Rising on January 17th, this lunation asks us to face our deepest feelings and fears – the Wolf Moon’s spiritual meaning is about accepting the responsibility of protecting and nurturing ourselves.
The Wolf Moon is the first Full Moon of 2022 that can be observed on January 17th.
Wolf Moon
Doesn't the full Moon look like a mandala in the sky?
Why is the January full moon called a wolf moon?
Every month of the calendar has a full moon, and each one has a different name based on seasonal happenings depending on the culture.
The naming of each month’s full Moon is thought to have stemmed from Native American culture. Although there was much variability in timekeeping, many tribes observed the seasons and lunar months. Therefore, the full or new Moon names have historically been used to track the seasons.
Typically, the first full Moon of the year is called the Wolf Moon. Sounds of wolves howling are often heard during this time of year when the winter weather is cold and snowy.
In the past, wolves were thought to howl because they were hungry, but now we know they use their howls to define territories, locate pack members, establish social bonds, and gather for hunting.
Before You Go
Watching a full Moon as it appears in the east is not only beautiful, but it’s a spiritual experience.
Its power, permanence, and eternal rhythms offer stability in uncertain times. The best time to witness the moonrise is during the few moments it climbs above the eastern horizon.
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Kirsti Out Wandering aspires to illustrate well-being in mind, body & spirit, giving unconditional love to self and others, and pursuing all of the wild possibilities life serves up while living full-time from a sprinter van.
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