Dreams About Wolves: Dream Meanings Explained

Dreaming About Wolves? Meanings Explained

Dreams about wolves are a fairly common theme at bedtime. If you or a loved one have been covering this ground at night, you may have questions about what it all might mean. As part of a Huffington Post series on dreams and their meanings, we spoke to Cynthia Richmond, author of "Dream Power" and frequent guest on shows like "Oprah" and "Dr. Phil," to get expert advice about the meanings of your or your loved one's dreams about wolves. Note: While dream analysis is highly subjective, this post might provide some insight into why this dream occurred or is recurring.

What do dreams about wolves mean?According to Richmond, wolf dreams can have a positive or negative connotation and, like all animal dreams, they can represent animal or primal instincts. "Wolves are seen as majestic, beautiful and as a source of sacred wisdom," she explains. "They are also seen as sly, insatiable and evil."

What can I learn about myself from dreaming about wolvesWhat you can learn about yourself depends largely on your overall dream about wolves. In general, though, Richmond says dreaming about wolves entails facing a fear. She suggests asking yourself what you are frightened of and how you can control the situation.

Are there any tricks to avoiding or inducing dreams about wolves?Induce a wolf dream by looking at photographs or imagining a wolf shortly before bedtime. Don't avoid a wolf dream -- or any other dream, for that matter -- unless you have a severe phobia. "Wolves are an important symbol," says Richmond. "Figure out why your subconscious mind is using this symbol and what it wants to communicate to you."

Beyond analysis, what cultural symbolism can be found in dreams about wolvest?"Certainly the North American Indian cultures and tribes find the wolf a very important dream symbol," notes Richmond. "It is considered a strong warrior symbol and is associated with wisdom and healing."

Who tends to have dreams about wolves most frequently?Wolf dreams occur in both males and females. However, because of storybooks where wolves are the main character, including Little Red Riding Hood, dreaming about wolves may be more common among children.

Does it mean anything else if I'm especially afraid of wolves?"If you are afraid of wolves and dream of them, you are facing a fear," explains Richmond. "The wolf may represent anything you are also or actually afraid of, including judgement from a boss, spouse or authority figure."

2011-07-08-cynthiarichmond.jpgCynthia Richmond is a certified behavioral therapist, educator, speaker and author of "Dream Power." She writes a regular column titled "In Your Dreams" for the Los Angeles Times and has appeared as a dream expert on "Oprah Radio," "Entertainment Tonight," "The View," "Donny and Marie" and "Dr. Phil." In addition, Richmond provides live dream interpretations on InfiniteQuest.com.

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