According to the Complete Idiot’s Guide to Wicca and Witchcraft (Amaranth, 2000), this moon represents a time of protection and strength. It is known as the wolf, cold, snow or winter moon. The wolf moon occurs in the middle of the cold season (at least in the Northern hemisphere); a time of cold, isolation and endings. The cycle of endings brings new beginnings, so it’s during the time of the January full moon that thoughts about the future begin.
Gemstones to Heighten the January Full Moon’s Energy
The gemstones that will help enhance the wolf moon's energy are ones that have the properties of protection, strength, and cycles. Some common gemstones that have these characteristics include agate, bloodstone, citrine, garnet, jade, malachite, moonstone, sunstone, topaz and turquoise.
It is easy to incorporate these beautiful stones into a full moon celebration. A simple suggestion is to have every participant bring his or her stones to the party. At some point in the evening, have everyone place the stones in a central basket, pot, cauldron or other container. The group can then do a meditation on the stones, focusing their thoughts on the stones and their various healing energies.
Essential Oils to Enhance the Energy of January’s Full Moon
Essential oils not only smell nice, but they have healing properties as well. There are some basic safety precautions to be aware of before using them, however. Unless consulting an expert, ingesting essentials oils or using them on skin is not recommended. To use them safely for the January full moon, however, use an oil diffuser or pour drops of the oils into a bowl of water for scrying.
Again, the January full moon brings the energy of protection, strength and cycles. Some common oils that have such properties include bergamot, black pepper, cedar, geranium, lime and tangerine.
Kali and Shiva Reflect the Energy of January’s Full Moon
The Hindu Goddess Kali and God Shiva are married to each other. They are the beings of earth, nature, change, transformation and destruction. Kali and Shiva are excellent deities to call upon or invoke during the January full moon. Since this particular full moon falls within the middle of the cold season, death and destruction are prominent forces of nature. Kali and Shiva bring the energy of this death and destruction, but also of nature’s cycles of death and birth/rebirth.
During the January full moon celebration, invoking these two beings can help participants connect with the natural strength that everyone possesses. Kali and Shiva can bring participants a deep connection with natural cycles and transformations. As well, those that are going through difficult transitions can experience faith in knowing that change is both inevitable and positive in the long run.
January Full Moon Guided Visualization
Use the following visualization individually or with a group to tap into this month’s energy. Find a quiet and comfortable spot and allow about ten minutes to complete this activity.
- Relax your mind and body. Focus on breathing deeply and slowly. Allow the thoughts that come into your mind to leave, leaving a quiet, dark and safe space within. Feel the earth beneath you and the universe above you.
- Far off in the distance you see two swirling lights. They are red and orange, like fire. You don’t feel frightened but are intrigued and curious. Move slowly towards the lights, watching as they get bigger and brighter. You get nearer and see that within the swirls are two figures. They are Kali and Shiva, the deities of changes, nature and transformation. They smile and wave, beckoning you closer. They have a message for you. Enter the reflections of the swirling light and bask in the pure energy of these two beings. It is a wonderful feeling, very physical and exhilarating.
- Spend some time enjoying these feelings.
- When the time is right, allow Kali and Shiva to give you a gift. It may be in the form of an object, advice, a feeling or a memory.
- Thank Kali and Shiva, and step out of their light. Say goodbye and return to the present, to your physical surroundings. Write down your experience, as you will probably want to think about it over the next few days.
Celebrating the January full moon is a great way to connect with nature’s cycle of death and birth/rebirth, transformations and changes. This full moon provides a time to focus on strength, protection and of preparing for the future.
Trish Hoskin - Trish Hoskin B. Ed, lives in southern Alberta with her husband and two daughters. Trish is a professional card reader and new age workshop ...
