the year of your birth. If you were born in 1961, you fall under the sign of the Ox.

There is also a Shamanistic Astrological systems which are similar to the European system in that it defines characteristics by your birth month. These totems are also referred to as Solar totems, because many of them share similarities with the solar system and correspond to seasonal changes.

The Shamanistic Astrological system is based on the Medicine Wheel and cycle of seasons. It begins at summer’s end when the Sun begins to wane for the long winter months. The system connects each month to Mother Earth and it’s ever evolving changes and influences. Continue reading →

Spiritual Classifications Of The Wolf

Mar27

wolfbalanceWorking With The Right Energy

As you can tell by my Shamanistic name, the wolf is VERY important to me personally. It’s also one of the more common animals that people want to associate with as an animal guide, along with Dragons and Panthers.

I have composed this posting based on my experiences and the teachings of my Shamanistic tradition for those wishing to work with the Wolf.  I suggest reading The Wolf As A Spirit Guide to help put all this in context.

First thing to learn before working with the wolf spirit and their magik, is what their spiritual purpose is. Each wolf comes to this plane of existence with a special gift of knowledge, just as we humans do. But unlike us, they (and most animals in the universe) are much better adapt to living within the balance of  physical nature and with the flow of natures energy or spiritual energy.  Continue reading →

Wolves As Spirit Guides

Mar27

wolfspiritAnimal Spirit Guides

In many spiritual and cultural traditions, animals play an integral part in our lives. In Shamanistic cultures around the world, humans often walk with a spiritual animal that guides their steps forward through the celebrations and trials of life.

Each animal provides its own set of characteristics and gifts to the individual as a guide. They often enhance or promote our strengths, or act as a support for our weaknesses. They are there for us to listen to, learn from and lean on when needed, if only we’d take time to hear them.

Some spiritual beliefs carry this idea one step farther and define the purpose or meaning of the animal based on its specific breed and/or color as well. For instance, not all birds are the same. A Hawk will bring different strengths to your path than that of a Hummingbird as an example. Continue reading →

The Wolf Pack

Mar27

wolfpackIt’s All About Family

Wolves generally travel in packs, lead by a breeding pair. They frequently establish territories ranging from 40 to more than 400 square miles. Defining their range with scent markings and vocalizations such as growls, barks, and their legendary howl.

Where food is plenty within the territory, a pack can number up to 30 wolves. Where prey is limited, the pack can range from 4 individuals to 7. What ever their number, the wolf pack is one of the most cohesive families in the nature kingdom.

We are learning more about the wolf in modern times thanks to the efforts of the U.S. Park Service to re-introduce the wolf back into Yellowstone National Park. You can follow the Wolves in Yellowstone on the National Park Services website.  Continue reading →

The Nature Of Wolves – Wolf Evolution

Mar27

20140307-02Humble Beginnings

As with most things in this world, the evolution of the Wolf is up for debate. Biologists believe the wolf evolved from primitive carnivores known as “Miacids”. These prehistoric creatures ranged in size from something equivalent to a gopher up to a large dog. 52 million years ago is a long way back to start the history of the wolf we know today. But to understand the wolf, you should understand its history.

The Miacids evolved to the first canids relatively late in their evolutionary cycle. Some biologists believe the canids originated in North America, then spread to Asia and South America. Others believe the canids originated in Asia and spread to other two land masses. The evidence isn’t clear enough to determine where the canids originated, but that they did exist primarily in these areas from their early Beginnings.

Robert Wayne (a researcher from the University of California) suggests a number of wolf like species evolved from a common canid. The following is a piece of his synopsis. Continue reading →