The January Full Wolf Moon in 2019 will be quite the sight to see, and very powerful. As the moon rises on the 21st, we’ll be treated to a total lunar eclipse; this phenomena is commonly known as a blood moon. A blood moon occurs when the Earth comes between the Sun and Moon. The Sun’s light then bends towards the Moon, casting a spooky reddish hue on it. The moon, in it’s red veil, should be visible throughout North America; weather dependent. If you’d like to view the blood moon, it will begin at approximately 7:35 P.M. MST on January 20 and end at 12:50 A.M. MST on January 21. The moon will be totally full at 10:16 MST on January 20th.
But wait, there’s more to this blood moon than your regular blood moon. This one takes place during a supermoon, which only occurs when a full moon phase coincides with the point in its orbit when it comes closest to Earth. Or, in simpler terms, it appears to be much closer to earth than usual, or super-sized. To put it in other terms, the January full moon will appear 14 percent larger and 30 percent brighter than it normally does.
As always, this ritual uses the cleansing flames from an open fire for the clearing process. We encourage people to bring the things, or a symbol of those things that they wish to permanently release from their lives, to be consumed in the flames; this can include just about anything. If something is too large, non-flammable, or a living being, then the participants can write them on paper and burn the paper symbolically.
What You’ll Need For This Ritual
Quarter Candles (yellow, red, blue, green)
Anthame
Large White Goddess Candle – I prefer a three wick candle to symbolize the triple Goddess
Paper and pencils
Throughout this ritual, any text surrounded by these symbols < > should be considered instructional and not spoken aloud but done in accordance with the directions
Music
This month’s musical selection is too long to be incorporated into the ritual, but definitely worth listening to when you have time. It’s a complete album entitled Moon Chants – Healing Music #5 – Most appropriate for a full moon listening session or after-party.
Ritual Begins
Cold winds and skies gray; Healing light that grows each day; Souls and magick gathered here; safe within this sacred sphere!
Calling the Quarters
Come forth all ye spirits of the East, come forth. Great Master of Air; cold and invigorating. Your icy blasts rule the skies, but not for much longer. Impart us with your wisdom before the seasons change.
Come forth all ye spirits of the South, come forth. Great Master of Fire; scorching and yet pleasing. Flames lick the soul of the world. Warm us and bid farewell to the snow.
Come forth all ye spirits of the West, come forth. Great Master of Water; cleansing and everlasting. Wetness that quenches all thirst and gives life to the green. Flow once again in swift, clear streams.
Come forth all ye spirits of the North, come forth. Great Master of Earth; firm of footing and pure of foundation. Tis no thanks worthy for the lands that provide for and feed the living.
Great Goddess, Lady of Eternal Peace, Woman of Glory, Queen of the Frozen Fields; Welcome and blessed be
Opening statement
The Native American Tribes called the January full moon, the wolf moon, as it shone brightly when hungry wolves were crying out at night. It is also known as the Old Moon and some Native American tribes call January’s moon, the Snow Moon (also another name for the February full moon). Some pagans call this the Moon After Yule.
Lesson of the Session – Deciphering The Blood Moon – Is It An Omen?
A Blood Moon represents different things to different people. To some, it’s a sign of impending doom. To others it signifies something prophetic or apocalyptic is soon to happen. Still others say it represents the death of one cycle and a simultaneous birth of another; some of these cycles are vague, but nonetheless important. Over time, organized religious groups have tried to “own” the blood moon. They try in vain to connect the blood moon with a litany of religious-based prophecies, in failed attempt after failed attempt to control their flocks. This originates from the fact that Christianity has long associated blood as a redemptive tool, using the fable of a crucified human man as the focal point. Of course, these are but a few examples; The list goes on and on and on. Sadly, this presents an environment that leaves many people with questions or feeling unfulfilled.
Some practitioners of the metaphysical arts might make the link between blood and magick. Yes, it’s a real thing, but can be dangerous or even deadly, when practiced by an amateur or initiate. It’s always been considered very powerful; possibly more powerful than the user is able to handle and can lead to chaos and trouble. It takes decades of serious work to get a comfort level of working with blood magick, regardless of what anyone says. Usually it’s associated with the dark path, violence, torture, and many other negative images such as sacrifice and dominance. It’s a choice that some make, but most others avoid respectfully.
The Blood Wolf Supermoon isn’t about blood specifically, nor is it about prophecy. But it does provide us with an opportunity to ponder it’s meaning and that time spent in thought will hopefully add understanding to our own lives. The moon has always been a source of mystery to terrestrial beings; humans included. For most of human existence, it was believed to be a source of magick. That belief led to rituals being created around the moon and the different phases. Today we realize that it’s not a source of magick; but a source of great energy. That energy can be utilized by humans to enhance their own magickal abilities and strengthen their spellwork. We know that the human subconsciousness is ruled by the energy of the moon. When the moon is full, we feel things differently; we’re more alive and awoke.
It is through our blood which that peak energy is realized. Our natural desires grow stronger; our passion is at peak levels and we long to be intimate with our chosen partner(s). We can’t sleep because our minds are working overtime and we’re sensitive to much more than usual. A Blood Moon when coupled with a supermoon literally pushes that energy up a few notches; almost to an “anything goes” situation. The world will be filled with revved-up people moving constantly, but somehow directionless; they will have more energy than they can manage.
The Blood Moon is there to remind those of us who understand energy and understand this heightened time, that we are the guides to those who may not understand it. It’s a teaching moment; one you can share with anyone who has an open mind. Energy misused has an untold potential for dangerous outcomes, even if the user doesn’t realize they are using it. Be vigilant and offer a calming word or share some of your valuable time with anyone who seems all worked up and doesn’t know why. It’s just the moon whispering to them and it will pass.
Winter Cleansing
The Wolf Moon is a perfect time for cleansing; surrendering the tidbits of bad energy from the old year and refueling with the energy of the new year. This is a time for releasing yourself from the past and starting anew – this time for real – I mean it…no more saying you’ll release things and then circling back to them when it convenient.
The Great Guardians of the South have provided us with this cauldron of cleansing flames to consume that which is old and no longer valid in our lives; by burning the remnants of things useless and without value, we should use these flames to strike them from our memories.
<Offer each person paper/pencil to write things down>
Each of you may come to the cauldron when you are ready to cast the unwanted from your life and create an open space to fill with things that have meaning. As you burn each item, state the following, “I give up freely that which is no longer serving me”
<Once everyone has burned their items, have the group join hands and say the following>
We gather tonight by the light of this Wolf Moon, we feel the chill of winter on our faces, we see the first signs that the ice and snow are taking hold. The darkness is heavy and deep across the land, yet we refuse to surrender to the winter; instead we celebrate the season, and rejoice, for our bodies and minds are now cleansed and we are ready to fill those empty spaces with those things which strengthen our spirits and provide us with direction to grow and flourish. May the next turn of the Wheel bring us love and compassion, abundance and prosperity, fertility and life – As the moon above, so the earth below. So Mote it Be!
<Depending on your particular beliefs, you can either take this time to share cakes and ale among those gathered, pass a talking stick and share thoughts on the future, or you can skip it altogether and go right to the closing>
The Great Guardians of the South have provided us with this cauldron of cleansing flames to consume that which is old and no longer valid in our lives; by burning the remnants of things useless and without value, we should use these flames to strike them from our memories.
<Offer each person paper/pencil to write things down>
Each of you may come to the cauldron when you are ready to cast the unwanted from your life and create an open space to fill with things that have meaning. As you burn each item, state the following, “I give up freely that which is no longer serving me”
<Once everyone has burned their items, have the group join hands and say the following>
“We gather tonight by the light of this Full Wolf Blood Supermoon, we feel the chill of winter on our faces, we know the days are growing longer, but still are surrounded by the hold of winter. The darkness is heavy and deep across the land, yet we refuse to surrender; instead we celebrate the season, and rejoice, for our bodies and minds are now cleansed and we are ready to fill those empty spaces with those things which strengthen our spirits and provide us with direction to grow and flourish. May the next turn of the Wheel bring us love and compassion, abundance and prosperity, fertility and life – As the moon above, so the earth below. So Mote it Be!
<Depending on your particular beliefs, you can either take this time to share cakes and ale among those gathered, pass a talking stick and share thoughts on the future, or you can skip it altogether and go right to the closing>
Closing the circle
Spirits of the Earthly realm, thank you for your presence in our circle this night. May we be blessed with the ability to remain centered and strong. We bid you farewell.
Spirits of Watery realm, thank you for your presence in our circle this night. May we be blessed with the ability to flow with life’s currents. We bid you farewell.
Spirits of the Fiery realm, thank you for your presence in our circle this night. May we be blessed with the ability to find the beacon that illuminates the way ahead. We bid you farewell.
Spirits of the Airy realm, thank you for your presence in our circle this night. May we be blessed with the ability to rise above difficulties that may challenge us. We bid you farewell.
Great Goddess, we thank you for your wisdom and love. Thank you for sharing this night with us in our sacred space.
This circle is open but unbroken, No longer sacred this space I decree.
May the Blessed Ones guide our paths, In faith and unity, blessed be.
Additional Reading
Blood Moon – Harbinger of Doom, End of Days, or Just Cool Looking?
- October’s Full Hunter’s Moon 2024 -Joining the Ancient Hunt - October 12, 2024
- September’s Full Harvest Moon Ritual for 2024 - September 12, 2024
- May’s Full Flower Moon 2024 – Blessed Abundance - May 22, 2024
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