Introduction to
The New Moon Wolf Pack
Founded in 2022 by Alpha Lakota, The New Moon Wolf Pack is a family for those who identify on some level with the Wolf. In a world of humans imposing certain expectations of nonhumans, to surround ourselves with others who allow us to embrace our inner animal is refreshing. Our pack values integrity, honor and social bonds which we strive to exhibit in everything we do. The New Moon Wolf Pack provides a safe, welcoming environment for wolf-people to connect on a deeper level to themselves and their packmates through shared experiences, social gatherings we call Howls, and support they may have lacked in human-heavy spaces. Our family prides its members on their incredible resilience within a society that attempts to cage our spirits. Above all else, we honor the wolf within.
Essence of the Wolf
The Wolf has long been seen as a spirit of great authority. In many cultures and belief systems, the Wolf is a fierce warrior who not only protects his family but provides them with an abundance of resources to survive. The Wolf represents the wild nature within us and the strength we must possess in life. Wolves are not only incredibly loyal, family-oriented and free-spirited, they are also resilient and passionate.Some legends depict the Wolf as a vicious beast to be feared, elusive and blood-thirsty. For centuries, people have seen them as savage predators deserving of their wrath, resulting in them being hunted to near extinction. Despite humans best efforts, the Wolf has evaded such status, speaking volumes to their adaptability. Wolves are protective of their pack, their survival dependent on it. A Wolf will only attack a human if they feel that they or their pack is being threatened.Wolf-people usually find themselves drawn toward a life lived in harmony with nature, as they feel instinctively synchronized with the heartbeat of the Universe. For Wolf-people, there has always been an inner wisdom, a primal force deep inside them, that solidifies the idea that they embody the spirit of the Wolf. The act of embracing the essence of the Wolf is a powerful experience that The New Moon Wolf Pack has sworn to nurture and strengthen in all of our members.*
Ranks Within the Pack
The Sacred CircleMade up of the Alpha, Betas, and Elders, The Sacred Circle serves as the packs official governing committee. The Circle occasionally holds private meetings to discuss pack politics with the goal of coming to mutual agreements about decisions, ideas and opinions, as well as understanding expectations for and within the pack. Ultimately, the Alpha will still remain in the position to either enact or dismiss any decisions other Circle members agree upon.
AlphaThe Alpha is the leader and ultimate authority of the pack. They possess the ability to make important decisions for the pack, create and enforce pack laws, maintain order, and form treaties with other packs. It is an Alphas responsibility to ensure the safety of the pack, as well as always conduct themselves in a respectable and altruistic manner. The Alphas desire should be to foster a family that will thrive under their command; providing a central point for all pack members to lean on, teaching and guiding them, and helping them wherever they can. There is only one Alpha, which will be succeeded by their oldest child, a Beta of the Alphas choosing, or by the wolf who challenged them for the position and won.
BetaBetas are the Alphas trusted second in command. They stand by the Alphas side, assisting them and acting on their behalf in their absence. A Beta is mostly tasked with observing interactions between pack members in order to determine social bonds, deescalating arguments, reporting back to the Alpha, and defending the Alpha is they are challenged. The Betas often keep the Alpha humble and collected when they must face obstacles or make hard decisions. Omega wolves who wish to move up in the ranks must first seek the guidance and approval of the Betas before seeking it from the Alpha. Usually there are two Betas, but whether or not two already hold the rank, the Alphas mate will immediately take on the position of Beta if they so choose.
ElderAn Elder is an older member of the pack who, because they have reached a degree of knowledge and experience which exceeds all Orders of their previous rank, wishes to retire into a less demanding position. These wolves are highly respected by their fellow packmates as teachers and advisors for all their wisdom. While Elders are considered essentially retired members of the pack, their involvement in pack life should still be high on their list of priorities; especially as they are significant members of The Sacred Circle. Their role may include using their extensive experience within the pack to model to and encourage younger members their potential, stand as a voice of tradition and reason within Circle meetings, and even help lead in pack ceremonies. Alphas may also retire into the Elder role once they fall into a state of inability to further lead the pack.
HealersHealers are wolves who specialize in holistic medicine and therapeutic techniques that help pack members heal or cope with certain struggles they may be dealing with. They are a major support system that is capable of handling stressful situations calmly, and have the ability to articulate advice in the most helpful way. There are four Orders of Healers that each have their own degree of knowledge and experience. More minor illnesses and injuries will be treated by lower Orders. All Healers must pass a basic exam pertaining to their knowledge if they wish to advance into the next Order.
── • First Order • ──
First Order Healers are considered apprentices to Fourth Order Healers. They are not permitted to actually treat other pack members but may observe or be asked to assist other Healers in order to gain hands-on experience. Their goal is to study traditional, alternative and modern medicines which will be helpful to packmates in need of physical or mental healing.── • Second Order • ──
Novice Healers who have studied holistic healing for a period of at least one year. They will begin treating minor illnesses as well as practice cultivating medicines with the assistance of Fourth Order Healers. In this Order is typically where wolves figure out where their strengths as a Healer lie.── • Third Order • ──
Experienced Healers who have studied and practiced holistic healing for a period of at least three years since becoming a Second Order Healer. They will be confident in their ability to assess and treat illnesses and injuries and find that they can do so with ease. Third Order Healers will no longer need the assistance of Fourth Order Healers and are now able to assist Orders below them.── • Fourth Order • ──
Master Healers who have studied and practiced holistic healing for a period of at least five years since becoming a Third Order Healer. They are considered Shamans who have not only gained incredibly healing abilities, but are also truly talented in the art of medicine. They are now in a position to teach the Orders below them and may assist in births and deaths of pack members as a doula.
HunterHunters are wolves who have a keen eye are are highly skilled at tracking, gathering, scavenging and survival. They will wander the packs territory and search for any useful resources such as animal remains, building material, edible plants, etc. Hunters, if they are so inclined and possess legal permits, will also hunt for food for the pack. Any kill a Hunter makes will be shared equally among pack members. Hunters not only have the ability to obtain resources, they are also able to make use of any resource they collect, letting nothing go to waste. During Howls, they will typically be on alert for any potential dangers that may befall the pack. There are four Order of Hunters.
── • First Order • ──
First Order Hunters are considered apprentices to Fourth Order Hunters. They will observe and assist other Hunters in order to gain hands-on experience, but they are not permitted to scout any area of territory without being accompanied by a Fourth Order Hunter. Their main goal is to study survival measures, plants, methods of foraging, and animal anatomy.── • Second Order • ──
Novice Hunters who have studied survival measures, plants, methods of foraging, and animal anatomy for a period of at least one year since their apprenticeship. They will begin putting their knowledge into practice, but while they no longer need to be supervised by a Fourth Order while scouting, they still need a companion within their Order.── • Third Order • ──
Experienced Hunters who have studied and practiced survival measures, use and names for plants, methods of foraging and animal anatomy for a period of at least three years since becoming a Second Order. They will no longer require a companion during scouting as they will be confident in their ability to track, gather, scavenge, hunt and even build, and are able to assist Orders below them.── • Fourth Order • ──
Master Hunters who have studied and practiced survival measures, uses and names for plants, methods of foraging, and animal anatomy for a period of at least five years since becoming a Third Order Hunter. They not only have incredible hunting abilities, but are also talented craftsmen. They are now in a position to teach the Orders below them.
MemberMembers are all established adult wolves of The New Moon Wolf Pack. While they do not possess any official authority those within The Sacred Circle do, they utilize their unique passions and skills to enhance pack life. They are considered to be the heart of the pack, each contributing something of value that keeps the river of life flowing within the pack. Their role is to be present and uphold the packs traditions, laws and culture with pride. Like with other ranks, Members have their own hierarchy among them in the form of Orders; though these are based on their loyalty and involvement within the pack rather than their advancements in certain skills.
── • First Order • ──
First Order Members are wolves who previously held an Omega rank but have since proven their loyalty and dedication to The New Moon Wolf Pack. They are now officially considered part of the family and will be able to influence the way pack life functions. Their main goal is to find their place among their packmates in order to understand what it is they can best offer to the pack.── • Second Order • ──
Wolves who have been loyal and dedicated to the pack for a period of at least one year since becoming a First Order Member will advance into the Second Order if they have not yet been chosen for another rank. They may still be figuring out where they belong among their packmates, but they feel much more accustomed to pack life. Second Orders will begin to assist with ceremonial arrangements and defending packmates and territory.── • Third Order • ──
Wolves who have been loyal and dedicated to the pack for a period of at least three years since becoming a Second Order Member will be promoted to Third Order. They have settled into their role among their packmates and are considered to be mentors not only to Orders below them, but also to Pups. They may begin overseeing spars and have now gained the right to challenge the Alpha for their position.── • Fourth Order • ──
Fourth Order Members are wolves who have been loyal and dedicated to the pack for a period of at least five years since becoming a Third Order. They are seen as respected and influential packmates who have thrived within the pack for many years, giving to it gladly much lifeblood. These Members may begin retiring into the Elder rank once they’ve held the position of Fourth Order for at least two years.
OmegaThe role of Omega wolves depends on their Order. Unlike with most other ranks, Omega Orders are not an indication of their skills but rather their relationship to the pack. Omegas have no influence or authority on the culture and functionality of the pack in the way official Members do but at still valued as packmates regardless of their Order. Their main goal is to prove themselves loyal, dedicated and worthy of being accepted into the pack.
── • First Order • ──
First Order Omegas are wolves who have recently joined the pack and are being assessed by The Sacred Circle to determine whether or not they should be accepted as an official Member. They will be expected to continually prove themselves to the pack and the Alpha over the course of at least one year while still maintaining a more casual presence.── • Second Order • ──
Second Order Omegas are wolves who were previously Pups when they joined the pack but have since reached adulthood. While they are trying to find their place among the other adults in the pack, they will have the same expectations as First Order Omegas. Their assessment period may be reduced by the amount of time they spent as Pups if it is less than one year.── • Third Order • ──
Wolves who previously held another rank within the pack but were demoted as punishment will be known as Third Order Omegas. These Omegas may only regain their previous rank after undergoing a series of trails that serve to encourage them to reflect on and repent for their offense as well as improve their behavior moving forward.── • Fourth Order • ──
For wolves who still refuse to honor the pack and its laws even after becoming a Third Order Omega, the Fourth Order serves as their final chance at redemption. To be a Fourth Order Omega is to be a pariah; a wolf with the glares of shame and reproach cast upon them by all other members. They must work harder than ever to prove themselves worthy of regaining the respected status they once had.
PupPups are wolves who have yet to reach adulthood. They are younger than eighteen years old and for many things still require an adult guardian present. The entire pack takes on the responsibility of nurturing, teaching and protecting the pups, though the Alpha may assign specific members to care for them during in-person Howls. Pups are still learning, and thus the pack affords them leniency, not exemption, from pack laws and orders. They are expected to act accordingly with their age and respect other members of the pack as they would older siblings, parents and other authority figures. A Pups duty is to learn the ways of the pack, and to strive to embrace them in everything they do so that when they reach adulthood, they will already be accustomed to our culture.
ExileThis is not an actual rank within the pack, but instead a descriptor for wolves who have severely wronged the pack, broken serious laws, or have challenged the Alpha and lost. They are considered banished from the pack, no longer able to redeem themselves as an Omega and will be considered to all members. For the safety of the pack, all contact with Exiles will be strictly prohibited unless with the express permission and supervision from the Alpha. To continue contact without these will result in its own punishment.
Pack Laws
PunishmentFirst, Second & Third Offenses ~ Verbal Warning
Fourth Offense ~ Rank Demotion
Fifth Offense ~ Pariah Status*
Exile ~ Complete ban from the pack*Pariah Status means to hold the position of a Fourth Order Omega. Interactions with pariahs require caution.
• Those who do not regard The New Moon Wolf Pack to be their family should tread lightly in its territory. Taking up ranks within another pack without the permission of the Alpha will be considered treason and result in exile.• The decisions made by the Alpha must never compromise the autonomy, safety or well-being of any pack member. They must uphold their oath to the pack even at their own expense, therefore, the Alpha’s final word is absolute and shall not be challenged.• Deliberately causing conflict - whether it be inside or outside of the pack - is prohibited. If any such conflict should arise, the Alpha must be made aware immediately. No New Moon pack member will ever fight a battle alone.• All New Moon Wolf Pack members will be given the respect they deserve, regardless of their ranking. Discrimination of any kind, for any reason, will not be tolerated - however, any problematic or illegal sentiments such as zoophilia, pedophilia, racism, homophobia and the like, will not receive support or a welcoming environment within the pack.• Pups shall not engage in activities or discussions deemed inappropriate for their age. All adults within The New Moon Wolf Pack are responsible for conducting themselves appropriately around the pups. Furthermore, for their safety, all pups must be accompanied by an adult relative, which the Alpha must speak with beforehand, at all in-person pack Howls.• Whether one believes in the spiritual realm or not, all New Moon pack members must view their wolven nature as a sacred aspect of themselves to be honored and revered. All wolves, in whatever way they choose, will celebrate their animality both in solitude and in the presence of their packmates.• All New Moon pack members have the right to liberty, regardless of conflicting opinions from fellow packmates. Ones personal life choices - which do not directly cause harm to, interfere with or impact the pack or member in a negative manner - shall always be respected.
Pack Traditions
Challenging the AlphaTo challenge the current Alpha for their position is to engage in both a verbal debate and physical displays of dominance without bodily contact. The first to submit loses. If neither wolf submits, the Elders may decide whether or not to displace the current Alpha based on sufficient evidence suggesting they are no longer fit to lead. In the event that there are no Elders at the time of the challenge, the decision is left to the rest of the pack. Betas and those who flanked the challenger are not permitted to vote. A displaced Alphas pack status is for their successor to decide while a defeated challenger will become exiled. Any adult wolf who wishes to challenge the current Alpha for their position may do so only under the conditions that:They must have at least two other packmates willing to flank* them.They announce their challenge publicly for the entire pack to witness.They carry the burden of proof for any accusations against the current Alpha.[Flank meaning to back up, defend, support]─────────────────────────────Alpha OathAll Alphas whether they inherit the rank, are chosen for it or have won it by challenge, must pledge themselves to the pack as its leader. An Alpha Oath is a public vow to uphold the sanctity of the pack, its laws, traditions and core values and symbolizes the Alphas commitment to leading the pack to the best of their ability. The Oath is as follows:O’ moon above and earth below,and all of natures creatures bear witness.O’ ye who walk beside me and are my kin,and all who stand against me hear my words.My vow is to The New Moon Wolf Pack, my oath is to the wolves,to protect, shepherd and foster a family to whom I am devoted.O’ ye who follow behind me may prosper,and ye who obey my command be wild and free,and all who trust in my shall know not of regret.This, my word, my bond, my covenant,I honor the wolf within.─────────────────────────────SparringIn the wild, wolves will commonly engage in sparring, or play-fighting, to encourage strength, display dominance, improve hunting technique, and otherwise have fun. This form of play reinforces family bonds, which is something The New Moon Wolf Pack values greatly. Any wolf who wishes to act out a sparring match with another packmate may do so under the conditions that:Both members agree to spar and henceforth respect each others boundaries.Neither member will seriously injure the other intentionally either offensively or in retaliation for accidental injury.Both wolves must be of similar size, strength or age; adult wolves may only spar with pups under the supervision of the Alpha.The wolf who initiates must allow their opponent to quit at any point.All spars will result in a draw, neither member winning or losing.─────────────────────────────Sacred HowlIn addition to our casual Howls, The New Moon Wolf Pack also holds more formal Howls, called Sacred Howls, throughout the year recognizing times of significance. Sacred Howls are meant to celebrate and honor the moon and the seasons.• March 20 - Spring Equinox {Rebirth Howl}Celebrates the coming of warm weather and new life. The pack honors the plants and animals awakening from their long slumber as they will soon provide for all that dwindled during winter.
[Spring cleaning, egg and bone hunt, picking flowers, seed planting, Earthing and meditation, picnic, crafting.]• June 21 - Summer Solstice {Basking Howl}
Celebrates the sun and the life it has sustained. We rejoice not only for the thriving state of the resources provided for us but also the energy that courses through our veins.
[Bonfire, swimming, dancing and singing, hiking, cookout, scavenger hunt, sunbathing, crafting.]• September 23 - Autumn Equinox {Harvest Howl}
Honors both the balance between life and death and the final blessings of resources as we prepare for the coming winter. We give thanks for all the Earth has provided, begin to hoard what is left of our resources, and observe the natural order of life.
[Feasting, apple and pumpkin picking, campfire, hiking, corn maze hunt, gratitude list, pumpkin carving]• December 21 - Winter Solstice {Resting Howl}
Honors the rest the Earth has rightfully earned for all her labor throughout the year. This time of hibernation is meant to be reflective and calm, our own hard work coming to an end until spring.
[Storytelling, self reflection, feasting, tree decorating, singing, gift giving, burning a yule log, building snowmen.]• Full Moons • {Feral Howl}
Honors the full moon and the bright path it illuminates. To wolves, the moon both protects and guides in darkness, and thus The New Moon Wolf Pack views it as sacred.
[Feasting, watching werewolf movies, behaving more animalistic, manhunt, campfires, exploring in the dark.]Full Moons of the YearWolf Moon - JanuarySnow Moon - FebruaryWorm Moon - MarchPink Moon - AprilFlower Moon - MayStrawberry Moon - JuneBuck Moon - JulySturgeon Moon - AugustCorn / Harvest Moon - SeptemberHunter Moon - OctoberBeaver Moon - NovemberCold Moon - December─────────────────────────────Naming CeremonyWhen a wolf is born to humans, they are given a human name that does not fully honor the animal within. When that wolf joins The New Moon Wolf Pack, if they have not yet chosen a wolf name already, they are given one by The Sacred Circle during the Naming Ceremony. The ceremony consists of various phases. First, nameless members and pups who have reached adulthood are given a list of names compiled by The Sacred Circle and asked to choose three. Secondly, the nameless wolf will blindly draw from the three names they picked and allow a member of The Sacred Circle to read the name aloud to the rest of the pack. Finally, the wolf is blessed with the chosen name and will henceforth be addressed by that name by all of The New Moon Wolf Pack. The Blessing is as follows:Once a wolf by another name,the spirit is now honored.No longer [human name]to your kin, you are [wolf name].─────────────────────────────Retirement CeremonyThe New Moon Wolf Pack has great respect and admiration for its Elders, so when a wolf surpasses all Orders within their rank and decides to retire, we celebrate. A Retirement Ceremony is our way of recognizing and celebrating an Elders accomplishments, influence, and dedication with the pack. We celebrate their long life and all the skills they’ve acquired along the way. Retiring members share their stories and pieces of wisdom and all of the pack will participate in activities that honor the new Elders previous rank.─────────────────────────────Bonding CeremonyIt is always a glorious blessing when a wolf finds a mate. The New Moon Wolf Pack honors and celebrates this sacred bond in the form of a Bonding Ceremony where the mated pair participate in a candle lighting ritual that symbolizes their commitment to each other and the rest of the pack gifts the couple throughout the ceremony to show support for the pairing. The candle lighting ritual:The Alpha strikes a matchstick to symbolize their approval of the relationship.The matchstick is handed to the couple, who together light a single candle which symbolizes their love for one another.The couple recites their written promises to each other.The Bonding Ceremony ends when the candle burns itself out.The longer the candle burns the longer the relationship is said to last.─────────────────────────────DispersingWhen wild wolves reach maturity, they typically leave their birth pack in search of another wolf to start their own pack with. The New Moon Wolf Pack honors this natural way of life, however bittersweet, by allowing pups who were raised within the pack to disperse if they so choose once they reach adulthood. If the newly adult wolf does leave the pack, a parting ceremony is held. Fellow packmates will bid them farewell, give gifts, share stories and advice, and bless the new life the wolf will make for themselves. Those within The Sacred Circle may even give speeches and the guardians of the dispersing wolf will contribute an endowment of some kind before seeing them off.─────────────────────────────Death CeremonyFor those in The New Moon Wolf Pack, death is not the end. A wolf lives on after physical death in the form of memories, stories, spirit and love. When a member of the pack dies, we honor their final wishes for burial, as well as honor them in another way that celebrates their life as a packmate. Death Ceremonies are held for all members, past and present, where fires are burned, lanterns are released, howls cried and dances meant to liberate grieving wolves from sorrow commence. Pack members will also create small pieces of art dedicated to the deceased and place them around a tree that will have a carving of the deceased’s wolf name. We send the deceased wolf away on their next journey, whether that is interpreted as reincarnation, a divine place, or the cycle of life by individuals within the pack, by reciting the following prayer together:Gone is the wolf that stood before us,but not so is the mark [pronoun] left on our hearts.[Wolf name] may no longer walk among us in the physical,but [pronoun] spirit will always linger.[Pronoun] is in the trees, the wind, the new life in the spring,in the flowers, the rocks in the streams and the rain that falls from above.We mourn for the wolf who walked with us,but we also give thanks for the life [pronoun] gives back to nature now.[Wolf name] will live on not in flesh,but in the spirit of The New Moon Wolf Pack.Blessed the journey [pronoun], may we meet again.