Speaks for Wolf

Last night I hosted a small fundraising event for the UK Wolf Trust with an evening of wolf-related stories told in front of a log fire. It was a nice crowd and the event seemed to work very well - so much so, I may try similar things again in the future.
One of the stories was a Native American tale about the hunters realising the impact they were having on the local animal population, and finally deciding that someone had to speak on behalf of the wolf; someone had to step outside their own tribal loyalties to consider the consequences of their actions for other beings.
As a species we're not very good at considering the needs of others. Frequently we don't even think about the impact our actions have on our fellow human beings, let alone other species. Though the upside of the globalisation process is that we are beginning to realise what happens when we destroy the world around us, or exploit it to the point of exhaustion.
I think it's something that modern pagans could also bear in mind, such as when they are holding outdoor rituals ~ how it will be viewed by the spirits of place, whether their choice of offerings will be appreciated by local wildlife or might, in fact, risk making them ill etc.
There are a number of myths and legends involving wolves and werewolves, but many of them tend to cast lupines in negative roles as dangerous monsters... which, of course, is a bit awkward when raising money for a charity that preserves wolves.

Comments

  1. What an interesting piece! One thinks something is a good idea then discovers the good old Native Americans have already been there and done it!

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