The first full moon of the year, often called the Wolf Moon, resonates deeply with ancient cultural connections between wolves and the lunar cycle, particularly in January. This name feels fitting, given the longstanding associations across various traditions.
For instance, in Gaelic, January is faoilleach, derived from faol-chù, meaning “wolf-dog,” despite wolves being absent from Scotland for centuries. Similarly, the Saxon term for January, Wulf-monath or “wolf-month,” reflects this link. In Japan, the festival honoring the wolf god Ooguchi Magami occurs in January, celebrating the animal’s spiritual significance. The Seneca people of North America tie the wolf to the moon so profoundly that their lore describes a wolf singing the moon into existence, birthing it into the sky.
Why Wolves and the January Moon?
The connection between wolves and January’s full moon likely stems from their behavior during this time. January marks the start of the wolf mating season, when packs become more vocal and territorial. Their howls—louder, more frequent, and more intense—serve to assert dominance, ward off rivals, and protect breeding grounds. A small pack may howl in unison to mimic a larger group, amplifying their presence. While a lone wolf’s howl lasts a single breath, a pack can sustain a chorus for over two minutes during this season, creating an eerie, resonant sound that echoes through the night.
Do Wolves Sing to the Moon?
The iconic image of a wolf tilting its head skyward to howl beneath a glowing full moon is familiar, but are they truly serenading the lunar orb? In reality, wolves raise their heads to project their calls over long distances, communicating with pack members. Far from singing to the moon, they’re connecting with their kin. This communal bond is so central to wolf behavior that the Sioux named January’s full moon “the moon where the wolves gather,” honoring their tight-knit social structure.
Across cultures, wolves symbolize loyalty, protection, and community. The Wolf Moon offers a moment to strengthen ties with loved ones, fostering unity to face the year’s challenges together. Yet, the wolf also embodies independence and cunning. In Celtic mythology, wolves are imbued with lunar power, representing their ability to uncover hidden truths and sense danger. Some tales even depict a wolf swallowing the sun to revel in the moon’s vibrant energy.
The Wolf Moon is an ideal time to strategize for the year ahead. Trust your instincts—your inner “wolf”—to guide decisions, but remain diligent in seeking knowledge to support your goals. Like a wolf navigating harsh terrain, persistence and insight will lead you forward.
Full Moon Drumming: A Modern Ritual
Since 1997, the Feeltone community has gathered monthly during the full moon for 2.5 to 3 hours of drumming, either outdoors around a campfire or indoors in a circle. This practice aligns with the moon’s cyclical energy and serves as a meditative pause. Much like global meditation traditions, full moon drumming encourages participants to step away from individual thought patterns, which often trap us in self-created realities. By drumming, we forge new mental pathways, emerging refreshed, calm, and more connected to ourselves and others.
How to Join the Ritual
Participating is simple and accessible. Grab any instrument—drums, rattles, or even your voice—and create sounds, alone or with others. Skill isn’t necessary; the goal is to find a groove and sync with the universal rhythm, what some call the “world’s heartbeat.” The Feeltone community is inspired by stories from those who’ve joined this global practice. Share your experiences in the comments below this post to connect with others.
Craft Your Own Ritual Drum
To deepen your connection to this practice, consider building your own ritual drum. Join Martina’s drum-making course to create and consecrate a drum, or order a drum kit from the Feeltone store to craft one at home. This hands-on process imbues your instrument with personal meaning, amplifying the power of your rhythmic rituals.
By embracing the Wolf Moon’s energy and the primal act of drumming, you can tap into both the communal spirit of the wolf pack and the intuitive wisdom of the lone wolf, setting the tone for a purposeful year.
