The Wanderer
The Wanderer - As represented by nature’s vagabond - the Wolf
If you took the path toward the pale green light, then congratulations, you are what is known as the Wanderer. As represented by nature’s vagabond, the Wolf, you are driven by a need for freedom, gifted with an independent spirit. But in your journey to find yourself, do not lose track of your values.
One of your greatest desires is to be truly free. But in your journey to find this independence, remember that there is no set path that can truly get you there. This means that while on this journey, you may not find freedom until you find yourself—or you may not find it until you lose yourself. This paradox is at the heart of all Wanderers, and what works for you today may not work for you tomorrow.
As you journey through life, you may feel obligated to participate in a life that doesn’t fulfill your needs, and you may even wake up one day and realize you’ve been feeling stuck for quite some time. Remember that much of the wandering you need happens in your own mind. So even as you work hard to live a comfortable life, allow yourself to occasionally break habits and routine. Above all, do not be afraid to wander away from what feels comfortable and expected of you, because sometimes you don’t know the path to the tree of life until you step on it.
The life of a Wanderer is a strange one in a society that is as structured as ours. People don’t understand the Wanderer, and may even try to use shame to pressure the Wanderer into conforming to their lifestyle. Many Wanderers break under that pressure and find themselves with roots in a life that no longer speaks to them. This life can be stifling and can even cause panic within the heart of a stuck Wanderer.
The Wanderer is driven by a longing they can’t quite explain. They seek the Tree of Life, the mysteries of the world, true love, and purpose all at once. None of these can satisfy all needs at once, so it is important that the Wanderer find outlets to satisfy their Wandering nature. One does not need to abandon a life cultivated to satisfy this urge. But the need for spontaneity and rebelling against routine works wonders for the Wanderer’s heart.
Each archetype must find balance, which can be challenging for the Wanderer. The Wanderer is secretly extremely sensitive. They feel deeply - both in terms of joy and sorrow. The hearts of Wanderers are easy to break - which can create a tendency for solitude or even hostility against the ones we care about. Recall how you first came to be known as the Wanderer - taking the unmarked path into the wilderness. One can take that path in their mind and heart, while still living a full life surrounded by friends and family. But the tendency to take that path as a retreat against difficulties is the mark of an unbalanced Wanderer. Take the time you need to find balance and meditate, but do not push others away solely because you struggle to find your own inner peace.
The balanced Wanderer can have a cultivated life with deep roots in relationships and work. This may seem contrary to the Wanderer’s core motivations, but often stability in a world like ours makes it easier to be the Wanderer. Just be sure to cultivate a life that understands and is forgiving of your occasional need to rebel against itself and do something different for a time.
REMEMBER – The great Wanderers of the world see their lives as floating down a river that winds on forever. Do not be afraid to bring your boat to shore and stay in one place for awhile - you’ll always know when it’s time to get back in the boat and move on. Enjoy the connections you make as you wander through life - keep your heart open and stay vulnerable.
Other Notable Wanderers in Fiction: Bilbo (the Hobbit), Moana (Moana), Sirius Black (Harry Potter), Miss Murphy (Mariana the Moon Girl), Black Widow (Marvel’s Avengers).
To continue to the second part of the ritual . . .