Wolf Moon- Full Moon in Cancer 2022

The Name:

January’s full moon marks the first Full Moon event for 2022 according to the Gregorian calendar. Often referred to as the Wolf Moon, this moon occurs during a time of year where it’s usual to hear Wolves howling in the night. But why is it called the Wolf Moon? What if I don’t have wolves in my area?

Moon phases are named after phenological events going on during that cycle, and the names we have adapted collectively come from the Farmer’s Almanac which states: “The full Moon names used by The Old Farmer’s Almanac come from a number of places, including Native American, Colonial American, and European sources. Traditionally, each full Moon name was applied to the entire lunar month in which it occurred, not just to the full Moon itself.”

As you see, full moon names aren’t just fun little names for one phase in it’s cycle, but rather the names of the months for cultures that observed their own versions of a lunar calendar.

In Penobscot culture the moon is called αkəlo-ssaməwhsit-kisohs- “moon that provides a little food grudgingly” this phase is a lunar month that started at the first new moon and ends before the next new moon.

If you could name the moon cycle this month what would it be? It’s been a stormy January here, so Snow and Ice Moon seems more appropriate. There’s also been some Bobcat sightings in my area this year, so if I were to name it after an animal, Bobcat Moon is applicable. What would yours be?

Cancer Moon

Every month the moon sits in opposition to the sun, this allows the sun to illuminate it to it’s fullest, thus creating the full moon. This means that the full moon will always be in the opposite sign of the sun. We are currently in a solar Capricorn season, and will soon be moving into Aquarius. Cancer is the opposite sign of Capricorn, so both energies are presenting themselves strongly. Headbutting and creating a conflict between our conscious mind and our emotional inner self.

Cancer is the mother archetype in the zodiac, and Capricorn is the father. Opposition is a hard aspect that creates a nagging energy between the two. Think about parents arguing, if you will. With the current Mercury retrograde, miscommunication may also influence this energy as well. Ever argued with someone and you’re both saying the same thing, but insist the other is still wrong? Something like that.

We also have two other planets in retrograde, Venus and Uranus. The moon is also in opposition with Venus, whose retrograde is reflecting back Cancer energy even though it is in Capricorn. Emotions surrounding love, beauty, finances, possessions, may all be felt rather intensely right now. The Moon is Quintile Uranus retrograde which is reflecting more of an easy flow of creative energy in Scorpio even though it’s in Taurus. This can be amplifying internalized thoughts on what you feel like needs to change in your life.

Lots of water energy. Lots of emotions. Lots to reflect on. Think before you speak, reflect before you act. You’ll survive!!!

In the meantime, here’s some music to get you by.