Bond of Men and Wolves?

[SarvantesGarou]

((I wasn't sure where to put this, I hope it's alright to put it here...))

After reading some of the caustic snapping and jeering the particular parties (Which I'll explain in a moment) in the forum seem to work, I wanted to present a question that I can't seem to answer on my own: How can a bond, the passion and fervent emotion, exist between a man and wolf (Or, say, any creature)?

Let me go into further detail of what I mean. I've been obsessed with wolves for the greater part of my life, never questioning why, until recently, when I stumbled upon various forums regarding spirituality on werewolves (Aka 'spirit totems' and 'therianthropy'). Now, to a person who's been brought up on the basis that science is fairly definate, and that there is only one God (Yes, I was raised Christian), this all seemed like mindless dribble to me, and I haven't been able to make any sense of it. The problem is, the logical part of my mind I've built up over the years from school and everyday problems is practically useless in that subject area, because 'one must be able to let go of logic and reason in order to soul search,' or so I've heard.

Now I just don't know what to believe. I know I have an incredible pull toward wolves; one that not many I know have. I haven't yet been able to reason why I do have a feeling for them; it seems to me I just do. But science wont explain to me why, nor will the Bible, nor anything I've learned in school. The truth is, from all that's taught in school, in life, in society, we're never given the chance to learn about nature's wonders, or the exploration of our own souls. And thus, I'm stuck, caught between grasping on to 'reality' that society has presented to me, or plunging head-first into the depths of spirituality to figure out what it all means. And why I have this feeling.

Which leads me up to my main point. I can see that the sides of this forum all have their opinions on the subject that, when roused, cause a bit of a fuss... Those who stick firmly to 'no such thing as werewolves; science is all,' or 'i saw a werewolf last week, y wont any1 believe me?' And I realize that neither side can fully prove the other wrong, especially in an infinite universe, but let's not go there...

Anywho, I want to see what you guys think. Why do some of us fall head over heels for wolves, without reason, even though they've been looked down upon for centuries? How is it possible, and what do you think it all means?

Sorry for all the rambling, but it's just part of my nature. I'll be open to any ideas, but please, PLEASE, let's keep this civilized. I'd rather not have us turn into a pack of ravaging wolves... or would I? =P

[stinky_hyena]

((I wasn't sure where to put this, I hope it's alright to put it here...))

After reading some of the caustic snapping and jeering the particular parties (Which I'll explain in a moment) in the forum seem to work, I wanted to present a question that I can't seem to answer on my own: How can a bond, the passion and fervent emotion, exist between a man and wolf (Or, say, any creature)?

Let me go into further detail of what I mean. I've been obsessed with wolves for the greater part of my life, never questioning why, until recently, when I stumbled upon various forums regarding spirituality on werewolves (Aka 'spirit totems' and 'therianthropy'). Now, to a person who's been brought up on the basis that science is fairly definate, and that there is only one God (Yes, I was raised Christian), this all seemed like mindless dribble to me, and I haven't been able to make any sense of it. The problem is, the logical part of my mind I've built up over the years from school and everyday problems is practically useless in that subject area, because 'one must be able to let go of logic and reason in order to soul search,' or so I've heard.

Now I just don't know what to believe. I know I have an incredible pull toward wolves; one that not many I know have. I haven't yet been able to reason why I do have a feeling for them; it seems to me I just do. But science wont explain to me why, nor will the Bible, nor anything I've learned in school. The truth is, from all that's taught in school, in life, in society, we're never given the chance to learn about nature's wonders, or the exploration of our own souls. And thus, I'm stuck, caught between grasping on to 'reality' that society has presented to me, or plunging head-first into the depths of spirituality to figure out what it all means. And why I have this feeling.

Which leads me up to my main point. I can see that the sides of this forum all have their opinions on the subject that, when roused, cause a bit of a fuss... Those who stick firmly to 'no such thing as werewolves; science is all,' or 'i saw a werewolf last week, y wont any1 believe me?' And I realize that neither side can fully prove the other wrong, especially in an infinite universe, but let's not go there...

Anywho, I want to see what you guys think. Why do some of us fall head over heels for wolves, without reason, even though they've been looked down upon for centuries? How is it possible, and what do you think it all means?

Sorry for all the rambling, but it's just part of my nature. I'll be open to any ideas, but please, PLEASE, let's keep this civilized. I'd rather not have us turn into a pack of ravaging wolves... or would I? =P

I think it is natural for people to have a draw to nature in various ways, and for some people to identify/admire with particular animals on a concious, or unconcious level.
One can try to surmise why this is so through Science, Religion, or other means, but sometimes I personally find it is best simply to accept what is to understand something.
One can go nuts trying to figure out some subjects, --and I believe this is one of those subjects--, and while it can be attempted to be understood through various means, by doing so one usually doesn't do justice, and yet fails to provide accuracy.
People are part of nature whether they like to admit it, or not, but with the advent of industry, technology, and other variables have more than not become seperated from their natural connection, or the connection is tainted, or surpressed somehow.
Since the dawn of humanity people have been feeling "head over heals" for all kinds of animals, just as some animals have bonded with people --man and beast are both part of nature as a whole, and there is a natural connection between the two.--
Wolves while looked down upon in some times, by some cultures in others are admired, the type of animal makes no difference.
The fact you feel the way you do about wolves, and are questioning what "it" all means I think is a good indicator you have a healthy connection to nature, as well as a healthy natural human curiosity to attempt to understand what your reality is, that is the big question for us all I think.

[West]

I don't know where to put this.

[Locksmyth]

I don't know where to put this.
May I suggest Spirituality, that is after all the core question here. Although the answers (and there are many different) will contain aspects of psychology and biology.

To the OP:
One possibility:
Humans and wolves have lived together and competed as rivals ever since mankind made it's way to Europe. Almost all human cultures (at least ones that developed in close proximity to wolves) have a strong emphasis on wolves. We see them as the "animal" version of ourselves (note the quotes I know we are animals as well but a lot of people don't.) Our greatest competitor for food. We both revere and monstrosize them in foke-lore. Stories are the original method of passing information from one generation to the next, our minds are tuned to pick up the subtext. Some people more than others. Think about the stories we read our children. The most common animal is the wolf, almost always as the bad guy. whether or not you know it these stories have taught you to view the world. I'd hazard a guess that as a 2 year old your favourite story was one of "red riding hood", "three little pigs", "The boy who called wolf", or even "peter and the wolf".
These stories and their kin establish the wolf as a creature to fear, mix that with the increasing fear is fascinating culture we are developing. It is understandable that people particularly effected by these cultural influences will become obsessed with wolves, the similarities between our species will also lead some of these people down the path to believing that they have the "soul" or "spirit" or even just a deep connection to the species.

This relationship of competition and similarities with other apex creatures has lead to many cultures adopting spiritual practices involving animal spirit guides and animal souls, most notable in this respect are the native Americans. Although Celtic/Gaelic culture had strong ties to the animal worlds and viewed shape-shifting as an 'a-matter-of-fact' occurrence.

There are spiritual beliefs that the ultimate goal is to achieve the ever sought after 'physical' shift. This is of course impossible in a world driven by science. (In a world driven by a god or any other supernatural force this becomes a distinct possibility regardless of it's impossibility.) I personally don't believe it is possible. But I also personally don't believe it's possible to walk on water, without technological assistance, unless it is frozen.
Regardless of the possibility of either of these events they are both valid beliefs to maintain on a spiritual search. So long as this search is taken with a responsible and mature approach. This is where most people on the "OMG weres are so real youse are just blind to the truth" bench fail. They are not on a mature spiritual journey, they are on a desperate search for acceptance in a world that they feel they don't fit into, they try to patch this failing up with a set of beliefs built from a mix of fairy tails, movies and even anime. It is those people that make the people on a genuine spiritual journey look like idiots and strips any credibility they might have away.

I guess what I am trying to say is just keep looking for the answers that suit you. They might not be the answers for anyone else. But don't worry about other people it is the answers to satisfy your own soul you need to discover.

[deVersipellis]

Although the Bible makes some bad terms toward wolves, it had to be done because of what people thought of them at the time. Now an unnatral bond between wolves and your self isn't so uncommon, but I think it happened to a lot of people even during the dark ages. When being fond of wolves ment tourcher. But hey, I probaly went on a completely different subject:D Silly old me...