The Wolf Moon
Guidance as we flow from one year to the next.
This next lunar cycle known as the Wolf Moon will carry us from 2025 into 2026. It begins with a New Moon in Sagittarius rising from December 19th to 20th. This New Moon carries us into Solstice on December 21st. For those of us in the Northern Hemisphere the Solstice brings us into winter and into the darkest day of the year. As we celebrate the return of light, we are reminded of the importance of the dark.
Darkness is not an absence. It is a presence. We could not have light without the dark.
The long dark nights naturally invite us into introspection and reflection. This is the perfect time to pause and reflect on 2025. Count your blessings with gratitude for all that you have and all that you are. Release what is not yours to carry. Sow seeds of intention for the new year that will help you remember who you are and how you want to be in 2026.
On January 3rd, we welcome the Full Moon in Cancer. The Cancer moon is strongly associated with the home. It is a good time to clean out what is no longer needed. You may choose to light a candle or a smudge stick and pass through each room offering a cleansing blessing. Clear out any places that no longer feel alive and are keeping you stuck.
Offer the same blessings to yourself. Pay particular attention to those places where you may have built up a hard shell of protection. Learning from the crab of Cancer, shed your shell designed to protect you from fear, vulnerability and judgement as you welcome new areas of growth in your life.
To be who we are called to be will require vulnerability and resilience as we stand with the strength and confidence of the Wolf.
As we work with the Wolf Moon we can tap into the energies at play with the New Moon, the Full Moon and the lunar cycle itself. Below are some prompts to help you as you think about what each lunar phase is inviting you into and how these energies are actually working together for your highest good. Grab your journal and let’s dig in!
New Moon in Sagittarius
This is the last New Moon of the 2025 calendar year. It is a wonderful time for self-reflection. Take stock of where you are now and then dream big for 2026.
With the element of fire by her side from Sagittarius this New Moon invites enthusiasm, adventure, inspiration and passion. This moon is forward looking and is here to help you ring in the new year with an invitation to step into your purpose with freedom to be your authentic self.
This moon invites us to think about how we can remember who we are at our core, deep in our bones, before societal conditioning took hold. It’s time to reclaim our inner strength and stand with confidence as we move into the new year.
Prompts to work with as you reflect on this New Moon. Choose one or try them all out. If nothing resonates, write your own.
What excites you? What are most passionate about?
Is there something new you have always wanted to try?
What would you be proudest of looking back one year from now?
What do you need to do to feel most aligned as you move forward into the new year?
How do you want to feel in 2026?
Full Moon in Cancer
The fire energy of Sagittarius is balanced with the water energy of Cancer with the coming of the Full Moon on January 3, 2026. This moon asks us to take a breath to honor the ebb and flow of our emotions.
This is the first full moon following the Solstice where we emerge from the dark. As the full moon rises and light begins to return, what is rising within you? This is the time to really feel into your deep knowing about who you are and what you want to manifest in the new year.
Discern if there is anything standing in your way. Consider where you are called to hold space for others and when it is time to hold space for you own needs.
Prompts to work with for full moon reflection. Again, take what you like and leave the rest.
To what or whom do you give your power away?
Where are feeling stuck?
What might it take to feel safe and at home within yourself?
What needs to change for you to truly embody the vision you have for 2026?
The Wolf Moon
This powerful lunar cycle is symbolized by the Wolf. Our culture has mischaracterized the wolf teaching us to fear them when in fact wolves are multi-dimensional creatures that have much to teach us. Wolves are incredibly resilient creatures who are loyal to their pack and yet still fiercely independent when they hunt. Just like the Solstice teaches us about the balance between light and dark, the wolf invites us into balance between strength and gentleness.
I offer this one simple prompt as you reflect on this lunar cycle.
How can you embody the characteristics of the wolf as you enter into the coming year?
Living in Alignment with the Moon
After you have reflected on each of these energies separately, now take a moment to think about how they work together. What does Grandmother Moon have to teach you as you think about the fire-y New Moon and the water-y Full Moon? Then consider what the passionate New Moon and the gentle Wolf Moon have to teach you. What message lies within the emotional Full Moon and the resilient Wolf Moon? Finally, put it all together.
What is one thing you are being called into as you contemplate this lunar cycle?
Set your intention and check back in frequently. As the moon waxes to fullness and wanes once again into darkness, are you on track? Do you have any new insights? What might you need to finish or let go of?
My hope is that you will use this tool as a way to deepen your own inner knowing, remember who you are deep in your bones and lean into the resilience it takes to continually show up for your divine calling.
A Blessing for the Season
May the long night of the Solstice remind us of the beauty in stillness,
and may the returning light awaken hope within our hearts.
As the Wolf Moon rises, luminous and steady,
may her silver glow guide us through the unknown,
teaching us to walk with trust, kinship, and deep belonging.
May the turning of the seasons bless our paths with renewal,
and may the harmony of Earth and Sky
draw us ever closer to the sacred rhythm of life.
Go forth with the calm strength of Wolf,
the wisdom of Grandmother Moon,
and the tender promise of light reborn.
May it be so. Frolic on.
Note: Each month I lead a guided journaling practice to help you live in alignment with the moon. If this is a new experience for you, you can check out a video in the post below. The sessions are free and open to anyone who would like to join. Recordings are available as a benefit to paid subscribers.
The Cold Moon
On Thursday, November 20, 2025, we enter into a new moon. During this time, the moon is positioned between the earth and the sun making it invisible to the naked eye. The new moon signifies a new lunar month and is the perfect time to pause for self-reflection.
Wolf Moon Journal Practice Recording
Here is more information about how to access yesterday’s guided journaling practice to live in alignment with the Wolf Moon. Not a paid subscriber? No worries. Claim your free post to check it out.
Wolf Moon
Today I had the pleasure of hosting a guided journaling practice to hold space for those that are interested in living in alignment with the moon.
NEW Online Event: Live in Alignment with the Snow Moon
Join me on Wednesday, January 14th at 4:00 pm eastern on Zoom for a 45-minute guided journaling practice to set your intentions with the Snow Moon lunar cycle. This event is free and open to anyone who would like to know more about how to work with the energies at play with the upcoming lunar cycle. Bring a journal or a large piece of paper and something to write with. Let’s frolic!
In addition to writing, Barbara Doane is a soul-aligned career coach and entrepreneurial doula. She works with individuals one-on-one to help them find clarity of purpose and birth their ideas out into the world. Work with Barbara to create a life that regenerates instead of depletes your soul. Our time here is limited. Stop waiting for “someday.” It’s time to Find Your Frolic today
