The Howling - A Lycanthrope Full Moon Rite

The Howling is a full moon rite performed for the purpose of connecting with our inner Wolf and calling out to our Pack.

Preparation for this rite is quite simple. Once the moon is shining brightly, high in the sky, find a quiet place in nature. This does not have to be a large piece of Earth, but space enough for you to sit or lie on the ground with the moon in full view. When possible, find a place that is lit only by the moonlight. Wear as little clothing as possible (skyclad is preferable), walking barefoot to your desired location.

As you walk, be aware of how the Earth feels under your bare feet. Think of the wolf as you walk through the night. Once you have found your spot, assume a comfortable sitting position on the ground. Close your eyes, allowing your muscles to relax and take in the night air. Use your sense of smell to take in the many scents of the night. Imagine the wolf sniffing the air.

After a few moments, eyes still closed, turn your attention to the nearby sounds. Focus on how many you can identify, determining the directions from which they originate and their sources. Gradually listen for more distant sounds. Envision the wolf standing quietly, listening intently.

Slowly open your eyes, allowing them to adjust to the moon's light. As you begin to look around, take note of as many visual details as you can about your surroundings. Pay close attention to any animals or people nearby and observe them. Look, as the wolf would, at potential dangers or opportunities.

Now that you have focused on each of your senses individually, combine them and allow yourself to feel as wolf in your natural environment. As you breathe in, feel the anticipation of the night ahead and of reuniting with your pack. As this excitement builds, begin slowly taking deep breaths, that quicken as you stand to your feet. Inhale and exhale. You may wish to move around as you build energy, filling your lungs full of air in order to release the energy raised into your howl. The reason for movement and for controlled breathing are you to essentially be invigorated. When you howl, you want to project your energy in the same way an athlete would thrust a javelin through the air. If you stand in place and attempt to howl without first raising energy, there is little release or projection of energy or emotion.

It is understandable that there may be times when you cannot let out a loud howl. This is alright, as you can still complete the steps and project your energy without releasing sound. Although you may not be comfortable going outside during a storm or in the cold, remember that these are the same elements the wolf faces. If you absolutely cannot go outside, you may perform the rite indoors however it will lose some of its power. The key factor in this rite is to be the wolf and to be able to communicate with your pack. Best results are achieved in a natural habitat.

The consumption of meat is advised for the purpose of grounding following this rite. Your choice of meat will determine how it should be prepared. When selecting beef, prepare it as rare as possible with pink or red in the center but thoroughly enough to avoid bacterial food poisoning. If preparing a meat other than beef, please cook thoroughly. It is preferable that you eat outside in your chosen space. This will further enable you to connect with wolf in a natural environment.

 © Copyright 2009 Arden von Wolfe & Lucien von Wolfe. All rights reserved.