With new year celebrations fresh in our minds, we welcome the first full moon of 2026, the Super Wolf Moon. This month’s moon is a Supermoon, a full moon that reaches its closest orbit to Earth, making it appear bigger and brighter than usual. The Super Wolf Moon will reach its peak on Saturday, January 3 at 5:07 AM EST, and coincides with the Quadrantid meteor shower.

Naming Traditions

In ancient tradition, full moons were named for various natural events that occurred within the lunar month. Many of these monikers were given by Native American tribes who lived and cared for Earth and all of its creations. While January’s moon is commonly referred to as the Wolf Moon, it has also been called Cold Moon or Ice Moon. Although these names are linked to Native Americans, there are no historical records to support the connection. But for those living in Nature and relying on its resources for survival, winter was a challenging season. One can picture wolf packs howling hungrily outside Native American villages with the dead of winter closing in. People and animals alike conserved resources and learned to consume less food and exert less energy in the winter season.

Connections

Wolves saw an opportunity for survival and developed a peaceful relationship with humans. They observed humans, just as we observe the natural world. Wolves, by nature, hunt cooperatively in packs. They use their howl to locate and communicate with other pack members over great distances at nighttime, when they are most active and the sound can travel much farther. Similarly, we have the ability—beyond words—to communicate with each other and with Nature. Use this connection to find your own inner peace.

We are part of the Universe and a reflection of Nature. Can you use the Super Wolf Moon as a mirror to see your past and future more clearly?

Join Our Virtual Meditation

A time traditionally associated with rest, inner listening, and new beginnings, this lunar moment invites us to slow down and reset. Join our virtual practice on January 3 at 9:00 AM (EST). Stand in silent meditation in our most powerful Qigong posture, The Dragon Stands Between Heaven and Earth.