The Wild Wolf Tarot, created by Briana Julie Saas and Jessica Tompkins, is a 78-card deck designed to channel the raw energy, intuition, and spirit of the wolf. This deck serves as a spiritual tool for those seeking to connect with their primal instincts and inner wisdom, offering a unique approach to divination that emphasizes freedom, transformation, and instinctive wisdom. Distinguished by its minimalist, hand-drawn imagery and nature-centric themes, the deck reinterprets traditional tarot suits through the archetypes of the wolf, providing a framework for self-discovery and spiritual guidance.
The artwork throughout the deck features wolves and elements of wilderness, creating a sense of natural power and freedom that enhances the reading experience. By incorporating the strength, loyalty, and intuition associated with wolves, The Wild Wolf Tarot invites readers to embrace their wild side and trust their instincts. This approach is particularly resonant for animal lovers, nature enthusiasts, and individuals seeking a deeper connection with their spiritual selves. The deck is structured to help users navigate life’s spiritual lessons through a connection with the natural world, focusing on themes of untamed energy and personal growth.
Tarot Structure and Symbolic Suits
The Wild Wolf Tarot maintains the traditional 78-card structure while transforming the standard suits to align with wolf archetypes and natural elements. This reimagining of the suits allows for a more intuitive connection to the cards' meanings, grounding the reading experience in the behavior and symbolism of the wolf. The deck is printed on durable 350 gsm art paper with matte lamination, providing a premium feel that supports frequent shuffling and handling during readings.
The four suits are redefined as follows:
- The Hunters (Pentacles): This suit represents material life, survival, and grounding. It reflects the wolf’s role as a provider and hunter, focusing on practical matters, resources, and stability. Cards in this suit encourage a connection to the earth and the tangible aspects of existence.
- The Caretakers (Cups): Corresponding to the traditional Cups suit, this archetype governs emotion, care, and connection. It embodies the social and nurturing aspects of the wolf pack, highlighting relationships, empathy, and emotional well-being.
- The Leaders (Wands): Formerly Wands, this suit represents passion, ambition, and creativity. It channels the energy of the alpha wolf, focusing on action, drive, and the spark of inspiration that leads to new endeavors and personal leadership.
- The Watchers (Swords): Aligned with the traditional Swords, this suit encompasses insight, perception, and mental strength. It reflects the keen awareness and alertness of the wolf, encouraging clarity of thought, truth-seeking, and the processing of information.
The Howling Wolf Tarot Card: Symbolism and Core Meanings
While The Wild Wolf Tarot is a complete deck, the archetype of the "Howling Wolf" serves as a central theme and is a significant card within the deck. It represents the untamed spirit and the call to embrace one’s authentic self. The symbolism of the howling wolf is multifaceted, drawing on themes of wilderness, freedom, and primal instinct.
Upright Meanings
When the Howling Wolf card appears in a reading in the upright position, it signifies a call to tap into one’s wild side and let true nature shine. It is a card of fearlessness and courage, urging the querent to break free from societal constraints and live unapologetically. The wolf’s howl is a declaration of presence, a statement of being fierce and refusing to be silenced. This energy encourages taking risks, standing up for oneself, and facing fears head-on. It also emphasizes the importance of trusting one’s intuition and inner compass. The card suggests that by embracing the unconventional and unleashing primal energy, individuals can find their authentic path. Furthermore, it highlights the value of solitude and withdrawal from the constant connectivity of the modern world as a necessary nourishment for growth, creativity, and self-discovery.
Reversed Meanings
In the reversed position, the Howling Wolf card indicates feelings of being trapped, restricted, or stuck. It reflects a state where one may feel suffocated by daily responsibilities or entangled in toxic situations, leading to a loss of identity and autonomy. This position often points to suppressed emotions and desires, where the individual puts on a brave face while internally experiencing frustration, anger, or sadness. The reversed card serves as a reminder to confront these feelings and address the sources of restriction to restore a sense of freedom and authenticity.
Application in Readings
Love and Relationships
In the context of love readings, the Howling Wolf Tarot card represents a deep, intense, and all-consuming connection. It signifies a passionate relationship that is raw, primal, and unconditional. The card encourages surrendering to emotions, letting go of inhibitions, and being fully present with a partner. It emphasizes unconditional acceptance, reminding querents that true love embraces flaws and imperfections. The energy of the card in a love reading suggests a wildfire-like passion that transforms the emotional landscape, urging a commitment to authenticity within the relationship.
Personal Growth and Transformation
The Howling Wolf card is deeply connected to the energy of Scorpio, embodying passion, intensity, and the ability to penetrate through deception and illusion to reveal raw truth. This connection demands honesty and a willingness to confront the shadows within, a process that leads to profound growth and transformation. The card serves as a catalyst for self-reflection and the shedding of false layers to reveal one's true nature. By tapping into this intuition, individuals can become more confident, self-assured, and in tune with their inner guidance system.
Connecting with Primal Instincts
The Wild Wolf Tarot is designed to help users awaken their instincts and follow the path of the wolf. The soothing, minimalist design and clear layout of the cards act as a guide, facilitating a meditative state that fosters a deep connection with inner wisdom. The deck’s tactile quality, with its thick art paper and matte lamination, enhances the sensory experience of the reading, grounding the user in the physical while exploring the spiritual.
The deck encourages a journey into the wilderness of the self, where primal instincts are not suppressed but celebrated as a source of strength and guidance. It is an ode to the wild soul residing in every individual, offering a pathway to reconnect with the untamed aspects of nature that exist both externally and internally. Through its symbolism and structure, The Wild Wolf Tarot provides a comprehensive tool for those seeking to navigate life’s challenges and opportunities with courage, intuition, and a spirit of freedom.
Conclusion
The Wild Wolf Tarot offers a distinctive and powerful approach to tarot divination, bridging the gap between traditional symbolism and the primal energy of the natural world. By reinterpreting the suits through the archetypes of the wolf and centering its imagery on wilderness and instinct, the deck provides a unique tool for self-discovery. The Howling Wolf card, as a central symbol, encapsulates the deck's core message: to live authentically, embrace one's inner strength, and trust the intuitive wisdom that guides the spirit. Whether used for exploring relationships, navigating personal transformation, or simply connecting with a deeper sense of self, The Wild Wolf Tarot stands as a testament to the enduring power of nature and the untamed soul.