How do wolves measure the passing of time?

Although wolves are aware of the passing of years, their main time frame (for measuring age) is the Lunar Month. The Lunar Month starts at midnight of the full moon and lasts for a full lunar month.

How is the Lunar Month marked?

The start of each Lunar Month is marked by a special ceremony known as 'The Howling.'

Where does the Howling take place?

The Howling usually takes place in a forest clearing, around a central stone or other symbolic object.

For how long does the Howling last?

The Howling may last for 15 minutes or longer.

How happens during the Howling?

The Howling consists of a number of shorter distinct phases: The Gathering, The Invocation of the Celestial Bodies, The Storytelling and Honouring of Ancestors, the Communal Howling, The Silent Reflection and the Final Howl and Departure.

Are there ever any adaptations of the Howling?

If there is a new addition to the Pack at any time in the preceding twenty-nine and a half days, that Pack member is permitted to sit upon the central stone through the entire Howling. The adapted ceremony is known as a 'Stellar Howling.'

If any bereavement has taken taken in the preceding twenty-nine and a half days, the Howling is adapted, to remember and celebrate the passing of the deceased party. This is known as a 'Morning (Mourning) Howling.' It lasts significantly longer usual, to the break of dawn. It is also traditional that an item of the decreased should be placed upon the central stone throughout the entire ceremony.

If both a new addition and a bereavement should occur simultaneously, in the preceding twenty-nine and a half days, the two ceremonies are combined into a 'Stellar Morning Howling' that combines elements of both ceremonies.

Are people allowed to attend the Howling?

The Howling is a pack event but people are permitted to attend, by invitation. Out of respect to the members of the pack, human participants are requested to cover their faces with a mask throughout the entire ceremony.

What form of dress is appropriate for invited people?

Human participants may dress in any form of dress. However, they should always wear a mask throughout the entire ceremony. It is traditional that the mask is made from intertwined leaves and branches.

Is there any musical accompaniment to the Howling?

There is a steady, rhythmic drumming sound, created by the wolves tapping their paws or striking natural objects, like sticks and stones. Human participants are permitted to play drums, if they wish, during this time.

How does the Howling end?

The alpha wolf will emit one final, long howl and the words, 'The Howling is complete. Until the next full moon, we remain united beneath the stars"  to signify the end of the ceremony. After this, the wolves will leave one-by-one.

When should I leave?

It is considered good etiquette to allow all participating wolves to depart first. Out of respect, only after the last wolf has departed should any facial covering be removed.