Menu
  • Home
        • Jupiter & Saturn: Your Success Planets for 2021

          Jupiter & Saturn: Your Success Planets for 2021

          It's usually easy to tell when you have an actual celestial encounter. It's a moment that's in some way unusual. …Read More »
        • your birth moon phase: balsamic

          your birth moon phase: balsamic

          Here’s one thing I’ve observed about your Moon tribe: You rarely understand just how creative and intuitive you are. You …Read More »
        • Virgo Full Moon: Get Down with the Material World

          Virgo Full Moon: Get Down with the Material World

          If you’re ready to clean, clear and lighten your load, you can’t beat the Virgo Full Moon. This year, the …Read More »
    • Close
  • Free Astrology
    Chart
  • Your Birth
    Moon Phase
  • Dana’s Moon
    Workshop
  • The Astrology
    of Bliss
  • Astrology
    Reports
  • Sessions
    with Dana
          • Astrology Readings With Dana

            Astrology Readings With Dana

            I believe in life, in the archetypes, and the capacity of people to write better and better stories for themselves. …Read More »
          • Astrology Mentoring

            Astrology Mentoring

            Are you an astrology student who’d like to turn pro? Hoping to read charts with greater insight and accuracy? Desiring a boost in confidence? …Read More »
          • Boundaries & Emotional Mastery Sessions

            Boundaries & Emotional Mastery Sessions

            From the beginning, my 12th House Moon has attracted plenty of likeminded spirits I call “energy sensitives,” whose intuitively gifted natures benefit …Read More »
    • Close
  • Books
    • [Widget Area]
          • Dana's eBooks

            Dana's eBooks

            Dana’s writing… brings the meaning of the planets to life like no other writer in this field. She’s the Meryl Streep of astrological writers: …” Jeff Jawer, The Mountain Astrologer …Read More »
          • Free eBooks

            Free eBooks

            “It took me years to learn each of these simple principles, and with each one, my Moon practice deepened. May they do the same for you!” …Read More »
          • Books We Love

            Books We Love

            Looking for a good read? Mooncircles authors share a few of the great books on their shelves. Read More »
    • Close
  • Store

Mooncircles

Moon Astrology

Current Moon Ritual
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
  • View Cart
  • Facebook
  • Instagram

January Full Wolf Moon

By Robert McDowell

Years ago, a shaman identified my familiar, or spirit animal, as the wolf. It startled me at the time. There are wolf qualities that appeal to my Aries nature. The wolf is independent, crafty, fierce and capable. But the wolf is also wild, reckless and vicious. I had hoped that my totem animal would turn out to be a horse, a fox or a cow; a blue heron, perhaps, or an owl?

I’ve had lots of time to consider the meaning of my totem animal. I’ve dealt with my primitive fear that a wolf totem meant that I, too, would always be vicious and cruel. I have been, but not always, and less and less as I’ve aged. As I’ve learned to tune into my totem companion, I’ve gradually learned that s/he isn’t with me to scare me out of my wits. The creature lopes beside me, a constant reminder and mentor of earthy darkness, of wild weather and high, free, craggy places where one can hear one’s own thoughts and see forever.

The wolf is a good teacher. And on this Full Moon s/he has a simple teaching.  Do what the wolf does:  howl to the Moon.  Wordlessly, with or without sound, howl what is in your heart. Let loose what is in  the depths of your soul.  The Moon is listening.  Sitting with the Full Wolf Moon (also known as the Old Moon or Moon of the Strong Cold), know that you are not alone.

Under the Full Wolf Moon I become a new creature when I listen to my body. Often in this month it is feeling slow and creaky. Perhaps you’ve noticed that you want and need more sleep, too. The days are still short, the darkness long and cold. It’s a good Moon to hunker down, meditate, and gather your energy. It’s a good time for to look back, and to prepare for the growing to come.

This year the Full Wolf Moon arrives during some very difficult transits for me, and with it come painful reminders and chasms of uncertainty and doubt. Like my wolf totem, I am howling and transforming. With the support of the Moon I know I will soon begin singing a new song.  Don’t be afraid to be quiet and listen to the truths your inner wolf is telling you. Then turn your face upward and howl at the beautiful January Full Wolf Moon.

The Full Wolf Moon

Cold, snow, and otherworldly light,

Clouds of breath and endless night.

Spanish moss and smoke are you,

Who follows you is brave and true.

Filed under:

About Robert McDowell

Robert McDowell is the author of five books of poetry and the Amazon.com bestselling Poetry as Spiritual Practice: Reading, Writing, and Using Poetry in Your Daily Rituals, Aspirations, and Intentions (Free Press/Simon & Schuster 2008).

Comments

  1. Jean says

    Jan 26, 2013 at 4:55 am

    Thank you. I needed to be reminded. Cheers!

    Reply
    • Robert McDowell says

      Jan 26, 2013 at 9:02 am

      And also to you!

      Reply
  2. Robert McDowell says

    Jan 25, 2013 at 7:09 pm

    Dana’s post, as always, is inspiring and appropriate. Happy howling!

    Reply
  3. kat says

    Jan 25, 2013 at 6:02 pm

    My companion on almost all my journeys is Wolf. Fiercely loyal, and true to family members, this love of my spirit leads me well, and is there for protection, as well as a tender, loving nuzzle when need be.

    I fully intend to howl at the moon, and to collect the magic of the Wolf Moon in my jar of full moon water (see Dana’s post on that 😉

    Reply
  4. Kathy Shogren says

    Jan 25, 2013 at 11:56 am

    Wolves really need our help and protection right now, particularly in the pacific northwest region of the United States. They do so much for us with their powerful medicine, I am trying to help them by returning the favor in kind.

    Reply
    • Robert McDowell says

      Jan 25, 2013 at 7:08 pm

      Bless this work, Kathy, and thank you for your efforts.

      Reply
  5. Jane Galer says

    Jan 25, 2013 at 10:01 am

    Hi Robert,
    Thanks for this reminder of the power of the wild ones. While wolves are fierce, they are also fiercely loyal and protective, their tribe is core to their relationship to the world and a reminder to all of us in this cyber friendship world that it is not the quantity of our friends that matters, it is the quality of our relationships. Wolves aren’t frightening. They are proud, instinctive, protective and loyal, without ego and yet without enemy as well. Blessed Be. Jane

    Reply
    • Robert McDowell says

      Jan 25, 2013 at 7:07 pm

      Jane Dear Jane, so well put, as always.

      Reply
  6. Kerry Keegan says

    Jan 25, 2013 at 5:19 am

    Hi Robert,

    Oh I have lately been increasingly collaborative with my pack wolves shamanically speaking. I have found this pack of wolves the greatest protector I have. I find them keen at keeping at bay all negatively and patterns I have sent away and I do not want to return to my energetic field. I call upon them for tough energies of other people that have entered my space to clean up. They are fiercly protective of my space and I am very happy to have them around. Sometimes at night I place them on my roof to allow only the highest vibrational cosmic energies to be nearby.

    And if there is anything in my three dimensional world that I need additional strength, power and fortitude throughout the day my pack of wolves is only a breath away. How fortunate you are to be working with them.

    Blessings, light and well-being,

    Kerry Keegan

    Reply
    • Robert McDowell says

      Jan 25, 2013 at 7:06 pm

      Thank you, Kerry, for sharing your advanced, collaborative wolf work. Your own process is inspiring. Blessings to you!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Subscribe

The Moon is in its
Last Quarter Phase

in the
Sign of Capricorn


Today's Lunar Aspects:

  • Moon sextile Sun, 10:15am  Mar 8 2021
  • Moon sextile Neptune, 2:41pm  Mar 8 2021
  • Moon conjunct Pluto, 12:52am  Mar 9 2021
  • Moon sextile Sun, 5:38am  Mar 9 2021

Venus is currently
In the Underworld

in the sign of Pisces


Enroll in Dana Gerhardt’s Moon Workshop!
Your Venus Unleashed!
Moonshadow Eclipse Report
Moonprints Lunar Report
Steven Forrest’s Transit/Progression report
Mary Shea’s Solar Return report
John Townley’s Lunar Return report

© 2000 - 2021 Mooncircles.com

m  Conjunction:  Like peas in a pod, planets in conjunction tend to come from the same place. They act together, but it’s also hard to tell them apart. This aspect can increase talent, focus, and intensity (“two are better than one”). Or one planet can disappear as the other dominates. Their connection feels so natural, it’s easy to think everyone blends these planetary energies just as you do—but mostly, they don’t!.

p  Sextile:  Planets in sextile are compatible, though without any fireworks. This aspect doesn’t demand your attention. It quietly presents an opportunity. You can join these archetypal forces. Donna Cunningham has called this the “Oh, that!” aspect, because that’s generally what her clients say when she describes their benefits.  To get the most from sextiles you need to actively work them.

q  Square:  Squares are wild and wonderful—but difficult too. The power struggle between these planets was likely defined in your youth, when they were impossibly challenging. People are usually aware of their squares. They force the issues that make you to grow. And that’s their gift. They ensure you learn your lessons. When you rise to the occasion, they bless you with energy, action, and success.

r  Trine:  Michael Munkasey has dubbed this the “goddess aspect” because it’s so lovely. Identifying talents you may have perfected in a previous life, trines can bring you joy. There’s a nice flow of energy between planets in trine. They support and reinforce each another. But without any struggle, you might take them for granted—neither using nor developing their gifts. An unattended trine can sometimes trick you into negative behaviors.

t  Inconjunct/Quincunx:  Your quincunx planets are innately incompatible. Bringing them into harmonious expression requires constant adjustments. This can be stressful, also motivating. You’ve got to keep changing your process, opinions or attitude—which promotes highly creative solutions.

u  Opposition:  They say opposites attract—and planets in opposition are never far from each other, though they’re constantly bickering. You may be triggered into awareness of this aspect by other people who seem to resist or undermine you.  An opposition can make you feel uncertain, insecure, or discontent, until you can accept and see yourself in both energies. Typically people find it easier to identify with one side and project the other onto unsuspecting others in the outer world.

First House: Personality, physical body, beginnings. Includes the Ascendant and rules physical appearance, the image you project to others, your general outlook on life, how you start things; may describe your role in your family system, often guides your first impression of immediate environment.

Second House: Money and personal finances, sense of self-worth and basic values, personal possessions, talents.

Third House: Communication, thoughts, language skills like writing and speaking, early schooling, siblings and neighbors, short trips, coming and going around town.

Fourth House: Your home, psychological foundations and roots, family, parents, domestic life, instinctive behavior, ancestry, your connection with the past, sense of security, domestic life, real estate. conditions at the end of life.

Fifth House: Children, creativity, romance; pleasure, entertainment, self-expression; all forms of “play”, speculation, gambling, and attitude towards taking risks; hobbies, attitude towards romance, lovers as opposed to partners, attitude towards having fun.

Sixth House: Work and job (as opposed to career), daily life, attitude towards service and coworkers, helpfulness, pets, attitude towards routine and organization, how you refine and perfect your skills.

Seventh House: Partnerships, one-to-one relationships, marriage, the first marriage, the “significant other”, business partnerships, competitors, open enemies, lawyers, mediators, counselors, contracts, negotiations, agreements. clients/the public.

Eighth House: Transformations and crisis, your ability to meet and rebound from crisis and change, sexuality; sex, death and rebirth, rituals and personal growth, your partner’s resources, addictions, psychology, other people’s money, taxes, divorce/alimony, inheritance.

Ninth House: Attitude toward expanding horizons, religious beliefs and personal philosophy, higher education, long-distance travel, morals, foreign languages and cultures, personal truths, publishing, commerce, advertising, your sense of adventure.

Tenth House: Career and profession, your contribution to society, social status, public reputation, material success, how you carve out a public identity for yourself; attitude toward authority figures, parents, caregivers, bosses, governments, attitude towards responsibility, desire for achievement.

Eleventh House: Friends, groups, organizations; hopes, wishes, aspirations, personal goals; your philanthropic attitude, concern for the collective, humanity; like tenth, can bring recognition and honors for fulfilling hopes and dreams.

Twelfth House: What’s hidden beneath the surface, karmic dustbin, limiting childhood/past-life messages, self-undoing, hidden enemies, hidden weaknesses, dreams, secret affairs, lost items, hospitals and prisons, hidden strengths, spiritual studies and soul growth.

A  Sun: Our vitality and magnetism; self-identity, ego.
Roles: The Self, the Hero, the Performer, the King.

B  Moon: Intuition, emotion, nurture.
Roles: The Mother, the High Priestess, the Child.

C  Mercury: Mind; physical dexterity and mental agility.
Roles: The Thinker, the Communicator, the Student, the Trickster, the Merchant, the Thief.

D  Venus: Our capacity for pleasure, receptivity, creativity, and social connection. Also indicates our relationships, self esteem, and financial abundance.
Roles: The Lover, the Seductress, the Artist.

E  Mars: Desire, initiative, anger.
Roles: The Protector, the Athlete, the Warrior.

F  Jupiter: Luck, opportunity, expansion, higher learning, religion.
Roles: The Scholar, the Gypsy, the Traveler, the Monk, the Professor.

G  Saturn: Hard work, commitment, focus, inadequacy, leadership, suffering, loss.
Roles: The Task Master, the Grim Reaper, the Wise Old Man, the Builder, the Cynic, the Boss.

H  Uranus: Change, breakthroughs, upsets, discoveries.
Roles: The Revolutionary, the Humanitarian, the Visionary, the Snob.

I  Neptune: Imagination, spirituality, idealism, addictions, deception, compassion.
Roles: The Artist, the Romantic, the Guru, the Addict, the Martyr, the Victim.

J  Pluto: Transformation, power, psychological dynamics, helplessness.
Roles: The Terrorist, the Detective, the Psychotherapist, the Dictator, shady people.

a  Aries: Pioneering, competitive, selfish, impatient, courageous, reckless, independent, dynamic, domineering, “Me first!”

b  Taurus: Patient, stable, lazy, dependable, practical, sensual, stubborn, artistic, possessive, greedy, gentle, loyal.

c  Gemini: Intelligent, curious, adaptable, quick-witted, restless, clever, scatterbrained, lacking follow-through.

d  Cancer: Nourishing, intuitive, protective, moody, sensitive, maternal, domestic, childish, cautious, creative.

e  Leo: Proud, dignified, vain, expressive, romantic, generous, childish, overbearing, self-assured, creative.

f  Virgo: Perfection-seeking, practical, methodical, petty, critical, studious, discriminating, cautious, never satisfied.

g  Libra: Charming, sociable, peace-loving, refined, diplomatic, artistic, indecisive, apathetic, easily deterred.

h  Scorpio: Passionate, secretive, penetrating, resourceful, suspicious, manipulative, jealous, sarcastic, intolerant, determined, aware.

i  Sagittarius: Freedom-loving, philosophical, optimistic, enthusiastic, careless, impatient, talkative, a know-it-all, broadminded, athletic, honest.

j  Capricorn: Serious, responsible, practical, hardworking, stubborn, brooding, inhibited, status-conscious, domineering, unforgiving.

k  Aquarius: Progressive, individualistic, unpredictable, cold, intellectual, artistic, eccentric, shy, impersonal, scientific.

l  Pisces: Compassionate, intuitive, ungrounded, romantic, impractical, self-sacrificing, seductive, musical, artistic.