While we rang in 2025 nearly two weeks ago, there are still a little over two weeks until the lunar calendar transitions into its new year. The transformative Year of the Dragon brought mystery, intrigue, power, and unparalleled potential. On January 29, 2025, the Year of the Snake begins, offering us a new perspective from which to see ourselves and the world around us. The snake is wise, charming, determined, intelligent, and most of all, flexible in both thought and movement.

Full Wolf Moon and Mars

As we enter into a new week, the Full Wolf Moon will take center stage, reaching its peak on Monday, January 13 at 5:27 PM EST. The full moon will also pass in front of Mars, temporarily hiding it from view—an event known as an occultation. In New York City, the Moon’s occultation of Mars will begin at 9:21 PM EST. Before and after the occultation, Mars will be visible with the naked eye, but can be better seen through a telescope or binoculars. Although bright in its own right, the light of the red planet will seem dull alongside the moon, which will appear 40,000 times brighter than Mars.

As this is the last full moon of the Year of the Dragon, the Full Wolf Moon bridges the end of the past year and the beginning of the new year. As such, this moon contains information from both the past and the future.

Naming Traditions

In ancient tradition, full moons were named for various natural events that occurred within the lunar month. Many of these monikers were given by Native American tribes who lived and cared for Earth and all of its creations. While January’s moon is commonly referred to as the Wolf Moon, it has also been called Cold Moon or Ice Moon. Although these names are linked to Native Americans, there are no historical records to support the connection. But for those living in Nature and relying on its resources for survival, winter was a challenging season. One can picture wolf packs howling hungrily outside Native American villages with the dead of winter closing in. People and animals alike conserved resources and learned to consume less food and exert less energy in the winter season.

Connections

Wolves saw an opportunity for survival and developed a peaceful relationship with humans. They observed humans, just as we observe the natural world. Wolves, by nature, hunt cooperatively in packs. They use their howl to locate and communicate with other pack members over great distances at nighttime, when they are most active and the sound can travel much farther. Similarly, we have the ability—beyond words—to communicate with each other and with Nature. Use this connection to find your own inner peace.

We are part of the Universe and a reflection of Nature. Can you use the Full Wolf Moon as a mirror to see your past and future more clearly?

Join Our Virtual Meditation

Join our virtual practice on January 13 at 5:30 PM (EST). Stand in silent meditation in our most powerful Qigong posture, The Dragon Stands Between Heaven and Earth.