Tidings of Warmth at the Cold Moon
Also Known As: Quiet Moon, Snow Moon, Wolf Moon, Cooking Moon, Chaste Moon, Moon of the Terrible, Disting Moon, Moon of Little Winter
Element: air
Nature Spirits: gnomes, brownies
Herbs: marjoram, holy thistle, nuts, cones, seeds
Colors: brilliant white, blue-violet, black, silver
Flowers: snowdrop, crocus
Scents: musk, mimosa
Stones: garnet, onyx, jet, chrysoprase, hematite
Trees: birch, hazel
Animals: fox, coyote
Birds: pheasant, blue jay
Deities: Freyja, Inanna, Sarasvati, Hera, Ch'ang-O, Sinn
Power Flow: sluggish, below the surface; beginning and conceiving. Protection, reversing spells. Conserving energy by working on personal problems that involve no one else. Getting your various bodies to work smoothly together for the same goals.
Mantra: I choose goals within my grasp, that are my own desires.
Info on This Moon From About Dot Com: In January, the nights are long and dark, and many of us are trying to stay warm under a blanket of snow as the Cold Moon approaches (in some cultures, the Cold Moon is the name given to December's moon, instead). The native tribes of North America called this time the Wolf Moon, because this was when the wolves were howling, hungry, outside lodges where people stayed warm within. This time of year, we're all feeling a bit slow and "off" as our bodies adjust to chillier temperatures.
This is a good time to work on magic related to protection, both physical and spiritual. Use this time to develop your inner self, and advance spiritually, becoming closer to the higher aspects of your deities.
BY THE BOOKS
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Wicca and Witchcraft by Denise Zimmerman and Katherine A. Gleason
The Wolf Moon, also known as the Cold, Snow, or Winter Moon, is a time of protection and strength. While it is the first full Moon of the calendar year, in terms of nature it occurs in the middle of the cold winter season, a season of death and desolation. In these respects, the Wolf Moon can be seen as a time of both beginnings and endings. This is the time to start to consider what you want to plant and plan for the spring. You can do magick so that as the spring approaches your magical goal will grow closer and closer to fruition.
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Paganism by Carl McColman
JANUARY (Wolf Moon)-- Light candles, honor winter's last few weeks of fury and plan new projects.
The Craft - A Witch's Book of Shadows by Dorothy Morrison
Name: Wolf
Cakes & Ale: sugar cookies and apple juice
Colors: rose or burgundy
Altar Decor: pine branch, burgundy or rose candles, pictures of family and friends
Incense pine
Esbat Purpose: Celebrate the predator and its strength and family
Try Drawing the Circle With: a pine branch
Witch's Brew: Good Spells for Peace of Mind by Witch Bree
January's Wolf Moon is a time to recognize strength of spirit.
Witches Datebook by Edain McCoy (2002)
As our spirits wax with the new calender year, the Rowan Moon compels us to achieve the inner strength that allows us to triumph over enemies and danger. The rowan has been used for protecting dwellings, barns, and graveyards; to enhance healing and divination rituals; and to increase our own sense of inner power so that we can flow with-- never against-- the spiral forces of the universe.
Witches Datebook by Edain McCoy (2006)
The first lunar cycle after midwinter is known as the Cold Moon. This lunation corresponds to the Rowan Moon of Celtic traditions, and both echo the themes of introspection.
The winters past of not-so-long-ago meant long dark nights, scarcity of food, and a life lived indoors illuminated only by fire. We can easily imagine one of our ancestors wrapped in a thick fur hide by night, staring mesmerized into the flames that meant the difference between survival and death. The full Cold Moon was a welcome light as it fell across the blue-white landscape.
While gazing into your own Cold Moon Ritual fire, ask the Cailleach, the crone Goddess of the Celtic winter, to guide your introspection from daydreams to realized magic.
Cailleach, lady of icy blue,
Bless the flames and show me true;
Where am I going? What must I do?
Cailleach, lady of icy blue.
Witches Datebook by Dallas Jennifer Cobb
The Full Moon rises in January while the wild winter wind howls. Like the wolves that stalked early villages, it prowls and growls, hungry and hunting, this Moon of deepest winter. Inside, gather close to the warmth of hearth and home. Draw a cloak of protection and strength around you, and the journey within. Let the darkness of the season shelter your plans and dreams. Inner visions appear, spurring us to plan what we will plant, for ahead likes the fertile cycle. Both in the spirit world and within the earth new life gathers its energies, preparing.
Take time for quiet contemplation of what is to come. Focus on preparation and protection in the privacy of loved ones, for strength grows in the quiet time as we are readied for the season ahead.
Snow Moon, Cold Moon, Quiet Moon abide,
Let protection and strength grow inside,
Inanna, Sarasvati, Hera, and Sinn,
Sew new beginnings deep within.
Witches Datebook by Elizabeth Barrette
Many Native American tribes name the months or "Moons" based on important local natural events. To the Cherokee, January is the Cold Moon. Fierce northern air howls down to strip the heat from the world. To the Choctaw, this is the Cooking Moon. Dried fruits, vegetables, and meats from storage help the tribe survive the winter, but they take a long time to cook. To the Dakota Sioux, this is the Moon of the Terrible. Not only can winters on the plains be devastating, but many legends relate dire events-- and this is a time of year for telling stories.
January is the peak of winter. The nights are long and dark. The weather is harsh and cold. Honor this time by working with its quiet, introspective energy. Now is a good time to make warm winter clothes if you knit, crochet, or sew. Cook foods that take a long time to prepare, such as soups and slow-cooker recipes or bake winter root vegetables such as potatoes and turnips. Large meat dishes such as ham and turkey are also appropriate.
For Ritual themes, consider the home and hearth. Tell stories to create the framework of a Ritual or to socialize afterwards.
A safe and happy holiday to all who celebrate~!