According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, the first full moon of the year in North America is often called the Wolf Moon, which was named after howling wolves which are active this time of year. The energy surrounding the Wolf Moon (also known as the Cold Moon) revolves around the complex meaning behind the language of the wolf. This is a grim time to be facing the elements, which many unhoused people are dealing with at this very moment. This is about survival – both physically and mentally. This is a heavy moon.
From ‘Keep an eye on the sky for January’s full ‘wolf moon’, CNN:
“The origin of the name stems from the Sioux language, which describes this moon as “wolves run together.” But this wintry full moon also goes by many other monikers according to different Native American tribes: It’s known as the cold moon to the Cherokee people, the hard moon to the Lakota and the whirling moon to the Passamaquoddy tribe.”
The most common full moon names are typically English interpretations of Native American/First Nations names, however some also stem from medieval English, Anglo-Saxon, Celtic and Neo-Pagan sources. Much of the names come from Colonizing Americans appropriating Indigenous names into their calendars.
In addition to its Indigenous roots, the Full Wolf Moon also has its origins from Old English and Celtic origins brought over from European colonizers to North America. The Full Wolf Moon’s Celtic names are the Quiet Moon and Stay Home Moon (my personal favorite). The Anglo-Saxon name for this moon was Moon After Yule, which (while also being incredibly precise) references the pagan holiday Yule (Juul) that takes place around Winter Solstice.
Wolves howl for all kinds of reasons, and their sounds are used to hunt in packs for food, mark territory, and bond with the pack. This is a powerful moon when it comes to having gratitude for all the family and loved ones in our pack. This is a full moon for sustenance and self-care at its shadiest core. The Wolf Moon shines light on how we lead and how we follow.
The first full moon of 2024 occurs on January 25th. Full moons are about release. The Full Wolf Moon (from now on I’m saying the Full Stay Home Moon) in Leo asks us to release our emotions. This is a DRAMA moon, and since this one’s in Leo it’s bound to be a grabbing everyone’s attention. With Capricorn square to wounded centaur Chiron (who represents core wounding, obsession to protect, assertiveness triggered by wounding) defensiveness could abound. Chiron is also very good at playing the victim, and it’s important to keep our insecurities, defensiveness and emotions in check so no heads get ripped off.
Before all this started, we have to go back to when Pluto re-entered Jupiter on the 20th. Pluto represents power, transformation, secrets, wealth, and status. Aquarius on the other hand, is driven by the needs of the whole, human rights, and mobilization. Pluto is the planet of shadow working: digging deep into the messier parts of ourselves to find out what’s going on. This is in the microcosm as well as the macrocosm. It’s also about looking at ourselves objectively as a society to investigate the yucky stuff. It’s looking into corruption, greed and the entire title of my favorite New Order album. This asks us what we are in denial about, what needs to be addressed, and what needs to be let go of. Pluto in Aquarius asks for meaningful change.
Most importantly, we should remember to keep lines of communication clear and acknowledge any wonky energy power imbalances. If this is a relationship that is important to you, and things have escalated maybe looking into finding a third party mediator is in order. Pluto makes this an excellent time to reach out for help and work on mending relationships that have importance in our lives.
While the Full Wolf Moon is about survival mechanisms at the ground level, Pluto in Aquarius further sets off reactions to past trauma triggers. Tempers could flair more than usual. The messiness is more intensified by how our malignant obsessions are activated. We’ll need to be present and not run the risk of wasting energy on things that are dangerous to our well-being and may even cause us harm.
This Full Moon in Leo asks us what it is we give our energy and attention to, and the power that has over us. During this time, our attention is brought to our pain, but also how we heal. The Full Moon in Leo is the perfect time to release what’s no longer working, cut off negative attachments as well as let go and acknowledge our emotions. Letting go of the hurt we carry makes room for healing.
The Full Moon in Leo isn’t all negativity! This is also an excellent time for embracing our passions, how we show up for what’s good for our well-being, and centering ourselves with respect. This is the time to validate our emotions, wants and needs; to investigate and maybe let go of relationships or situations that aren’t good for us. Now is time to focus on things that make us feel good, that sooth our souls and help us take better care of ourselves. It’s important to nourish ourselves, and things that make us feel happy. Focusing on yourself is not selfishness, it’s self-preservation, which the Full Wolf/Stay Home Moon reminds us to do.
Full Wolf/Stay Home Moon in Leo Tarot Spread
1) What unresolved energy needs to be released?
2) What needs to be addressed?
3) Which intentions should I plant at this time?
4) What deserves my energy and attention?
5) How should I proceed during this moon cycle?
6) How can I better allow myself to heal?
This is meant to be read as inspiration. Takes what works for you, and leave the rest. If you want to share this work, please credit the source by quoting it and providing a link to this post and website. Thank you for your support and for spreading the work around. We really appreciate it and you.