Wolf Moon - January 25, 2024
# The Full Wolf Moon of 2024: A Time to Connect with Your Inner Wildness
The full moon of January is known as the Wolf Moon, a name that comes from the Native American and Celtic traditions. It is a time when the wolves are more active and vocal, howling to communicate with their packmates and mark their territory. The Wolf Moon is also the second full moon of the winter season, and the first full moon in the zodiac sign of Leo. It symbolizes the primal, instinctual, and creative aspects of our nature, as well as the courage, strength, and leadership that we can embody.
## Pagan History and Mythology of the Wolf Moon
The Wolf Moon has a rich and varied history and mythology in different pagan cultures. In ancient Rome, the Wolf Moon was dedicated to the god Janus, the two-faced deity of beginnings, endings, and transitions. Janus was also associated with doors, gates, and passages, and he was invoked at the start of the new year to bless the future. The month of January is named after him, and it is a time to reflect on the past and set intentions for the future.
In Celtic mythology, the Wolf Moon was connected to the goddess Brigid, the patroness of poetry, healing, and smithcraft. Brigid was celebrated on February 1st, the festival of Imbolc, which marked the midpoint of winter and the first signs of spring. Brigid was also associated with fire, light, and inspiration, and she was revered as a source of wisdom and creativity. The Wolf Moon is a time to honor Brigid and seek her guidance and blessing for our endeavors.
In Norse mythology, the Wolf Moon was linked to the god Odin, the ruler of Asgard and the father of the gods. Odin was a god of war, magic, and wisdom, and he was often accompanied by two wolves, Geri and Freki, who fed on the corpses of his enemies. Odin was also known for his quest for knowledge, which led him to sacrifice one of his eyes to drink from the well of Mimir, the source of all wisdom. The Wolf Moon is a time to emulate Odin and pursue our own quest for knowledge and enlightenment.
## Pagan Ceremony for the Wolf Moon
The Wolf Moon is a powerful and auspicious time to perform a pagan ceremony to connect with your inner wildness and unleash your creativity. Here is a simple ritual that you can do on the night of the full moon, or any time during the waxing phase.
You will need:
- A candle (preferably red or orange)
- A bowl of water
- A pen and a paper
- A wolf figurine, picture, or symbol (optional)
Steps:
- Find a quiet and comfortable place where you can see the moon, or imagine it in your mind's eye. Light the candle and place it in front of you, along with the bowl of water and the wolf symbol (if you have one).
- Take a few deep breaths and relax your body and mind. Feel the presence of the moon and its light, and the energy of the wolf and its spirit. Say aloud or in your mind:
"I call upon the power of the Wolf Moon, the moon of primal force and creative fire. I call upon the spirit of the wolf, the animal of instinct and courage. I ask for your guidance and blessing, as I seek to connect with my inner wildness and unleash my creativity."
- Take the pen and paper and write down a question that you want to explore, or a goal that you want to achieve, related to your creativity, passion, or purpose. For example, you can write:
- Hold the paper in your hands and close your eyes. Imagine that you are in a forest, surrounded by trees and animals. You hear a howl in the distance, and you feel a surge of curiosity and excitement. You follow the sound and find a wolf, staring at you with piercing eyes. You feel a connection with the wolf, and you sense that it has something to tell you. You ask the wolf your question, and listen for its answer. You may hear words, see images, feel emotions, or receive impressions. Trust your intuition and let the wolf speak to you.
- When you feel that the wolf has given you its answer, thank it for its wisdom and guidance. Open your eyes and write down what you received on the paper. You may also draw or doodle anything that comes to your mind. This is your message from the Wolf Moon and the spirit of the wolf, and it is meant to inspire and empower you.
- Take the bowl of water and dip your fingers in it. Sprinkle some water on your face, head, and heart, and say aloud or in your mind:
"I bless myself with the water of the Wolf Moon, the water of cleansing and renewal. I bless myself with the spirit of the wolf, the spirit of freedom and courage. I accept the message that I received, and I commit to act upon it. I honor my inner wildness and unleash my creativity."
- Blow out the candle and thank the moon and the wolf for their presence and assistance. Keep the paper with you as a reminder of your message, and use it as a motivation and a guide for your creative endeavors. You can also display the wolf symbol in a prominent place, or carry it with you as a talisman.
The Wolf Moon is a time to embrace your inner wildness and unleash your creativity. By performing this ritual, you can tap into the energy of the moon and the spirit of the wolf, and receive their guidance and blessing. You can also use this ritual as a starting point for your own personal and unique ceremony, and customize it according to your preferences and needs. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process, and let your wild and creative self shine.