The first full moon of the new year is rapidly approaching, and for everyone who loves to look up at the celestial beauties over the Atlanta skyline, this is big news!
Of course, firsts of the new year are always important, and the Wolf Moon is no different. According to Astronomy.com, the first full moon of the new year is set to arrive on Thursday, January 25th at exactly 12:54 P.M. EST.
Why is it called the Wolf Moon?
According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, “It’s thought that January’s full Moon came to be known as the Wolf Moon because wolves were more likely to be heard howling at this time. It was traditionally believed that wolves howled due to hunger during winter, but we know today that wolves howl for different reasons. Howling and other wolf vocalizations are used to define territory, locate pack members, reinforce social bonds, and coordinate hunting.”
This moon is also known by many other names, however. The almanac says:
“Another fitting name for this full Moon is the Center Moon. Used by the Assiniboine people of the Northern Great Plains, it refers to the idea that this Moon roughly marks the middle of the cold season… Other traditional names for the January Moon emphasize the harsh coldness of the season: Cold Moon (Cree), Frost Exploding Moon (Cree), Freeze Up Moon (Algonquin), and Severe Moon (Dakota). Hard Moon (Dakota) highlights the phenomenon of the fallen snow developing a hard crust.”
What does this mean?
Whether you believe that the moon’s phases and patterns affect human behavior or that it’s just something pretty to look up and see in the night, the first full moon of 2024 is special. Many people use it as a time to reflect or as a new start.
According to ABC news, Celebrity astrologer Kyle Thomas thinks, “This year, the Wolf Moon is positioned as a full moon in Leo, a fire sign ruled by passion, desires, expression and creativity.” This means that the first full moon of the new year is, “a rather joyous and exciting full moon, even if it is a bit intense.”