Full Wolf Moon

Tonight is the full moon, which is my monthly time for action and release: Today I look again at the “seeds of intention” I planted 2 weeks ago at the new moon, and decide on actions to take. In the next two weeks I take those actions, then I release my expectations in order to clear space for new ideas and new intentions. 

January is the first full month of winter, a time when everything is shrouded in mystery- the sky is gray, trees hold their buds tightly closed, and hidden seeds germinate secretly in the ground. 

The full moon of January is called the Wolf Moon because of the hungry packs of wolves that used to roam for prey at this time of deep winter. Even with no wolves, winter is a scary time- I worry when my family travels in bad weather; I'm anxious about winter illnesses and overdue bills; and I feel vulnerable and unsettled by the violence and political goings on in the world. Unfortunately, at this time of year I am sometimes engulfed in feelings of sadness or worry, with little energy and no motivation. 

Fear limits me; it drains my energy and initiative and stops me from trying anything risky or new. It puts me in a state of foggy stasis. The full Wolf Moon is a good time to ask God to protect my home, my family, and myself, and give me the courage, confidence, and stubborn enthusiasm I need to live well in the mystery of winter. 

Agenda for today:

1. Altar:
It's time to clear my altar and discern what to put on it for the next month. (For my general thoughts on altars see About Altars). I generally keep it simple and choose only things that speak to me and feed me, and reveal what I believe in.

Today I add-

• a piece of quartz, for the purity of winter
• a turtle, for long life and the patient earth
• an empty bowl to symbolize waiting with an open heart and mind
• a house, for the hibernation that is rejuvenating me

Each month at the full moon I add new candles, in colors that symbolize what I want to focus my attention on. Today I add:

• a red candle for courage and confidence. Red is a strong and energetic color, helpful now for reminding me to persevere.
• a pink candle for openness, receptivity, and generosity, and to remind me that vulnerability also takes courage.

I also add a motto or quote to ponder as a theme for the month. This month it's Galatians 5:22-23.

2. Journal:

Review the intentions I set 2 weeks ago, at the new moon. 

Do these goals all still seem vital? 
What are my next steps?
How can I act now with more courage, confidence, and enthusiasm? 

Consider the relationships, new projects, ideas, and missions I am nurturing in my life. 

How can I be more openhearted and patient with these? 

3. Practice at my theme:
My theme this month is receptivity; like the earth- accepting the seed, and willing to nurture it. Receptivity requires that I be open and available, but then also do the work to care for what I receive. 

I've had a great lesson in receptivity since my accident, beginning with receiving help from the EMT's and emergency room staff, my friends and family caring for me, bringing me food, tying my shoes, and (just this week) lifting me up when I got stuck in a squat. I am trying to honor all that attention by being gracious and thankful, working steadily at my physical therapy, being patient with my recovery, and continueing to accept help when I need it.

My goals this month are to:

• remember that I am filled with an abundance of blessings each day;
• receive help gracefully, and nurture myself as I grow in strength and mobility;
• take the time to open myself to inspiration, and then do the work that inspiration gives me;
• nurture my friendships.

4. Visualization: 
Light my pink candle and settle into quiet meditation. Focus on the tender emotion of generous love. Allow a smile to settle on my face and in my heart. Visualize love as soft, tingly, warm, pink light, and see it move from my heart to every part of my body so that every cell is glowing and vibrating. Now see the pink light of love radiating to fill the whole room, then the whole city, and the whole planet earth. See that all people, plants, and animals feel warm and happy. Send an extra dose of love-light to my family and close friends. 
Pray: "Great Spirit, open my heart to generous love."

5. See the Full Moon:
The full moon always rises near to sunset. Since the sun sets early in the winter, it's my favorite season to try to view the moonrise; however, in my climate, the chances of a clear night are slim, and tonight is supposed to be cloudy. I will take a look anyway... ahh, nothing but gray.

6. Take Action:
The full moon is a time to celebrate life, stay up late, see friends, exercise harder, and be more creative and outgoing. The crazy full moon energy builds and builds; it’s best to acknowledge it so it doesn’t throw me off balance. This surge of energy allows me to take action on the intentions I set two weeks ago.