Prayer of Transformation
Wolves in the Throne Room Lyrics
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Wrapped in a star shroud repent your flesh
A shadow child dissolves
Meditate in a den of skins and straight poles
A sacred fire of madrone burns eternally
In a circle of turquoise and serpentine
Whisper the prayer of transformation
Engulfed by clouds of thujone
Emerge purified clad in a golden fleece
A vessel awaits built from owl feathers and moss
The Prayer of Transformation by Wolves in the Throne Room is a song that speaks about the transformative power of nature and how it can allow one to transcend their human form. The lyrics are full of vivid imagery that encourages the listener to contemplate their own existence and embrace their spiritual side. The opening lines invite the listener to lay down their physical body on a bed of oak leaves, and to repent for their flesh, intimating that this is the start of a sacred ritual. The shadow child dissolves, which could be interpreted as the physical death of the individual in question.
The next verse continues this imagery, as we hear about a place where one can meditate, surrounded by animal skins and straight poles. A fire burns eternally, casting its light over a circle of turquoise and serpentine, creating a mystical atmosphere. The prayer itself encourages the singer to embrace their spiritual side and allow the transformative power of nature to change them. The verse ends with the singer being engulfed by clouds of thujone, a reference to a chemical found in certain plants which can cause hallucinations. This is followed by an image of the listener emerging purified and clad in a golden fleece. Finally, they are ready to be reborn, as a vessel awaits- built from owl feathers and moss, ready to carry them forward on their new journey.
Line by Line Meaning
Lay your corpse upon a nest of oak leaves
Place your dead body gently on a bed of oak leaves
Wrapped in a star shroud repent your flesh
Cover your body with a cloth adorned with stars, and reflect on the impermanence of the physical form
A shadow child dissolves
The darkness within oneself disappears
Meditate in a den of skins and straight poles
Sit in a space adorned with animal skins and sturdy poles, and focus on finding inner peace
A sacred fire of madrone burns eternally
A holy fire made of madrone wood continues to burn without ever going out
In a circle of turquoise and serpentine
Surrounded by a ring of turquoise stones and serpentine rock
Whisper the prayer of transformation
Speak softly the words asking for a shift or change in oneself
Engulfed by clouds of thujone
Overwhelmed by the aroma of the thujone plant
Emerge purified clad in a golden fleece
Arise from the ritual, free from negativity, and dressed in a golden garment or symbol of purity
A vessel awaits built from owl feathers and moss
A container constructed from feathers of an owl and moss is ready to receive the newfound energy and transformation
Contributed by Camilla W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.