In January, the full moon bathes the world in a cold, silent glow. Having passed the winter solstice, the nights remain long and cold.
Julius Caesar named January after Janus, the God of new beginnings with two faces—one looking forward, one back. Before this, January had no name. As harvest stores dwindled and war became impractical due to the cold, people took a break. The tradition of New Year resolutions dates back to Babylonian times, uniting cultures in moments of reflection.
Attempting significant changes in January is challenging due to limited sunlight. The month often carries a sense of melancholy, mirroring the cycle of the wolf moon, where wolves howl in dark, cold nights, possibly out of hunger.
Our own howls in January may echo a deep hunger—for light, nourishment, and connection during less radiant moments. Despite the loneliness, the wolf moon, known in Celtic traditions as the Quiet Moon, invites us to go inside, be silent, and nourish ourselves with gentleness and love.
Embracing the Quiet Moon means resting in the dark, trusting that our inner howling will find understanding. As we navigate January's introspective journey, let us honor the Quiet Moon, embracing stillness and being gentle with ourselves, trusting that our howls for light and connection will be answered.
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