The Outdoor Apothecary is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more
The first full Moon of the year, known as the Full Wolf Moon, will shine brightly in the sky on Monday, January 13, 2025, and reach peak illumination at 5:27 P.M. Eastern Time. At a full Moon, the Moon is located on the opposite side of the Earth to the Sun, so its face toward Earth will be completely illuminated by sunlight.
The Full Moon phase is the third of four primary lunar phases, along with the New Moon, the Third Quarter, and the First Quarter. It is considered a highly spiritual time and is the most spectacular of all four phases. It is during this time that the Moon appears at its brightest and largest. Likewise, it marks the most visible phase of the lunar cycle.
The moon has long been an object of spiritual contemplation, and its phases are studied with reverence by many cultures, inspiring a sense of belonging to nature. The Moon’s gravitational pull on the Earth causes tides to rise and fall, affecting the rhythm of our lives and our surroundings.
Let’s find out more about this amazing celestial body.
Why is it called the Full Wolf Moon?
The January Full Moon is commonly referred to as the Full Wolf Moon due to the Native American tradition of associating the month with howling wolves. In some climates, January is the coldest and most snow-filled month of the year, and it was believed that the howling of wolves was more prevalent during this time of food scarcity and hunger. Howling and other wolf vocalizations are also used to define territory, locate pack members, reinforce social bonds, and coordinate hunting. This association of wolves to January’s Full Moon is a time-honored tradition that has been handed down from generation to generation.
Other Names for the January Full Moon
The full Wolf Moon is the most common name for the January full moon, but other names have been used throughout history to describe this winter full moon. Other names include Stay Home Moon, Ice Moon, Old Moon, Quiet Moon, and Moon After Yule. Native American names include Severe Moon and Center Moon.
If you’re looking to learn more about the moons of the year, their names, and their meaning, here are a few articles to get you going:
- All About The Full Wolf Moon: The First of the Year’s Moons
- March’s Full Moon: Celebrating a Full Worm Moon
- April’s Full Moon: Celebrating the Beauty and Magic of the Pink Moon
- The 12 Full Moons: Their Names, Meaning, and Magical Influence
- Exploring February’s Full Moon: A Night Under a Glowing Snow Moon
- Living By The Moon for Amazing Benefits and Nature Connection
- 6 Full Moon Rituals to Restore Your Sacred Femininity and Connect with Nature
- Strawberry Moon Magic: Exploring the Folklore and Significance of June’s Full Moon
- July’s Full Moon: Exploring the Folklore and Significance of a Buck Moon
- August’s Full Moon: Exploring the Folklore and Significance of a Sturgeon Moon
- September’s Full Moon: Exploring the Folklore and Significance of a Harvest Moon
- October’s Full Moon: Delving into the Traditions and Magic of the Hunter’s Moon
- November’s Full Moon: The Traditions, Magic, and Significance of a Beaver moon
- December’s Full Moon: The Significance, Symbolism, and Folklore of the Cold Moon
Spiritual Meaning of the Full Wolf Moon
The spiritual meaning of a full moon is often connected to completion, illumination, and transformation. This is because full moons are symbolic of the completion of a cycle. With the moon at its fullest, it is said to be the most powerful time for spiritual work, such as meditation and rituals. During a full moon, it is thought that a person’s intuition is heightened, and it is an excellent time to reflect on personal growth. The energy of the full moon is also believed to be a time of renewal and release, providing an opportunity to let go of anything that no longer serves us and to begin anew.
As the full wolf moon rises into the night sky, it offers an opportunity to go into a place of deep self-reflection. The spiritual meaning of the full Wolf Moon is a reminder that there is an unseen connection to your own “pack” that is worth recognizing and honoring. As you delve into this meaning of the Full Wolf Moon, reflect on ways you are connected to your community and how you might protect what matters most.
Full Moon Energy
Ancient peoples used the Full Moon and the Lunar calendar to track the seasons. They named each Full Moon for an entire month, not just for the night of its fullest phase. Each Full Moon has its own energy, and this energy is magnified during a Full Moon. The Full Moon does not just affect us humans; it also affects animals and the Earth itself. A Full Moon causes bigger ocean tides and even extreme meteorological conditions.
Full moon – Two weeks after the new moon, it becomes wholly illuminated by the sun. Hence, we have a full moon, and its orbit is halfway completed.
How do I harness its energy? — During a Full Moon, our emotions are amplified and dreams are intensified. For some people, it is a time of balanced energies. The light of the full moon illuminates our world, allowing us to see the situations in our lives and in our relationships with other people more clearly. It allows us to see things we have ignored or repressed, but also allows us to let go of things or people we have outgrown. Full Moons are a good time to start a new ritual or project.
Full Moon Calendar 2025
In 2025, we’ll be treated to 12 full moons, each with its own unique name and significance. Here’s a handy guide to help you mark your calendar and prepare for these lunar events:
January 13, 2025 – Full Wolf Moon
On Monday, January 13, 2025, at 5:27 PM EST, the Full Wolf Moon will illuminate the night sky. This moon is traditionally associated with the howling of wolves during the cold winter nights.
👉 Read more about the Full Wolf Moon.
February 12, 2025 – Full Snow Moon
The Full Snow Moon will occur on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at 8:53 AM EST. This moon signifies the heavy snowfall that typically occurs during this month.
👉 Read more about February’s Full Snow Moon
March 14, 2025 – Full Worm Moon
Witness the Full Worm Moon on Friday, March 14, 2025, at 2:55 AM EDT. This moon marks the time when the ground begins to thaw, and earthworms reappear, signaling the approach of spring.
👉 Read More about March’s Full Moon
April 12, 2025 – Full Pink Moon
The Full Pink Moon will rise on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at 8:22 PM EDT. Named after the early springtime blooms of the moss pink, or wild ground phlox, this moon heralds the arrival of warmer days.
👉 Read more about April’s Full Moon
May 12, 2025 – Full Flower Moon
On Monday, May 12, 2025, at 12:56 PM EDT, the Full Flower Moon will reach its peak. This moon is named for the abundant blooming flowers during this time of year.
👉 Read more about May’s Full Moon
June 11, 2025 – Full Strawberry Moon
The Full Strawberry Moon will occur on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at 3:44 AM EDT. This moon signifies the ripening of strawberries, ready for harvesting.
👉Read more about June’s Full Moon
July 10, 2025 – Full Buck Moon
On Thursday, July 10, 2025, at 4:37 PM EDT, the Full Buck Moon will be visible. This moon is named for the time when male deer, known as bucks, begin to grow their new antlers.
👉 Read more about July’s Full Moon
August 9, 2025 – Full Sturgeon Moon
The Full Sturgeon Moon will rise on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at 3:55 AM EDT. This moon is named after the large sturgeon fish that were more easily caught during this time of year.
👉 Read more about August’s Full Moon
September 7, 2025 – Full Corn Moon
On Sunday, September 7, 2025, at 2:09 PM EDT, the Full Corn Moon will occur. This moon signifies the time of harvesting corn.
👉 Read more about September’s Full Moon
October 6, 2025 – Full Harvest Moon
The Full Harvest Moon will be on Monday, October 6, 2025, at 11:48 PM EDT. This moon is closest to the autumnal equinox and traditionally allowed farmers to work late into the night by its light.
👉 Read more about October’s Full Moon
November 5, 2025 – Full Beaver Moon
The Full Beaver Moon will occur on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at 8:19 AM EST. This moon is named for the time when beavers begin to prepare for winter.
👉 Explore the folklore of November’s full moon
December 4, 2025 – Full Cold Moon
On Thursday, December 4, 2025, at 6:14 PM EST, the Full Cold Moon will rise. This moon signifies the onset of the cold winter months.
👉 Read more about December’s Full Moon
Honor the Full Moon with a ritual
As we approach the full moon on January 13th, which is known as the full Wolf Moon, I am reminded that we are not separate from these celestial wonders but a part of them.
For centuries among every culture there have been full moon rituals, and yet they seem to be dying out. Herbalists, however, are great keepers of rituals, and most of us have our own celebrations to honor another month around the sun.
Developing and practicing a full moon ritual is one way to reconnect with the natural rhythms of the universe. Here is my favorite full moon ritual that I have used to embrace the many gifts of this blessed time every month and restore my connection to Mother Earth.
According to renowned American herbalist Rosemary Gladstar, “Our inner balance comes to us from our relationship to the moon,” so developing a full moon ritual can help you center and care for yourself during each new or full moon cycle.
MOON WISHES MANIFESTATION RITUAL
Tools: Paper, pen or pencil, matches, glass jar or bowl
This is one of the most rewarding full moon rituals you could perform. It’s highly symbolic and lends itself to lasting feelings of accomplishment, since it lasts all month long.
What to do: List your desires and what you would like to manifest in your life. Feel the possibilities swirl around you. Believe in the outcome and think of ways in the coming month that you can help your desires to become reality. Think of ways you can take action.
Start by lighting a candle, focus on getting present and letting go of everything spinning through your mind.
Spend a few moments thinking about what no longer serves you and what you want to release,
Take the paper and, one by one, jot down the things you’d like to have show up into your life over the next month – these are your full moon wishes.
Place the wish list someplace special: in a special box or jar, for example – and then set it outside to soak up the moonlight.
In the morning, bring the wishes back inside and place them somewhere you will see it daily. It’s a great idea to create a sacred space for keeping your wishes, but make sure it’s somewhere that you can gaze on it daily. Each evening before you go to sleep, take a look at your list and think about those desires.
Other ideas for honoring the full moon
- Gather with friends or family, or go solo to watch the full moon rise in the evening sky.
- Practice yoga or meditation outdoors under the full moon for an extra special experience. If it’s simply too cold where you live, do yoga inside on the night of the full wolf moon.
- Take a nighttime walk and use the full moon’s light as your guide.
- Create a special ritual that honors the full moon and its energy (see above).
- Spend some time journaling and reflecting on how the full moon’s energy affects you.
- Make some sacred moon tea.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
