January’s 2023 Full Moon in Cancer, “The Wolf Moon” Explained
The January full moon is in the water sign Cancer, however, since we are now in 2023, it will just be seen at the end of the first week, and moving forward it will appear in the air sign of Gemini. Therefore, this full moon will have characteristics of both zodiac signs, Cancer and Gemini. Also known as the “Wolf Moon,” the first full moon of the New Year will shine bright on Friday, Jan. 6th in the Gemini constellation. The January full moon received its name from Native Americans because it is said that wolves were more frequently heard howling this time of year. Additionally, the Wolf Moon is referenced across many cultures including the Anglo-Saxons who referred to the moon as “Wulf Monath,” which translates to “Wolf Month,” according to an article written by Preeti Kulkarni from Lifestyle Asia. Kulkarni further reports in Gaelic, the word for January is “Faoilleach,” which originates from the term used for wolves, “faol-chù.”
Like every full moon, you can expect subconscious and inner emotions to come to the surface with the Wolf Moon. What makes this lunation different from other full moons is that the energies will not be nearly as menacing as the name suggests. In fact, the energies of this full moon will be supportive of the comforts of home, enabling us to decompress, find relaxation, peace, and the ability to slow down and enjoy being in the moment. This is a perfect time for some self-reflection or journal work, meditation, and finding a quiet place to sit in stillness to release anything that may have burdened you from 2022. You may want to reflect on questions such as, what things are no longer serving me and what must I release so I can start living my best life? Allowing yourself the time to process this release will grant you the energetic space and foundation for growth, expansion, and clarity in 2023.
With that said, I feel it is important to dive deeper into discussing the expression of Gemini for several important reasons. Here’s why. The zodiac sign Gemini, known as the symbol of the twins, sparks interest in communication, and noticing the details. As the zodiac sign that is ruled by the planet Mercury, it is important to note that this planet is currently in retrograde through 1/18. The planet Mercury is the ruler of communication, technology, and travel. With this in mind, have self-awareness and reflect on how you communicate with others. For example, are you oversharing with others? Are you speaking your personal truth from your most authentic self? Do you refrain from speaking out due to fear? Because communication is the expression of the throat chakra, you may also want to reflect on what you manifested in 2022 since the throat chakra is one of the chakras responsible for bringing forth things into physical manifestation. When we are aligned with who we are authentically and express this outward into our reality, we are able to manifest our goals quickly and easily because we are a vibrational match to the soul, which is unconditional love. Therefore, when we speak or do things that are not harmonious with who we are authentically, we no longer vibrate at our highest capacity and fall out of alignment. So, during this full moon, do something for yourself that feels good for your soul as part of your self-care practice, which assists in amplifying your manifesting powers, and aligning you to achieve your goals.
Other notable transits this month include:
Mercury is in retrograde through January 18th.
1/21 marks the New Moon in Aquarius and the end of the year of the Water Tiger.
1/22 kicks off the year of the Rabbit for 2023, which brings forth the energies of hope, relaxation, balance, good luck, love, and abundance.
Would you like to learn more about the 2023 lunar calendar?
Track the moon with this easy-to-read, instantly downloadable and print from home, 2023 astrological calendar that displays the major lunar cycles each month.
It’s perfect for home decor, as a gift, addition to your spiritual journal, or save it as the background on your phone or laptop.
This Calendar Includes:
Lunar & solar eclipses
New moons, full moons, and their zodiac signs
First quarter moons, last quarter moons
The start of each new season
Mercury in Retrogrades
Space to write in your goals for the year
Discover The Chakra To Ya Shop
References:
Kulkarni, Preeti, Lifestyle Asia, "Wolf Moon 2023: How the full moon signals time of transformation and impacts the zodiacs,” https://www.lifestyleasia.com/ind/astrology/zodiacs/wolf-moon-2023-how-the-full-moon-impacts-the-zodiacs/