Wolf Dreams

Dreams about wolves contain symbols of wild, instinctual behavior and connection to the earth. The wolf is a powerful totem connected to the wild masculine side of the dreamer.

The fact that wolves are not domesticated suggests that the wolf in your dream corresponds to instincts, behaviors, and urges that need to be controlled.

Native Americans understood the wolf to represent loyalty, strong family ties, good communication, spirit, and intelligence. Wolf dreams present these traits metaphorically so we are able to integrate them with our unconscious minds.

But what else could this wild animal represent for you?

Wolf Symbolism In Dreams

Since humans have an innate, instinctual fear of wolves, we must trust this image when it comes to us. Wolf dreams often carry the following symbolism for dreamers:

• Hidden or repressed behaviors (ex. greed, sexual urges, hidden desires)
• A wild, unknown side to your personality
• Unconscious masculine traits (whether or not you’re a man)
• Reincarnation
• Spiritual energy
• Exploration, freedom, and tenacity
• A desire to attack or take what you feel like you need
• Or a fear that you might be ambushed or surprised

The wolf is also a symbol that often evokes images of other animals. Specifically, we often think of wolves in contrast to sheep. If you also dreamt of sheep, think about this metaphor and what it means.

Were you the wolf or the sheep, or maybe even the shepherd? The answer to this question is key to understanding your dream. If you’re being attacked by a wolf, this indicates problems on the way. But if you’re doing the attacking, you may need to reign in your wild-side and be more temperate.

Biblical Wolf Symbolism

The Bible makes several mentions of wolves, and is even the source of the idiom “a wolf in sheep’s clothing.” Matthew 7:15 warns of false profits with this phrase, and Luke 10:3 sees Jesus tell his disciples “I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves.”

The image of a flock of sheep being threatened by or protected from wolves occurs many more times in both the Old and New Testament. In some cases, this is a literal description, but in others places like Acts 20:29, the early church is referred to as “a flock.”

This doesn’t necessarily mean wolves are evil, but they do provide a strong metaphor for threats, danger, and ferocious enemies that seek to devour things without remorse. In a spiritual context , however, these threats are often from dark sources.

White, Grey, or Black Color

More than likely the color of the wolf will stick out in your dream. Does the color really matter? It might just be the color of the wolf, however it might provide you with some clues to help you decode.

A white wolf might point to the spirit or something that is now seen in the darkness. White has always been known as a symbol of purity, though being attacked could be a threat to it.  Grey might be a representation of a mood or emotions that are not understood.

A black wolf could suggest your “shadow” is becoming a more conscious part of you. The shadow is everything that we hate about ourselves that is not recognized or pushed away since a young child. 

These repressed emotions, desires, and thoughts need your attention no matter how difficult it is to face it or else they will wreak havoc on your life. Once you shine the light on some of the dark corners in yourself then the wolf might be your best friend.

Jungian Wolf Meaning

Carl Jung said whenever you dream of a wolf pursuing you, it wants to come to you. Even if you want to ignore it, this represents something that will get dangerous if left unrecognized.  Jung understood the best stance would be for it to come and devour you, which represents transformation of the self.

Also think about the contrast between a wolf and similar animals like dogs and foxes. You might dream about a dog or see a fox in your dream and think these have similar meanings.

A wolf brings a more primal message to connect dreamers with a darker part of themselves. The wolf is usually understood as the reflection of man’s aggression, impulses, and lack of restraint. 

Considered a viscous predator, the idea of a wolf hidden in the wild (unconscious) a prime example of what Carl Jung would call the Shadow archetype. You may even explore this on a deeper level if you dream of becoming a wolf, rather than just seeing one.

Wolves in Fairy Tales

You may remember as a child your parents reading you fairy tales with wolves such as Little Red Riding Hood, The Three Little Pigs, The Wolf and the Seven Young Kids, or the Russian tale Peter and the Wolf.  These animals have appeared as deceitful and cunning and deceptive.

These short stories reflect the theme of the ravenous wolf as a menacing, predatory antagonist. These fables date back as far as the 11th century; culturally embedded fear in the minds of children as these blood thirsty animals want our souls.

Wolf Dreams: Good vs Bad

A wolf in our dreams contains both a positive and negative connotation depending on how you interact with it.

The wolf reflects leadership, intelligence, deep connection with instincts, and the ability to endure struggle during hard times. Could the wolf in your dream reflect these aspects of yourself at the moment?

Alternatively, a negative interaction with a wolf may represent unconscious traits that poses a threat to you and others, or a warning a threat is heading your way.

The flip side might elude to greed and malicious aspects of yourself that are not yet recognized in your waking life. The wolf would sneak up on you as if you were in Little Red Riding Hood.

Analyzing Wolf Attack Dreams

• Are you being attacked our ganged up by a “pack” of people?
• Getting bitten by a wolf might suggest some type of betrayal. The area where you are bitten is an indication of where to look at.  If you are bitten on your hand, someone might want to stop your progress.
• If you are running away or facing it. How you position yourself in the dream might suggest how you will tackle this problem. 
• Who and what is around you when the wolf appeared?  How could that person relate to what is taking place? If you are alone suggest it could be an internal conflict.
• A female wolf suggest the nurturing power of nature, like Romulus and Remus that where both protected by a wolf.  The core of the short story of Little Red Riding Hood is the wolf portraying the devouring Grandmother as well as the “Great” mother nature that is wild.
• Integrating the wolf within yourself. If you are too naive like poor old little red riding hood you might be next.  You need a wolf to catch a wolf.  Working on your own darkness is the best way to understand others.
• If you are friendly with a wolf is a very positive symbol that suggest a close bond with your instincts.  You might have a deep connection for the wild and your shadow.