It is now the Full Wolf Moon. What does this mean? Every full moon of each month has a name based on specific folkloric traditions that the people from times gone by used to navigate their livlihood throughout the year.

For example: I was born between the Harvest Moon which is pregant around 24th September and the Hunter’s Moon which is full around the 24th October. The Harvest moon is a time when farmers harvested their crops in preparation for hard winter days ahead. This is a time for pickling, making jams and even knitting. The Hunters full moon is a time of slaughtering livestock before winter hit to save on resources and store meat for bone broths, hot pots and fur for clothing and blankets.

So, the January full moon is often called the Wolf Moon and it is symbolic of being in the depths of winter and hearing the wolves howling at night. Other names include Old Moon, Ice Moon, and Snow Moon.

While the almanac states that Wolf Moon is a Native American name, other sources claim that it has Anglo-Saxon origins. In Anglo-Saxon culture, the January Full Moon was also called the Moon after Yule, which is the time of the ancient festival celebrating the Winter Solstice around December 22.

This is a good time to work on magic related to protection, both physical and spiritual. Use this time to develop your inner self, and advance spiritually, becoming closer to the higher aspects of your deities.

Take the time in your busy schedule to meditate and think about what it is you really want out of life, and whether you’re showing people your true self. January is also a great time to work on full moon magic – after all, the nights are long and dark, and in some areas the moon itself is the only source of light. Put aside your lethargy, and focus some energy on developing your intuition and wisdom.

Finally, for many people, winter is a season of simplification. Set aside everything you don’t need, and try a minimalist approach instead. On a mundane level, try doing a thorough cleaning of your physical space – get rid of the clutter. On a spiritual and emotional level, try to do the same thing – teach your mind to let go of the things that are creating excess baggage for your spirit and soul.

This is also a great time of year to work with both the elements earth and fire. A simple fire incantation or ritual could be as simple as writing down all that you feel you need to let go of and throw into a fire or let it burn away slowly with candle light.

Here in the UK, the earth is damp and bitterly cold so this is a good time to bury old patterns deep within the mud. Again, simply write down aspects to your life you wish to let go of or even things you wish to welcome, fold up the piece of paper and bury it under a tree and into the soil. Ask the earth to help heal old wounds, to allow old pattens to die away so that you can be reborn in the Spring Equinox.

The Full Wolf Moon reminds us to channel our primordial energy. To step into our gut instincts like the wolf, to howl with fervor and focus on lighting our path as we walk through the dark nights.

The wolf is a pathfinder, leader, and a teacher. The wolf has an incredible sense of family, as well as a strong sense of independence. The wolf also encourages the teacher within all of us to step up and share knowledge and information with others. At this time of the Wolf Moon, perform a spell to assist you in tapping into your intuition and inner wisdom. Calling on the wolf will give you the strength to walk your individual magickal path, and to assist others to find theirs, with courage and instinctive delight.

Set up your altar with white or silver candles and a representation of the wolf. This can be a small statue, or a photo. As the full moon rises, turn and face the moon and call upon the magick of the wolf.

Great Yoga Poses for the Full Moon Magick:

*Standing backbend with extension
*Devotional Warrior with Eagle Arm Pose (Baddha *Virabhadrasana Variation)
*Peaceful Warrior (Viparita Virabhadrasana)
*Half Moon Pose (Ardha Chandrasana)
*Sugarcane Pose (Ardha Chandra Chapasana)
*Low Lunge (Anjaneyasana) With Backbend
*Wild Thing (Camatkarasana)
*Fallen Triangle (Trikonasana Variation)
*Camel Pose (Ustrasana)

Take a Vinyasa or Moon salutation and repeat the above asanas for the other side of the body before resting in Shavasana.

Great Herbal Teas for January include:
Chai, Cinnamon, Chamomile, Lemon & Ginger and Fennal to bring warmth and comfort to the body.

“There are some things, after all, that we know for certain: Always throw spilled salt over your left shoulder. Keep rosemary by your garden gate. Add pepper to your mashed potatoes. Plant roses and lavender, for luck. Fall in love whenever you can.”
― Alice Hoffman, Practical Magic