January 2023

Wolf Moon

January 6th, 2023

January’s full Wolf Moon reaches peak illumination on Friday, January 6, at 6:09 P.M. EST. Look for the Moon to rise from the northeastern horizon around sunset. During a full moon, the Moon is located on the opposite side of the Earth to the Sun so the face of the Moon facing towards the Earth will be completely illuminated by the Sun’s rays.

January Micromoon

January’s full Moon is a “Micromoon” this year. Think of this term as the opposite of a “Supermoon.” It simply means that the full Moon is at its farthest point from Earth (not the nearest point). In astronomical terms, we call this “apogee.” Specifically, January’s Micro full Moon is about 252,600 miles from Earth.

Why is the Moon nearer or farther (in this instance) from Earth? Simple: The Moon orbits Earth in an elliptical path. One side is nearer to Earth and one side is farther. This distance does affect the Moon’s size and brightness, although it’s probably not that visible to the naked eye. The perceived size of the Moon from Earth is more related to the “Moon Illusion” and how close the Moon appears to the horizon; in this case, it’s high above the horizon so it may not appear to loom over us the way it appears when it’s near the horizon.

More About the Wolf Moon

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 generally used to define territory, locate pack members, reinforce social bonds, and coordinate hunting.

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 fallen snow developing a hard crust.

Canada Goose Moon (Tlingit), Great Moon (Cree), Greetings Moon (Western Abenaki), and Spirit Moon (Ojibwe) have also been recorded as Moon names for this month.

The Year of the Black Water Rabbit

January 22nd, 2023

The past couple of years have been A LOT, to say the least!

I think we are all ready to feel good and find what works for us physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, etc. Well, good news because this year is supposed to be filled with good luck! On January 22nd, we will enter the year of the black water rabbit.

Chinese Astrology incorporates the five elements: Water, Metal, Wood, Earth, and Fire. The zodiac moves through a different element each year. 2023 will be the Year of the Water Rabbit. Because the Yin Water element is associated with the color black, some people call this the “Year of the Black Rabbit.”

The Yin Water element represents sensitivity, intuition, and, in its most positive form, the way to inner peace. The Water Rabbit Year promises a period of rest and reflection after the dynamic Year of the Tiger.

In Chinese culture, the Rabbit is associated with the Moon. According to ancient Chinese legend, the Jade Emperor disguised himself as an old beggar in order to find a trustworthy helper. The Rabbit offered itself as a meal to the starving man by jumping into the fire. The Emperor revealed his true self and took the generous Rabbit to the moon, where together they created the Elixir of Life. The outline of the Jade Rabbit can be seen on the moon, using a mortar and pestle to mix herbs into a powerful potion of healing and longevity.

The rabbit is a symbol of good luck. In Chinese philosophy, rabbits are also considered to be emblematic of patience. So, as long as you can bide your time until the moment is right to act in 2023, you should experience some lucky breaks!

And with this new year, I want you to start you thinking about taking time for yourself and taking care of yourself.

We don’t really do new year’s resolutions at my house, but I do like to have my boys and I sit and think about goals and things we want to work harder at this year, things that we should always be thinking about but maybe put more energy into.

Last year, one of mine was to swear less… and honestly, I’m not sure how well I did. 😂

But another one was to incorporate more herbs into my cooking and I did better with that! I love to cook and I love my herbs, but sometimes it’s hard to think through both together. I really feel like I was able to do this in the summer, fall, and until the snow came, when my herbal garden was really at its peak! Things like putting rosemary and thyme into soups, marinades, chives on everything, lavender or mint in tea, sage on my risotto, and oregano in boiling water for steam when my kids were sick.

I’m currently working on revamping my spring detox so I hope you will join me the first week of march in learning how all of your household herbs and my East Asian herbs can work together for the best way of getting your health on point for 2023!