Tonight, January 15, at 11:52 p.m. you can witness the full Wolf Moon.
Tonight the moon is at its farthest point from Earth, its apogee. When it is about 9 pm, it will also be the smallest moon of the year with August 10 taking the full moon prize of being the largest.
It was during this the zero degree cold and deep snows of midwinter,that the wolf packs howled hungrily outside Indian villages. I suppose both wolf and Native American knew the feeling of an empty belly at this time of year. It was also known as the Old Moon or the Moon after Yule. For me – its the ‘over the hill moon’ because we have crossed over that line of the dark hours to increasing light!
If we happen to be clear tonight, take out your binoculars and enjoy looking for the wolf. And if you happen to be a photographer, please share your pictures with us on our Facebook page!
Wolf Moon
Though no longer amongst us
Their tradition and spirit lingers on
Like the names associated with
Each month’s new full moon
A reoccurring theme in the cycle
When months are measured by moons returning
A practice common among indigenous peoples
In the month of January
A great moon rises slowly
And at night the Wolf pack howl out plaintively
For food is scarce and the wolves are hungry
To the First Peoples – The Wolf is brother
And only a brother can feel the pain of his brother’s hunger
That is why the Native Peoples name January “Wolf Moon” in their brother’s honor
Now to a museum, all too soon -The Tipi has gone
Whilst within a reservation the Wolf Pack are free to roam
As for their spirit – It is running free
And cannot be captured, best to let it be
Your Brother, The Wolf never was your enemy
© Calac