Wolf Tattoo Meaning
Wolf Tattoo Meaning
A good friend of mine, John, has a wolf tattoo. It's impressive, a little menacing and really big. I
never knew he had it until our canoe toppled over in a sudden river rapid. Upon shoring, John
changed into a dry shirt and I saw a magnificent wolf tattoo leaping at me from his left pectoral.
Every tattoo has a story. Being a curious sort, I couldn't resist asking John what tale his wolf
tattoo had to tell.
"It's quite simple, really." John said. "When I was a kid, I lost my family. I didn't experience the
trauma of that loss until later in life. In my early teens I got on an all-too-common path of self
destruction. Joined a gang, got into drugs, did some bad things. Eventually, I got wise. I
straightened out. I met a woman who showed me how to function in society without rebelling.
In my experience, the wolf is a symbol of strength. But it's also a symbol of bonding. It reminds
me of the bond I had with other gang members. That might sound unhealthy, but my bros in
that life really felt like my brothers. We were a clan. When I ended my ties with the gang, I felt
like a lone wolf. This is where the strength of the wolf helped me endure another loss of family.
"Debra, the woman who helped me regain my footing in life, was Native American. She told me
how every wolf does their part to help the whole. Each has a role that insures the survival of the
pack. She further explained that a lone wolf is simply a soul who is free to make bold choices."
"Bold choices? What did Debra mean by that?" I asked.
John continued with his wolf tattoo story, explaining: "Well, she described the wolf as
the ultimate freedom-seeker. Although content to function in a pack, the wolf is also driven to
be free and wild. This hit home for me. I desperately wanted the normalcy of the true family I
had lost when I was young - and found that in the gang. At the same time, I wanted freedom to
be me, to feel accepted no matter who I am. That was kind of a conflict, and it made me wild like a wolf.
"Ultimately," John concluded, "My wolf tattoo meaning is about self-love and doing what needs
to be done to live a whole, healthy life - no matter what my external environment throws at me.
The wolf means strength, respect and a quiet kind of integrity. My tattoo reminds me I always
have the support of a pack when I need it, but also have the freedom to be independent."
I was struck by John's honesty in telling his wolf tattoo story. I spent a lot of time thinking
about what he said. I suspect there are a lot of people who can identify with John, and the
power of the wolf. With that suspicion in mind, I'd like to elaborate on the limitless aspects of
the wolf tattoo meaning.
Quick-List of Wolf Tattoo Meaning

Wild

Power

Family

Instinct

Survival

Strength

Freedom

Protection
It seemed to me, after telling his story, John was in dire need of some major strength after all
he had been through. I can't think of an animal-energy better equipped to provide just that.
In fact, in many myths and legends, the wolf is a warrior symbol. Genghis Khan, for example,
was considered to be a quintessential warrior, and created one of the largest empires in the
world. Interestingly, Mongol myths say the wolf is adirect descendent of Khan. Yep, a brilliant
blue wolf is thought to be Khan's direct ancestor. Now, Khan's methods for creating his empire
were brutal, but it's interesting this leader shared two prime qualities with his wolf-ancestor, 1)
Strength of a warrior and 2) Community. Khan used his warrior prowess and united nomadic
tribes to make a unified whole - a pack, if you will.
The wolf is also a symbol of light and life. This comes from the wolf's ability to see keenly in
dark environments. In many philosophies the wolf is connected with the power of the sun.
Consider Apollo, the classic Greco-Roman sun god. The wolf is Apollo's totem and it conjures
themes of life, light, renewal.
The wolf (and wolf tattoo meaning by association) is also a symbol of protection. In certain
Japanese myths, the wolf is called upon to protect humans from harm. In Siberian lore, the wolf
is called upon to protect the innocence of children - and is especially invoked to insure healthy
childbirth. In old Eurasia, the wolf was a protector of secrets. Apparently if you told a wolf your
secret, you were rid of the burden of carrying it while the wolf would protect the knowledge
forever.
It seems to me, many of these themes (protection, light, strength, unity) all relate to John's wolf
tattoo meaning, and the purpose for getting his wolf tattoo. In essence, the wolf offered him
the light of hope that he would find his place (or pack). It gave him strength to endure great
hardship. And the presence of the wolf reminded John that he is, and always will be, a survivor.
Final Thoughts on Wolf Tattoo Meaning

Need a symbol that galvanizes the importance of unity and the strong bond of family? The
wolf can express that powerful sense of being a part of the whole - a thriving member of a
pack or clan.

Need a reminder that you are a strong, regal warrior in this life? Wolf tattoo meaning
resonates with the warrior spirit. It is a reminder of the skill, strength and intelligence it takes
to be a leader.

Need a guiding light in your life? The wolf is a brilliant solar symbol, representing life, hope,
vitality, vibrancy and clarity.

Need powerful protection? The energy of the wolf (and wolf tattoo meaning) stands for
guardianship. The wolf in your corner is a sign of serious safeguarding.
I've set out some pretty intense aspects of wolf tattoo meaning here. And I'm so thankful to
John for sharing his story. His experience is one among many worthy purposes for connecting
with the wolf. Indeed, the wolf is a remarkable icon that represents so much. This article only
covers the surface of wolf meaning. I've written more about Wolf Symbolism and Meaning here,
if you're interested.
To be sure, the wolf is an excellent catalyst for personal growth. Just keep in mind, the wolf is a
potent, commanding energy. Wolf does not take its responsibilities lightly, and neither should
we. When we contemplate getting a wolf tattoo (or any tattoo for that matter), it's vital to pay
due respect to the representation of this noble beast.
As always, thanks for reading!
Wolf blessings and happy tattooing,
Avia