The name for this full moon came from the frequent howls and other vocalizations heard from wolves during the cold winter months. But there are other names for this particular moon, including the Cold Moon from the Cree, and the Severe Moon from the Dakotas.

Even though we might associate wolves with nighttime, they don’t have the best eyesight during those dark hours, so it makes sense that they might be more likely to hunt during the full moon. And in the depths of winter, the pack will come together to do so, which explains the reason Natives gave the first full moon of the year this name.

Full Moon Potential

During the Full Moon, the full, bright appearance is said to be the optimal time to reap the rewards of the progress you’ve made toward the intentions you set at the New Moon.

Making Moon Water

When the moon is at its brightest, especially during the Full Moon, it’s the perfect time to make Moon Water! Fill a glass jar or other container with water and leave it in a window or outside under the moon’s light overnight. By morning, it will be charged with the moon’s energy, something you can use to enhance your spells and intentions.

Refresh & Recharge

The Full Moon is also the perfect time to cleanse and recharge your crystals. Place them in the window where they can absorb the light and energy of the Full Moon.

A Water Ritual

Another way to harness the power of the Full Moon is to gather a piece of paper & pen, some incense, and a glass or jar of distilled or purified water.

First, cleanse the jar with the smoke from the incense, then fill the jar with distilled or spring water. After placing your jar in a window or place where it will get direct moonlight, take out your piece of paper. Write down your intention and speak it aloud as you visualize your wish coming to fruition. Slip the paper under the glass and allow it to remain there overnight, absorbing the energy of the moon. The next morning, your manifestation ritual is complete. Not only are you well on the way to making your desires a reality. You also have a new source of moonwater for future spellwork.

Journaling for the Full Moon

If you want to get more out of the Full Moon, consider joining the Alder Moon tier, where I’ve posted a special journaling prompt for this Wolf Moon.

The very first hints of spring are already happening, even if you don’t see them yet. Deep underground, shoots are stirring. Plants and trees are starting to wake from their winter slumber. This is the perfect time to shake off the cold months and prepare for the season of awakening.

About Imbolc
Imbolc marks the halfway point between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox. In the Pagan calendar, Imbolc is a cross-quarter festival. It’s name means “lamb’s milk”, as this is when lambs are typically born. It’s also known as Brigantia for the Celtic deity of light, and is associated with Ireland’s Brigid, the goddess of spring, fertility, and life.

Imbolc Superstitions
There are a few notable superstitions related to Imbolc. It might surprise you to know that some considered a bright & sunny day to be a bad omen, and that snow and cold would linger longer. Cloudy, dark days weer actually preferred, as some believed the rain would thaw the fields in anticipation of an early planting season.

Celebrating Imbolc

Here are some ways you can celebrate Imbolc!

CANDLE MAGIC

Gather 4 tea candles and recite the following while lighting each in turn:

• Candle 1: Even though winter lingers, new life stirs in the darkness
• Candle 2: I call to the sun and absorb its growing light
• Candle 3: Like the first flowers that stir in the ebbing winter, I welcome the wisdom and inspiration of the season
• Candle 4: May the light and heat of these flames cleanse and purify me and allow me to manifest new energy

While meditating on the words you’ve spoken, reflect upon your thoughts and feelings and how the energy of this ritual can help you to move into this next phase of the year.

Plant Seeds

Planting your first seeds, whether inside or outdoors, is a great way to celebrate the promise of the coming spring season. New beginnings and awakenings in your metaphorical intention-setting practices can also help usher in a new season of growth in your personal life.  

Brigid’s Cross

Take inspiration from the ancient celebration of Brigid by creating your own Brigid’s Cross.

In pre-Christian times, effigies of the goddess were created using bundles of oats tied with rushes. The cross was also created with rushes, with a diamond shape in the center. The blessing and protection of the goddess was said to protect those that hung one of these crosses from the rafters of their house.

How Do You Celebrate Imbolc?

I hope these ideas inspire you to honor this time of cultivating a new beginning for all that you desire, and that they bring you a new season of creativity and healing!

Sources:

• https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/imbolc
• https://www.almanac.com/quarter-days-and-cross-quarter-days
• https://theseasonalsoul.com/imbolc-rituals/
• https://www.thornandclaw.com/blogs/news/how-to-celebrate-imbolc