It is January and wolves are out on the prowl, working together as a community to survive the harsh winter, while we sit and relax from the craziness of the holiday season and prepare for the year ahead.
Although many of us (myself included) like to take a step back from others to recover from the constant socialization from the holidays, January is a time for community. A time to build, plan, organize, and reset ourselves for the new year. And we do not have to go at it alone.
The Roman God Janus, the God of new beginnings, is where the month of January gets its name. This is why January is the perfect month to start anew.
What is a Wolf Moon?
The Wolf Moon is the first full moon of January, making it the first full moon of the year. It is believed that this full moon was named the wolf moon because the howls of the wolves are due to hunger. Although there is no real evidence of this.
Wolves howl for many reasons, this could be used as a way of communicating to others while hunting, defining their territory, or strengthening their social bonds.
The Wolf Moon has many names, one of which is the Moon after Yule according to Anglo-Saxon traditions. The names of the full moons come from many Native American tribes. Although the names may be different, the meanings behind this beautiful moon remain the same
Other Wolf Moon Names
- Stay Home Moon
- Quiet Moon
- Severe Moon (Dakota)
- Center Moon
- Cold Moon (Cree)
- Old Moon
- Great Moon
- Ice Moon
- Frost Exploding Moon (Cree)
- Freeze Up Moon (Algonquin)
- Hard Moon (Dakota)
- Canada Goose Moon (Tlingit)
- Spirit Moon (Ojibwe)
Wolf Moon 2025
The Wolf Moon will take place Monday, Jan. 13, rising at 4:45pm and setting on Tuesday, Jan. 14 at 7:28am Mountain Time
Wolf Moon Meaning
The meanings behind the Wolf Moon align with the meaning of the New Year. A time of renewal and transformation. We all like to set new goals at the beginning of the year. A way of reinventing ourselves and strive to meet the goals we set.
Spiritual Meaning
The spiritual meanings can vary depending on your cultural or individual beliefs. This is a time for ancestral workings. A way to connect with our ancestors, to honor and draw in their wisdom and traditions.
This is a great time to cleanse and clear yourself and your spaces of any negative energies. A new year, starting off with a fresh and clean slate. Not only for one’s mindset but for one’s energies as well.
More Meaning
- Self-reflection
- Renewal
- Balance
- Strength
- Community
- Inspiration
- Loyalty
- Courage
- Gratitude
- Goal Setting
- Resilience
- Transformation
- New Beginnings
- Clarity
- Hope
- Rest
- Intuition
- Reset
Like in wolf packs, community can play an important role in our lives. Everyone’s communities all look different. Some like to find community amongst friends, family, church groups, or neighbors.
The idea behind this full moon is spending time together. Bringing forth a new season of life together and making plans for the upcoming busy spring, summer and fall seasons.
Wolf Moon Activities
It can be hard finding things to do during such a cold month. Although there are many indoor activities, finding ways to get outside can help bring you closer to the power of this incredible full moon.
- Full Moon Rituals
- Community Gatherings
- Bonfire
- Music, singing, dancing
- Make Offerings
- Goal Setting
- Seed Starting (depending on grow zone)
- Planning
- Ancestral Work
- Divination
- Cleansing
- Make Snow Water/ Moon Water
- Shadow Work
- Meditation
- Ritual Baths
Wolf Moon Correspondences
Names: Quiet Moon, Center moon, Frost Exploding Moon, Hard Moon, Spirit Moon (full list above)
Intentions: New Beginnings, Intuition, Loyalty, Transformation, Renewal, Strength, Balance (full list above)
Colors: Silver, White, Black, Blue, Dark Green
Crystals: Onyx, Jet, Turquoise, Garnet, Rose Quartz
Plants: Thyme, Crocus, Lavender, Marjoram, Snowdrop, Angelica, Pine, Birch
Animals: Fox, Wolf, Coyote, Bluejay, Pheasent
Element: Earth, Air
Deities: Freya, Hecate, Janus, Inanna