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January Full Moon: The Oak Moon
January 7, 2004 10:40 a.m. EST
The Full Moon is the culmination of the
Waxing moon phase, when the portion of the moon's face illuminated by the sun is increasing. This moon is in its aspect of
the Mother, and its potential and promise is expressed by the image of the fullness of the womb. The moon's cycle now parallels
the point in life's cycle when women become partners and lovers, giving light to the world by providing children for future
generations.
January's full moon is called the Wolf
Moon. Also known as the Cold, Snow, Old, or Winter Moon, it 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 magickal goal will
grow close and closer to fruition.
Historically, the Indians of what are
now the northern and eastern United States kept track of the seasons by giving a distinctive name to each recurring full Moon,
this name being applied to the entire month in which it occurred. With some variations, the same Moon names were used among
most tribes in any given region which experienced similar seasonal variations. Some Native American Full Moon names for January's
moon are the Greetings Maker Moon, Sun Has Not Strength to Thaw, Great Spirit Moon, Time of Flying Ants, When the Snow
Blows Like Spirits in the Wind, Center Moon, Moon of the Strong Cold, When the Old Fellow Spreads the Brush, Big Winter Moon,
Joyful Moon, Winter's Younger Brother, Moon When Snow Drifts Into Tipis, When Animals Lose Their Fat, Moon When Limbs of Trees
are Broken by Snow, Moon When Wolves Run Together, and Whirling Wind Moon.
In the Celtic Tree calendar, we are in the month of the Birch Tree, the first tree to grow on bare soil.The month of the Birch will continue until
January 21st, as the rebirth of the forest begins. The Birch moon is feminine, and rules inceptions and beginnings.
This 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 magickal goal will grow close and closer to fruition." -- from Moon Magick by Lynx Spirit
The Full Moon rises at sunset, and rituals
should be timed accordingly. January's Full Moon will be in the sign
of Cancer. Cancer is a feminine, mutable air sign ruled by the Moon.
This time's "opposition between Sun in Capricorn and
Moon in Cancer embodies the classic tensions between disciplined intellect and wealth of feeling; perseverance in pursuit
of professional goals and the inner nurturing energy of domesticity; the mature male and the youthful female, symbolized by,
among other things, Father Time and the New Year Baby. As the Moon is the ruler of Cancer, it is not surprising that this
time of the year emphasizes the nurturing powers of the feminine, family activities shared within the home, and a time of
introspection following the feasting season of early winter. This year
Mars squares the full moon and Chiron conjoins the Sun. These aspects can trigger aggressive behavior motivated by fear. Instead
of blaming others we need to change our attitudes about our outer world." -- Freya Owlsdottir
Cancer is a feminine, cardinal water sign ruled by the
Moon, which governs the emotions. Under this moon, you may "go into your shell": the hearth and home, mothering, family, and
comfort are important now. This sign identifies needs, nurtures and supports growth, and provides solace and safety. Seek
protection and healing, for yourself and those you love, under this sign. You will also find that your psychic powers are
at their peak under a Cancer moon. This time is not most favorable for making an impact on the material world, but it is ideal
for looking inward, seeing the truth of things, and helping others.
Cancer's Full Moon is "best time to work
magick for home life. Healing rituals for illnesses of the chest or stomach are also done during this period of time." -- Celtic Lady's Lunar Magick
Full Moon rituals and spell work should be focused on the expansive power
and nurturing aspects of objectives such as creativity, dreams, love and sensuality, friends and family, psychic ability,
healing, prosperity, and personal growth. The full moon is an optimal time for all spellwork. This is a fine time to give
birth to ideas and works that nourish the spirit and the body. Lucky energies are high now, so take a chance at success. If
you are making changes in your life, keep your eyes open to see how you can move into a more desirable position. Now is the
time to get everything running smoothly. Additionally, under this Elder "Moon of the Darkest Depths", spellwork with goals
of exorcism and banishing are favored.
The Full Moon "is a time to charge crystals, Stones and personal items.
This is also the time when I harvest the Wood for my Wands and Bless the wands already made. The Full Moon is a boost to any
magical workings especially if they are a bit complicated. It is also very beneficial to make 'Moon energized Water' to Drink
or to use at a later date." -- Aana's Moonrise Wands
Business Under the Full Moon: from "fourteen to twenty-one days of
the cycle. Time for a major meeting; let everyone review, realign, and argue; if anything is to be presented to the public
this is the opportune moment. If it isnt completely ready, wait till the new." -- Johanna Ellen Corn-MacPherson's Astrojems
Full Moon Invocation
Bright Mother Moon,
Shining down
on us all,
All truths are revealed by Your radiant light.
Womb of the world,
Mistress of waters,
Giver
of life to the darkness of night,
Fill my body and spirit tonight.
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From the East, Your breath sends perceptive
visions (light incense)
-
From the South, Your fire inflames my heart
with compassion (light candle)
-
From the West, Your waters stir my blood
with power (bless water with salt)
-
From the North, Your earth supports and
nourishes all life (annoint self with water)
Invigorate both body and spirit tonight.
Isis, Vesta, Frigga, Macha,
O radiant Mother,
swollen with life,
Ever-vigilant and all-seeing, your love without limit,
Your face -- seen and unseen -- always upon
us,
Empower Your earth-bound daughter tonight!
Brighid, Hathor, Skaši, Juno,
Sacred faces and names from the shadows of time,
I draw down Your spirit,
Your grace, and Your light,
I invoke Your energy, Your presence, and Your might,
Be manifest with Your daughter tonight!
Guide me in service to Your blessed will,
Your own brilliant wisdom within me instill,
Let it be so! Let your will
be mine!
Let Your spirit fill me as I dance in Your light!
-- Juno, inspired by the rituals of Tempest
Upon reaching fullness, the moon begins to wane and grow smaller, and a dark crescent appears on the
right side. When the right half of the moon is dark, it has reached 3rd Quarter.This will occur on January 14th,
in the sign of Libra. When the moon is three-fourths dark, it is called waning gibbous, and its light will continue to decrease
until it is completely in shadow and reaches its 4th Quarter, becoming the New Moon again on January 21st, in the sign of Aquarius. The last moon of the month will be the
the 1st Quarter, on January 29th, in the sign of Taurus.
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