Discover The Spiritual Meaning Of The January Full Wolf Moon
Curious about what the January full wolf moon is, when it’s happening, and if it has a spiritual meaning? The answer is yes, as do all the moons, and this can help you focus your energy and intentions in the right place.
There’s a full moon roughly every 29 days, which occurs when the moon is opposite the sun in the sky. She reflects his light, and we are greeted with a glowing ball of light that illuminates the night sky (as long as no clouds are in the way!).
A full moon is the energetic peak (or climax) of the moon cycle and symbolizes expansion, celebration, and nourishment. Her light also exposes our shadows and invites us to look at the fear, shame, and guilt we’re repressing in our subconscious.
Every full moon will take place in a different zodiac sign throughout the year, which influences the energy of that full moon. And in ancient times, each full moon was known by a particular name, usually based on something occurring on earth at that time. All the moons were named by Native American tribes. This was how the ancients measured time—in moons, not months.
- January full wolf moon
- February full snow moon
- March full worm moon
- April full pink moon
- May full flower moon
- June full strawberry moon
- July full buck moon
- August full sturgeon moon
- September full harvest moon
- October full hunter moon
- November full beaver moon
- December full cold moon
Read on to learn more about the January full wolf moon 2023 and its spiritual meaning.
What is a wolf moon?
The January full wolf moon is also sometimes known as the old moon or spirit moon and is the first full moon after winter solstice. The January wolf moon got its name because the natives would hear packs of wolves howling during the winter. It was first believed they were hungry but later discovered that wolves howl to communicate, mark their territory, hunt, warn of other predators, and find other wolves to join their pack.
When is the full wolf moon in 2023?
LA, United States: January 6th at 15:03
London, United Kingdom: January 6th at 23:07
Sydney, Australia: January 7th at 10:07
Click here to find out the exact time of the full wolf moon 2023 where you live.
What sign is the 2023 wolf moon in?
The full wolf moon in January 2023 is in the sign of Cancer, which is the opposite of where the sun is in Capricorn. The full moon is typically in the opposite sign each month to where the sun is; e.g., when the sun is in Gemini, the full moon will usually be in Sagittarius.
When looking at what a full moon means, the energy of the sign the sun and the moon are in will impact it. This means the January full wolf moon is usually colored with Capricorn and Cancer energy.
The spiritual meaning of a wolf moon
1. New beginnings
One of the primary spiritual meanings of the January wolf moon is that of a new chapter, a fresh start, and a chance to begin again. Winter solstice marked a turning in the wheel where the light is now returning and days are lengthening, and with this light and warmth comes new hope.
Although new moons are typically a time to set new intentions, this full moon is a wonderful opportunity to check in with the intentions (or resolutions) you set at the end of last year and clarify where you want to focus your energy in the moons ahead.
What is calling you? What does your heart desire most?
You don’t need to make any hasty decisions. In fact, use the time between now and Imbolc (February 1st) to dream and feel into what you truly want.
2. Deep reflection & intuition
Although the days are slowly getting longer, January is typically a dark month (if you’re in the Northern hemisphere). Plants are yet to sprout, energy is still on the low side, and the cold weather keeps people indoors longer. Hence why the January wolf moon is a great time to journey within, reflect, and connect to your intuition. That inner voice speaks truth and wisdom and has all the answers that you seek.
So light a candle, meditate, journal, work with oracle or tarot cards, and see what guidance comes through for you.
3. Community
The “lone wolf” analogy is strange because wolves typically don’t travel solo; they run in packs. If a wolf is alone, it’s either because she has been ostracized from her group or is lost.
So another spiritual meaning of the January wolf moon is community. Think of who your communities are in different areas of your life. Who do you care about? What relationships do you wish to tend to?
Now is the perfect time to reconnect with your tribe. Send a letter, pick up the phone, knock on someone’s door. You know how wolves howl at the moon to communicate with their pack? Well, this is the human version of that.
4. Growth & transformation
With a new year comes restored hope, faith, and possibility. Who you will be and what you will accomplish is still up to you. One thing we can be certain of in life is growth, whether we welcome it or not. All living things are made to grow. This is the cycle of life, death, and birth.
Reflect on what success means to you and the action you need to take to get there. Is there anything that no longer serves you that needs releasing? How are you being called to rise up?
What is your personal truth and purpose? How does this relate to the bigger picture?
Walk your path with courage and ride the wave of growth.
What the wolf moon means for us in January 2023
Let’s talk about the specific energy and alignments that will impact January’s full wolf moon in 2023.
The sun is in Capricorn, which always seems like a fitting way to start a new year, as this focuses our attention on our work, goals, wealth, and material security. But the moon in Cancer softens this edge and encourages us not to forget our home, our emotional well-being, and self-care. Cancer is a highly sensitive, intuitive water sign, so pay attention to any inner guidance that comes up for you during the full wolf moon.
Mercury is also in retrograde right now (in Capricorn), which means you may feel a push and pull between the past and future. On the one hand, your inner Cancerian thoughts may pull you into the past, while your Capricorn goals and motivation will want to race ahead. The key is to find a balance between these two polar forces.
Mars is also retrograde and can make you feel stuck and confused about what to do and where to go next. This can lead to a temporary setback. But sometimes, we must take a few steps back before we can move forward on the right path.
If you feel confused and unsure, don’t pressure yourself to decide or commit to anything right now. Give yourself time. Release control. Let yourself float in the pool of not knowing. Move slowly. Go within and reconnect to your inner truth. Let your intuition guide you as you walk through this year.
How to work with the full wolf moon & harness its spiritual meaning
- Take a cleansing bath ritual (being in water is perfect for a full moon in Cancer)
- Write a list of everything you wish to let go of
- Focus on your intentions and goals for this year (where do you want to focus your energy?)
- Identify the challenges that stand between you and your goals (how will you achieve your goals?)
- Reflect
- Journal
Celebrate the full wolf moon
Is there another spiritual meaning you associate with the wolf moon? How will you celebrate the January full wolf moon 2023? What is stirring and rising for you right now? What are your intentions for the coming year?
Share your ponderings and heartbeats with me in the comments below.