Other Religions Paganism and Wicca Cold Moon Share Flipboard Email Print Mike Timo / Getty Images Paganism and Wicca Wicca Traditions Basics Rituals and Ceremonies Sabbats and Holidays Wicca Gods Herbalism Wicca Resources for Parents By Patti Wigington Patti Wigington Facebook Twitter Paganism Expert B.A., History, Ohio University Patti Wigington is a pagan author, educator, and licensed clergy. She is the author of Daily Spellbook for the Good Witch, Wicca Practical Magic and The Daily Spell Journal. Learn about our Editorial Process Updated on January 14, 2019 In January, the nights are long and dark, and many of us are trying to stay warm under a blanket of snow as the Cold Moon approaches (in some cultures, the Cold Moon is the name given to December's moon, instead). Some of the native tribes of North America called this time the Wolf Moon, because this was when the wolves were howling, hungry, outside lodges where people stayed warm within. Other groups referred to it as the Snow Moon, for obvious reasons. This time of year, we're all feeling a bit slow and "off" as our bodies adjust to chillier temperatures. It's easy to just lie on the couch watching Netflix and eating comfort food when it's cold and gloomy outside, and making any kind of magical effort can seem like a real challenge right now. Correspondences: Colors: Black and white, silver Gemstones: Hematite Trees: Birch, Hazel Gods: Inanna, Freyja Herbs: Thistle, nuts and seeds, marjoram Element: Air Cold Moon Magic This is a good time to work on magic related to protection, both physical and spiritual. Use this time to develop your inner self, and advance spiritually, becoming closer to the higher aspects of your deities. Take the time in your busy schedule to meditate and think about what it is you really want out of life, and whether you're showing people your true self. January is also a great time to work on full moon magic - after all, the nights are long and dark, and in some areas the moon itself is the only source of light. Put aside your lethargy, and focus some energy on developing your intuition and wisdom. Finally, for many people, winter is a season of simplification. Set aside everything you don't need, and try a minimalist approach instead. On a mundane level, try doing a thorough cleaning of your physical space - get rid of the clutter. On a spiritual and emotional level, try to do the same thing - teach your mind to let go of the things that are creating excess baggage for your spirit and soul. Cite this Article Format mla apa chicago Your Citation Wigington, Patti. "Cold Moon." Learn Religions, Sep. 9, 2021, learnreligions.com/cold-moon-2562388. Wigington, Patti. (2021, September 9). Cold Moon. Retrieved from https://www.learnreligions.com/cold-moon-2562388 Wigington, Patti. "Cold Moon." Learn Religions. https://www.learnreligions.com/cold-moon-2562388 (accessed June 4, 2023). copy citation