While we rang in 2025 almost two weeks ago, there are still just over two weeks before the lunar calendar turns into the new year. The transformative Year of the Dragon brought mystery, intrigue, power and unparalleled potential. On January 29, 2025, the Year of the Snake begins, offering us a new perspective from which to see ourselves and the world around us. The snake is wise, charming, determined, intelligent and, above all, flexible in both thought and movement.
Full Wolf Moon and Mars
As we enter a new week, the Full Wolf Moon will take center stage, reaching its peak on Monday, January 13 at 5:27 PM EST. The full moon will also pass in front of Mars, temporarily obscuring it from view – an event known as an occultation. In New York City, the moon’s occultation of Mars begins at 9:21 PM EST. Before and after the occultation, Mars will be visible with the naked eye, but better with a telescope or binoculars. Although bright on its own, the red planet’s light will appear dull next to the moon, which will appear 40,000 times brighter than Mars.
Since this is the last full moon of the Year of the Dragon, the Full Wolf Moon bridges the end of the past year and the beginning of the new year. As such, this moon contains information from both the past and the future.
Naming traditions
In ancient tradition, full moons were named after various natural events that occurred within the lunar month. Many of these names were given by Native American tribes who lived and cared for the earth and all its creations. Although January’s moon is commonly called the Wolf Moon, it is also called the Cold Moon or the Ice Moon. Although these names are associated with Native Americans, there is no historical record to support this connection. But for those who live in nature and rely on its resources for survival, winter has been a challenging season. You can imagine wolf packs howling hungrily outside Indian villages as winter approaches. Both humans and animals conserved resources and learned to consume less food and use less energy in the winter season.
Connections
Wolves saw an opportunity for survival and developed a peaceful relationship with humans. They observed people, just as we observe the natural world. Wolves naturally hunt together in packs. They use their howls to locate and communicate with other pack members over great distances at night, when they are most active and sound can travel much further. In the same way, we have the ability – beyond words – to communicate with each other and with nature. Use this connection to find your own inner peace.
We are part of the universe and a reflection of nature. Can you use the Full Wolf Moon as a mirror to see your past and future more clearly?
Join our virtual meditation
Join our virtual practice on January 13 at 5:30 PM (EST). Stand in silent meditation in our most powerful Qigong posture, The dragon stands between heaven and earth.