Moon Rituals for January’s Full Wolf Moon

The Wolf Moon is always the first Full Moon of the year, rising each January. Its cool, silvery glow pierces through the crisp, cold skies of winter, a familiar and welcome sight

Shining its brightest in the northern hemisphere, this lunar event carries a profound energy of clarity, reflection, and renewal.

The name “Wolf Moon” is rooted in lore, and can be traced back to Native American tribes like the Algonquins, who named each Full Moon to honour the natural rhythms of the season. For January, it was the haunting howls of wolves echoing through the barren landscapes that inspired this evocative title.

This year, the Wolf Moon rises on Monday, January 13, 2025, at 22:27 UTC (2:27 pm PT).

On this potent day, Old Grandmother Moon offers us a moment to pause, connect to her powerful energy, and heed the wild, untamed wisdom of the deep feminine.

The power of ritual under the full wolf moon

The Wolf Moon marks the perfect moment to begin the calendar year with intention, clarity, and purpose.

(*Witches know the seasonal year doesn’t start until Spring. But with the collective focus on new beginnings, we can still utilize this January Full Moon to plan and prepare).

The full wolf’ moon’s energy is wild and untamed, echoing the spirit of the wolf – loyal, strong, and deeply, somatically intuitive.

Using ritual is an incredibly potent way to align your inner strength with the primal power of this particular Moon, and refocus your vision for the months ahead.

Ritual under the Wolf Moon is more than symbolic – it can totally transformative the year ahead.

This Moon offers a chance to release the remnants of the past year, call in fresh energy, and set your sights on what truly matters.

The bright, cold light of the full wolf moon sharpens your perspective, illuminating your path and giving you the focus to step into your power.

So let’s take a look at a few different rituals you could perform this January. Don’t try to do them all! Choose one that calls you you (or should we say “howls to you!”) and run with it.

1. Wolf howl release ritual

Channel the ‘howl’ of the wolf by stepping outside under the Full Moon and releasing your burdens through sound.

Stand tall, take a deep breath, and vocalize – a howl, a chant, or even a sigh.

With that sound, let go of fears, doubts, or anything else holding you back. You don’t have to know what you are releasing… in fact, put your thoughts to one side and let your body take the lead.

Be careful – this ritual can be intense if you aren’t used to sounding out, so take it slowly.

Keep going until you feel complete.

This incredibly powerful act taps into primal energy and clears the way for fresh energy, purpose, and courage.

2. Circle of strength ritual

Gather with friends or loved ones to create a sacred circle of community.

Take turns to share your intentions, and have each person offer words of encouragement, strength and belief.

Light a candle for each participant as a symbol of the shared strength and support within the group.

3. Crystal courage meditation

Choose stones associated with courage and optimism, such as:

Bloodstone
Tiger’s eye
Carnelian
Citrine
Red Jasper
Yellow Jasper
Blue Apatite
Amazonite

Hold your crystal in an open palm, and meditate with it under the Full Moon. Focus on the bold, courageous energy of the wolf and invite it to ignite your inner strength and determination.

Keep the crystal on your altar for the rest of the moon cycle.

4. Full moon vision board

Use the reflective energy of the wolf moon to create a vision board for the year ahead.

I can’t emphasise enough the power of vision boarding with full Moon energy! One January, I created a vision board using a map, and ended up moving to that part of the country! They work… sometimes unbelievable fast.

Under the light of the full wolf moon, arrange images, words, and symbols that represent your goals and aspirations, infusing them with lunar energy for BIG manifestation.

5. Journaling ritual

Take time to reflect on the past year in your moon journal.

Write down and challenges you faced and how you overcame them. Focus on highlighting your resilience.Then list the qualities and strengths you want to carry forward into the new year.

If you find it easier to write using journal prompts, try these:

What was the biggest challenge I faced last year, and how did I find the strength to overcome it?
What moments tested my resilience, and how did I rise to meet those challenges?
What lessons did I learn from the difficulties I encountered last year?
How did my inner strength show up in unexpected ways over the past year?
What qualities or skills did I develop while navigating last year’s challenges?
What am I most proud of overcoming, and how can I honor that achievement?
What strengths or traits do I want to carry forward into the new year?
How can I build on the resilience I’ve cultivated to face future challenges with confidence?
What areas of my life would benefit from the same courage and determination I’ve already shown?
What wild, untamed part of myself—like the wolf—do I want to embrace and let guide me this year?

6. Pack connection spell

Strengthen bonds within your “pack” (aka coven or sisterhood) by creating a spell for connection and harmony.

Write each person’s name on a piece of paper, fold them together, and tie them with a red thread symbolizing loyalty and love. Keep this charm in a safe place, as a reminder of your shared unity.

7. Courage candle ritual

Carve a symbol of courage (such as a wolf paw or a rune for strength) into a red or orange candle.

As you light it, envision the flame igniting bravery within you. Let it burn as you meditate on an area in your life where you need more confidence.

8. Moon water manifestation

Create a batch of Wolf Moon water by placing a jar of water under the Full Moon.

Full instructions here: How to Make Moon Water

Whisper your intentions for strength, courage, and optimism into the water. Use it throughout the month to anoint yourself, your tools, or your space as a reminder of your goals.

9.Wolf spirit walking ritual

Under the glow of the Wolf Moon, take a quiet walk and call on the spirit of the wolf to guide you with a challenge, task or issue you face.

Before you begin, pause for a moment, take a deep breath, and imagine a strong, wise wolf walking beside you. Feel its strength and loyalty as you set your intention for the journey.

As you walk, connect with the Earth beneath you and the moonlight above.

With each step, ask the wolf to help you see your path clearly and face challenges with courage.

Feel the wolf spirit’s energy sharpen your focus and inspire trust in your own instincts.

When you are complete, take a moment to thank the wolf for its guidance and strength.

10. Strengthening ritual bath

Prepare a ritual bath infused with herbs like:

Rosemary (for strength)
Thyme (for courage)
Chamomile (for optimism).

Add a few drops of your favourite essential oils, light candles, and soak under the energy of the Full Moon. Reflect on the inner strength you already possess and envision it growing in the months ahead.

January’s full moon is the only wolf moon this year, so don’t let it pass you by! Listen deeply to this wild and ancient call to honour your resilience and strengthen your connection to the greater whole.

As its light pierces through the stillness of winter, heed the call to reflect on both your challenges and triumphs, and draw strength from the spirit of the wolf – untamed, loyal, and deeply wise.

This Moon reminds us that, like the wolf, we are creatures of instinct and community, capable of surviving the harshest winters and emerging stronger. We are being urged to trust our paths, even when the way forward seems uncertain, and to remember that clarity often comes in the quiet moments when we listen to the voice within.

So under this Moon’s watchful gaze, step boldly into the new year!

Embrace your wild nature, honour the pack that holds you, and howl your intentions into the night sky. The Wolf Moon will carry your voice, amplifying your courage and guiding you toward the life you’re ready to create.

https://www.themoonschool.org/full-moon/magickal-moon-rituals-january-wolf-moon/

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