Full Wolf Moon

Tonight, there is a full moon.  Rising to the east with its bright light surrounded by shades of purple, mauve and pink, it is enthralling.  It demands a photograph.  The mountains chime in for attention as well.  Braving the cold, the only proper action is to respond with a camera and my best telephoto lens in hand.

In Native American and early Colonial times, the Full Moon for January was called the Full Wolf Moon.  The name came about because during January wolves howled in hunger outside their villages.

Moon Folklore:

"A bright first Moon promises rain and a bountiful harvest; a red-tinted Moon means a dry year."

Each full moon throughout the year was given a name by early Native Americans, who associated each moon with a specific feature found in nature.  Names varied according to traditions established by individual tribes and their cultures.  "Full Wolf Moon" is attributed to the indigenous tribes of North America's Great Lakes region.

Full moons coming up this year are:

January:  Wolf Moon on Jan. 12
February:  Snow Moon on Feb. 10
March:  Worm Moon on Mar. 12
April:  Pink Moon on April 11
May:  Flower Moon on May 10
June:  Strawberry Moon on June 9
July:  Buck Moon on July 9
August:  Sturgeon Moon on Aug. 7
September:  Corn Moon on Sept. 6
October:  Hunter's Moon on Oct. 5
November:  Beaver Moon on Nov. 4
December:  Cold Moon on Dec. 3

Wolf Symbolism:

Strategic, resourceful, and incredibly communicative, wolves have a specific protocol and rank within their packs.  Wolves are vastly expressive, and their vocalizations are famous.  Wolves have a complex body language, and an Alpha wolf can convey with one look as much power as the delivery of a physical blow would yield.  His eye contact can convey discipline within the pack, admonishing or reinforcing behavior solely with an intricate expression.

The phenomenal resourcefulness of wolves gave this moon its name.  January is a brutal month.  In northern regions, the frigid winter brings all life to a stand-still.  It is a time of "swim or sink" for any creature exposed to the elements.  In spite of this, wolves can thrive, as they pick off weaker animals.  Designed by nature to handle the brutal cold, wolves manage quite well feasting on a multitude of options offered up for them to wield to their advantage.

Perhaps like the resourceful wolf, in the height of winter we can reconsider our own options in life.  Rather than accepting what seems to be bleak alternatives, we will find an invitation for opportunity.