January’s wolf moon invites community and connection – here’s what it means for you

The wolf moon arrives on 3 January, our first full moon of the new year and our last supermoon until November. Supermoons are much brighter and larger in the sky, so the wolf moon will be a majestic and striking sight. 

Astrologers believe that each full moon offers a chance to explore different facets of spirituality. So, what’s so special about the wolf moon? Stylist spoke to David Petrusich (@DavidPetrusich), an astrologer and psychic medium who specialises in divination systems like astrology and tarot, to ask what this moon means for us and how we can channel this superpowered energy to bring some magic into the new year.

What is the wolf moon?

“In the Northern Hemisphere, the January wolf moon is often the first full moon to follow the winter solstice,” explains Petrusich. “Although many native American tribes may have referred to this as the ‘wolf moon’, it is believed that the Algonquin tribe gave it its name due to the intensifying howls of wolves in the night that peaked this time of year. Not only were the wolves were seeking food in the scarce winter, they were working together as a community and communicating intelligently. I feel that the wolf moon signifies the deep need for connection at this time of year.”

What advantages come from the wolf moon?

Petrusich is more traditional in his approach to astrology, differing slightly from the mainstream. “I use the observable constellations, as opposed to the fixed, seasonal zodiac that tropical astrologers use. Tropical astrology hasn’t lined up with the stars for 2,000 years, so my preferred method uses sidereal astrology, the original form of astrology.

“Although mainstream astrology will observe this full moon in the seasonal sign of Cancer, if you look up to the sky you’ll find that the first full moon of the year occurs within the constellation of Gemini, the astrological archetype of community, connection and collaboration. Gemini teaches us that there is beauty in duality and differentiation. It’s a sign that accepts all and excludes none – that sounds a lot like a wolf pack, doesn’t it?

“During the wolf moon, it is good to prioritise listening and learning over speaking and sharing.”

What should we be mindful of during the wolf moon?

“It may be a good time to take inventory of the ‘wolf packs’ that you spend your time in,” Petrusich suggests. “Is it time to get better at being a lone wolf, or have you been a lone wolf for too long?” 

Which zodiac signs will be most affected by the wolf moon?

“Always refer to your rising sign when investigating how a moon will affect you,” Petrusich advises. “When it comes to my assessment of this wolf moon, you’ll want to reference your sidereal birth chart (which will likely differ from how you’ve come to know your birth chart).”

Full moons impact all signs, but the signs who will feel this wolf moon the most will be:

Gemini

Around themes of their identity, relationship to self and individuation.

Virgo

When it comes to success, their career and public image.

Sagittarius

Involving their love life and their most intimate relationships.

Pisces

May contemplate a sense of security and foundations.

David Petrusich is an evidential psychic-medium and sidereal astrologer. You can find out more about him and his work on his website, Alchemy by David. 

Images: Getty; Adobe