Wolf Moon
The first lunar cycle of the new year
On Monday, December 30, 2024, we entered into the first lunar cycle of the new year with a new moon in Capricorn known as a Wolf Moon. The moon will wax until it reaches a full moon on January 13, 2025. After that point it will wane until the next lunar cycle begins with another new moon on January 29, 2025 called a Snow Moon.
The moon fascinates me. I love how the cycle mimics the breath with a deep inhale as it grows in size reaching a crest at the top of the breath and wanes on the exhale. The moon teaches us how to live in harmony with the rhythm of nature and our bodies. I often refer to her as Grandmother Moon for she is a wise teacher. I love living in alignment with her magic.
I recently came across a lovely 13 moon journal. It is beautifully illustrated. I actually find that it is too pretty to write in. I will save it for reference and will work in my smashbook where I know I can’t make a mistake.
Shall we Smashbook?
If you have always wanted to journal regularly or want to think of something creative to do with that box of cards, photos and notes you’ve kept under your bed then learning to Smashbook might be of interest to you.
The introductory pages of this journal contained instructions on how to deepen one’s practice with the moon. I was all in as soon as I read it. I already have a full moon practice, but I have yet to find a new moon practice until now. This exercise in thoughtful reflection helped me set my intentions for the upcoming lunar cycle. I found it extremely helpful. I am sharing in the hopes that you will take something from it as well if it suits you. As always, take what you like and leave the rest.
The goal is to use the energy behind the new moon, full moon and moon cycle to complete a venn-diagram. Start from the outside and work your way into the inner circle where you will emerge with an action step. I’ve captured a few examples from the journal for your reference.
The Wolf Moon provides the following energies to work with:
Capricorn New Moon: This is all about prioritizing our commitments and maintaining a practical approach to life. This is a moon that likes to get organized and get shit done. Capricorn energy is an earth sign that brings discipline, structure and long-term goal setting. There is a part of me that resonates deeply with this moon energy. It is also excellent energy to propel us forward into the start of a new year.
Cancer Full Moon: It is so interesting that a Capricorn new moon is followed by a Cancer full moon which is all about the softer side. This speaks to the balance and wisdom we can find with Grandmother Moon. A full moon in Cancer is about intuition, empathy, healing and self-care. It encourages us to embrace vulnerability, deepen our connections and attune to the needs of ourselves and our loved ones. This feels like divine feminine energy brought in to balance the divine masculine energy of the new moon.
The Wolf Moon: The energy behind the wolf moon asks us to face our deepest fears. It calls on our inner strength and intuition. As the journal suggests, it is a “gentle wake-up call for your spirit as we enter the new year.”
Complete your own venn-diagram.
Now that you are aware of the energies behind this lunar cycle, it is time to complete your own venn-diagram. Simply draw three circles overlapping as shown in the pictures above. Start working from the outside in. Think about what the Capricorn new moon would need from you and so on. Fill out the next layer by thinking about what the new moon and full moon energies would ask of you as they work together. Continue until all combinations are complete. Finally, complete the center circle with the one thing that could satisfy all energies. The result may be the thing you choose to focus on for this lunar cycle.
As with any new practice, be patient with yourself. Be open about what might come up. You can always revisit as new inspiration comes your way. I plan to revisit my diagram at the full moon to see if it still resonates. If not, I may adjust or do another one. We shall see.
Until then, I wish you all many blessing for the coming year. May 2025 be full of joy and frolic for us all. I also want to thank those of you that have shown your support by becoming a paid subscriber. Your contribution means more than you know. I am so grateful.
Be well and frolic on!
If you would like a 13 moon journal of your own, you can find it here at Moon Phase Studios. Please note that I am not affiliated with this company in any way. Just passing on a resource I found helpful. Enjoy!
In addition to writing, Barbara Doane is an executive 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.
