I have just realized that I have not written much about one of the great loves of my lives … wolves.  If one hears the term “spirit animal” I think they tend to think Native American.  As a part Choctaw I am proud of that, but the idea is widely popular in many beliefs and cultures.  It is interesting to note various cultures have given amazingly similar attributes to the bison, bear, lion, eagle, stag, and wolf to name a few.  Animals have been and still are considered protective spirits, messengers, guardians, and even gods.  The ancient Egyptians had the falcon, the crocodile, and the jackal to name a few.  Hindus honor monkeys and cows.  Buddhists believe that all animals are sentient beings with a soul and that they are humans reincarnated.  The Druids and the Scandinavians took omens and signs from the animal kingdom.  Most Native American cultures believe different animals come to different people and that each person’s spirit animal is very personal.  They have rituals to determine animal guides including dreams, meditation, fasting, and being exposed to the elements.  Sometimes one leaves their people/clan for a period of time usually referred to as a “vision quest.”  I am Christian and I would say this:  if one is attracted to a certain animal (for instance someone with a hippo collection) it is not to be scoffed.  I believe we seek out those qualities we feel in ourselves.  Wolves are known to be highly-family oriented, to mate for life, to have strong intelligence, sharp instincts, and an appetite for freedom.  As someone who had a full-blood Choctaw grandmother I can remember distinctly freaking out over ravens and crows.  As a child I used to actually talk to them, but as I got older I became afraid; fearing they symbolized death.  When I met my husband, I noticed a link between him and crows/ravens.  Believe me when I say it is no coincidence.  Just as wolves have been demonized for centuries, I came to fear these black birds as harbingers of death.  I did not learn until after I was married that wherever wolves hunt, ravens are present.  They not only scavenge prey, they sometimes lead wolves to potential prey.  While it may seem that wolves have the “short end” of this symbiotic relationship with ravens, wolves and ravens have been observed playing together.  The raven is said to symbolize wisdom, affection, healing abilities, and longevity just to name a few.  It has been said the bird has been granted great power and is a symbol of mystery, memory, and thought.  I can tell you my husband loves the “high strange,” has an essentially photographic/incomparable memory, and his thoughts have really been ahead of their time.  Things I have dismissed as “nuts” have ALREADY come to fruition.  No matter what your religion:  I believe we can still learn lessons from God’s creatures.  The late American politician Stewart Udall once said, “Cherish sunsets, wild creatures and wild places.  Have a love affair with the wonder and beauty of the earth.”  As the entire world still grapples with Covid and staying home more, I would urge you to look at the wonder and beauty of the earth, and to give thought to what you may be attached to in terms of spirit animals.