Wolf
Last updated: · Pedram Dadgar
Psychological (Freud)
In depth psychology the wolf often embodies the untamed instinctual forces and archaic aggression the dreamer fears or represses within. It can equally mirror a figure from the outer world experienced as threatening, onto which split-off inner impulses are projected.
Oriental reading
In dream interpretation after Ibn Sirin the wolf often stands for a treacherous, greedy enemy, a thief or an unjust man of power. One who overcomes a wolf is said to defeat an adversary, while being beset by it warns the dreamer to beware of cunning and betrayal.
European folk (dream-book)
In the old dream-books of the folk the wolf signifies a hungry foe lurking at the door, or a thief prowling round the house by night. To hear him howl is ill tidings drawing near from afar; to be chased by him bids you beware of slander and false friends. But should you bring the wolf down, fortune turns and the long winter of your cares is broken.
Common dream scenarios
Black wolf
A black wolf embodies a hidden, hard-to-read threat or an enemy who operates in the dark. Traditionally it stands for an unjust, scheming man; psychologically it represents the dark, unacknowledged side of one's own instincts and aggression.
Chased by a wolf
Being chased by a wolf mirrors the feeling of fleeing a threat or a conflict you are unwilling to face. Traditionally it warns of a pursuing enemy; psychologically it reveals a repressed fear or an inner drive the dreamer keeps running from.
Pack of wolves
A whole pack of wolves points to a group of adversaries or a collective pressure closing in on the dreamer. Traditionally it warns of several allied enemies or a hostile community; psychologically it reflects feeling besieged and outnumbered from every side.
Wolf attacking
An attacking wolf shows an openly erupting conflict or an enemy moving to direct confrontation. Traditionally it foretells an assault by a greedy or unjust person; psychologically it embodies bursting aggression, one's own or another's, that can no longer be contained.
Animals
This sign across the other arts
Dream interpretation is for self-reflection and entertainment — it is not a medical or psychological diagnosis.