On January 25th, 2024, at 9:54 AM PST, the Cold Moon in Leo illuminates the sky, marking a notable event as the first full moon of the New Year. This distinctive lunar occurrence, known as the Cold Moon due to the typically frigid conditions of January, coincides with the moon's position in the bold and expressive sign of Leo. As the moon reaches its full phase, it symbolizes a moment of fulfillment and clarity, standing in stark contrast to the still, cold winter in the Northern Hemisphere.
This guide delves into the unique characteristics of the January Cold Moon, providing a fusion of insights, rituals, and contemplative practices tailored to this lunar event. Whether you seek a quick grasp of its importance or a more profound engagement with its energies, this resource is your companion for a personal and enlightening lunar experience. As the Cold Moon rises in Leo, it invites us to embrace our inner strength and warmth, shining a light on our ambitions and creative expressions even amidst the coldest time of the year.
But why is it Called the Cold Moon?
The significance of the Cold Moon is intimately tied to the heart of winter itself. In January, the Northern Hemisphere is often enveloped in some of its coldest and most severe weather. The term 'Cold Moon' eloquently encapsulates the essence of this formidable season, a period characterized by endurance, reflection, and the stark beauty of the winter landscape.
The Cold Moon represents the period of time when nature lies dormant under a blanket of snow, and life slows down, offering a moment for introspection and calm. These cold, clear nights of January are reflected in the brilliance of this latest full moon, reminding us of the cyclical nature of seasons and the quiet power of stillness and serenity.
Cold Moon Themes: Clarity in the Heart of Winter’s Depths
꩜ Seek Illumination & Insight: Resonating with the stillness of January, the Cold Moon invites us to seek illumination and insight. In the quiet of winter, we are encouraged to look inward, illuminating our innermost desires and thoughts, much like the moon's light piercing through the dark winter sky.
꩜ Contemplate & Plan Forward: The Cold Moon offers a serene backdrop for contemplation. It's a time to reflect on our past achievements and challenges, and to plan with a calm and clear mind for the upcoming cycles of growth and renewal as the year progresses.
꩜ Celebrate the Hearth & Home: As the Cold Moon in Leo brightens the winter sky, it reminds us of the warmth and sanctuary provided by our homes. This period emphasizes the joy found in the warmth of a well-kept hearth and the serene comfort of a cared-for living space. In these moments, tending to our homes becomes a nurturing act that not only enhances our surroundings but also fortifies our inner resilience.
Enter the Passionate and Fiery Realm of Leo
Leo, represented by the majestic lion, embodies the courage and regality of its symbol. This zodiac sign, ruling the fifth house, artfully combines a vibrant spirit with a strong sense of self-expression and creativity. Like the lion, known for its dignified and commanding presence, Leo thrives in environments where they can showcase their leadership qualities and charismatic nature.
As a fixed fire sign, Leo exudes a warm, passionate approach to life, prioritizing self-expression, personal passions, and the pursuit of joy. This orientation naturally endows Leos with a magnetic personality and a flair for drama, enabling them to captivate and inspire those around them.
Governed by the Sun, the celestial body representing vitality and ego, Leo's traits of confidence and creativity are highlighted. Reflecting the Sun’s radiance, Leo fosters an environment of warmth and enthusiasm, driven by a deep-seated need to express themselves and to be adored, which truly captures the essence of the sign.
Full Moon Lessons with Leo
With this Full Moon in Leo it's worth considering the following lessons that the Fire sign has to offer:
꩜ Embrace Self-Expression and Confidence: Leo encourages you to focus on self-expression, creativity, and confidence. It's a time to let your true self shine and pursue activities that bring joy and allow your personality to radiate. Embrace the courage to be authentically you and to express your ideas and passions boldly.
꩜ Cultivate Leadership and Generosity: This is an ideal period for embracing leadership qualities and showing generosity. Leo inspires a warm-hearted and noble approach to life, guiding you to take the lead in your endeavors and to share your successes and joys with others. It's about stepping into a leadership role with grace and magnanimity.
꩜ Focus on Personal Passions and Joyful Achievements: Leo has a strong connection to following one's heart and finding joy in achievements. This sign urges you to prioritize what makes you happiest and to seek out avenues for creative and personal fulfillment. It's a time to recognize and celebrate your achievements, not just for their practical outcomes, but for the joy and satisfaction they bring to your life.
Full Moon in Leo Squares Up with Jupiter
This latest lunation forms a square with the planet of Jupiter who governs the energies of growth and expansion on this side of the cosmos. In astrological terms, a square is an aspect that indicates tension and challenge between two celestial bodies, prompting growth and evolution. This interaction between the Moon and Jupiter combines their energies in a way that can be both challenging and enlightening.
As stated above Jupiter is regarded as the planet of growth, abundance, and expansion. It rules our desire for exploration, our quest for meaning, and our ability to see the bigger picture. Its influence brings optimism, but when squared, it can also amplify emotions and situations that sometimes lead to overindulging and overpromising.
This celestial event invites us to balance the introspective nature of the Cold Moon with Jupiter's expansive energy. It’s a moment to be mindful of not overextending ourselves or getting lost in overly grand ambitions. This aspect challenges us to find growth through introspection, to expand our emotional understanding, and to harness Jupiter's optimism without losing sight of the practical and realistic perspectives provided by the Cold Moon. It’s a call to grow and evolve, but with mindfulness and self-awareness.
Witch Tip: Ground your ambitions! Shooting for the stars is great, but not if you're shooting your shot in any old direction willy nilly. Grounding the grandeur of your aspirations with actionable steps will put you that much further in the direction of where you want to be.
Full Moon Correspondences
Embrace the profound energy of the Cold Moon with these essential correspondences, crafted to enhance your rituals and spiritual reflections during this lunation. Whether you are taking your first steps on your lunar journey or are a seasoned practitioner, these elements provide a rich source of inspiration for deepening your connection to this distinctive lunar occurrence.
Herbal and Resinous Allies for Cold Moon
Incorporate the following herbs, barks, roots, essential oils, fruits or veggies into your practices to align with the Full Moon's Energy:
꩜ Beet (Beta Vulgaris): Emblematic of grounding, vitality, and endurance. Beets, with their deep red hues and earthy flavor, embody the grounding and revitalizing energy of the Cold Moon in Leo. They remind us of the importance of staying rooted and nourished during the cold winter months, offering both physical and spiritual sustenance.
꩜ Rosemary (Rosmarinus Officianalis): Associated with remembrance, purification, and loyalty. Rosemary, with its strong aroma and resilient nature, aligns with the energy of the Cold Moon in Leo. It acts as a powerful ally for cleansing, protection, and enhancing mental clarity, guiding us through winter’s introspective moments.
꩜ Acorn Squash (Cucurbita pepo var. turbinata): Symbolic of protection, abundance, and longevity. Acorn squash, known for its hard shell and nourishing interior, resonates with the themes of the Cold Moon in Leo. This winter vegetable represents the need to protect and sustain ourselves during challenging times, encouraging a sense of abundance and well-being.
꩜ Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris): Representative of courage, strength, and passage of time. Thyme’s enduring nature and aromatic strength make it a fitting symbol for the Cold Moon in Leo. It encourages bravery and resilience, especially during the introspective winter period, reminding us of the enduring passage of time and the growth it brings.
Witch Tip: all of these vegetables and herbs can easily be incorporated into a hearty winter meal. Cooking is one of the oldest and most accessible forms of magic that works to sustain us on the daily! Try incorporating at least one of these allies into a meal during the week of the Cold Moon!
Animal Allies for the Cold Moon
Harness the energies of these animal allies renowned for their instinct, adaptability, and connection to intuition to resonate with the Cold Moon in Leo's energy.
𓃬 Hare: Associated with agility, intuition, and rebirth. Hares, with their remarkable speed and ability to thrive in various environments, embody the adaptable and intuitive spirit of the Cold Moon in Leo. They remind us of the importance of quick thinking and the ability to bounce back from adversity.
𓃬 Wolf: Emblematic of instinct, intelligence, and social connections. Wolves, known for their strong pack bonds and keen survival skills in harsh environments, resonate with the themes of the Cold Moon in Leo. They symbolize the strength found in community and the importance of trusting your instincts to navigate challenging paths.
𓃬 Fox: Symbolic of cunning, strategy, and adaptability foxes are celebrated for their wit, intelligence and resourcefulness. These allies are adept at navigating complex situations, making them resonate with the strategic and adaptable energies of the Cold Moon in Leo. Their presence teaches the art of balancing cunning with wisdom.
𓃬 Caterpillar: Representative of transformation, potential, and patience. Caterpillars, with their remarkable metamorphosis into butterflies, are a powerful symbol of the transformative energy of the Cold Moon in Leo. Their dormant phase within the chrysalis mimics the winter season when must go within to seek growth and change. Furthermore they remind us of the patience required in personal growth and the beautiful outcomes of embracing change.
Runes & Tarot for the Cold Moon
Engage with the following tarot cards and runes to align and seek clarity during this Cold Moon.
*Please note: I've personally cast and shuffled these runes and cards, tuning into the collective energy for insights during this lunar phase.
Cold Moon Runic Guidance:
ᛁ Isa
The rune of Isa represented by a vertical line symbolizes the stark beauty of ice evoking a sense of stillness and pause. Its appearance in our Full Moon forecast signals a time where actions come to a sudden standstill. While the ice of Isa may initially seem like a barrier, it also serves as a powerful and preservative force and in runic magic we often use isa to bind or hold certain energies in place. This pause, akin to peering into the reflective surface of a mirror, offers a chance for clear contemplation. Embracing this period of quiet allows us to gain clarity and prepare for a renewed journey with enhanced insight once the ice melts.
ᛒ Berkano
The Birch mother, Berkano, whose symbol resembles a pregnant woman in profile, brings a potent message with the Cold Moon. It speaks to the birth, renewal, or healing of something significant. Like the sheltering arms of the birch tree or a mother's protective embrace, Berkano offers safeguarding energies. Its presence during this time encourages us to nurture and cherish our endeavors, highlighting that anything we wish to flourish or heal requires our devoted love and care. This aligns perfectly with the Full Moon's emphasis on domesticity and comfort, urging us to invest extra attention in our homes and familial ties.
ᚷ Gebo
Gebo, meaning 'gift' in Proto-Norse, symbolizes reciprocity and balance. Represented by the 'ᚷ' symbol, it highlights the importance of interconnectedness. In our Full Moon forecast, Gebo urges us to reflect on our exchanges of energy, resources, and time. It prompts us to identify areas of imbalance that require our attention and care, and to address aspects of our lives we may have been neglecting. During this Full Moon the rune of Gebo is gently asking what does true reciprocity look like to you?
Cold Moon Tarot Guidance:
𓇼The Magician
The Cold Moon in Leo bursts forth with the energy of the Magician. As the first card of the Major Arcana the Magician is brimming with potential and manifestational power. When we pull the Magician in a reading we are being called to remember that we have the skills and the willpower to manifest our desires into reality. This is the card perhaps most representative of our true potential and our ability to create and alchemize events and outcomes in our favor by utilizing all of our skills. For our Full Moon forecast let the energy of the Magician guide you to take charge and to take action towards the fulfillment of your goals.
𓇼Strength
It's fitting that the Strength card, traditionally featuring a lion, aligns with the Full Moon in Leo. As the eighth card in the Major Arcana, Strength emphasizes courage, inner fortitude, and navigating life's challenges with dignity and bravery. This card highlights spiritual and moral strength over physical force, reflecting the depth of our character. During this lunar phase, Strength encourages us to face our challenges with resolve and self-control, while maintaining our moral integrity and steadfastly defending our values and beliefs.
𓇼8 of Cups
The Eight of Cups from the suit of Cups in Tarot delivers a profound message about transition and the quest for deeper meaning in life. While it may initially seem somber, highlighting dissatisfaction or disappointment with the current state of affairs, this card ultimately offers a silver lining. It prompts us to seek emotional and spiritual fulfillment, often appearing when it's time to let go of certain attachments, whether they be relationships, beliefs, or material possessions. During this Full Moon, the Eight of Cups encourages introspection and contemplation on what needs to be released for a more fulfilling life.
Elements
Balance the elements of fire 🜂, earth 🜃, and air 🜁 in conjunction with the Full Moon.
Colors for the Cold Moon
Work with the following colors in your practices to resonate with this Full Moon:
꩜ Dark blue
꩜ Silver
꩜ Black
꩜ White
꩜ Dark Red
Body Parts for Physical Workings
If you are looking to connect deeper with your body under this Full Moon in Leo, the courageous lion corresponds to the following body parts with a focus on the faculties present within the heart and spine.
𓃬 Spine
𓃬 Heart
𓃬 Blood circulation
Witch Tip: try to implement dry brushing into your daily routine under this Full Moon in Leo. Dry brushing exfoliates the skin, improves blood circulation, stimulates the lymphatic system and has an energizing effect on the body. Perfect for tapping into the mechanisms of our body that correspond to the sign of Leo!
Crystals & Stones for the Cold Moon
Engage with and utilize some of the following transformative and healing crystals known for their protective and calming energy.
꩜ Black Tourmaline: for calm protection
꩜ Dumortierite: to cultivate a peaceful mind
꩜ Red Aragonite: for producing a clear and cleansing energy
꩜Petrified Wood: for calling in grounding and spiritual support
Deities & Spirits for the Cold Moon
𓇼Brownies
In folklore, Brownies are household spirits known for their industrious nature, often aiding in domestic tasks during the night. They symbolize the spirit of helpfulness, diligence, and the joy of service. During the Cold Moon in Leo, a time for setting intentions and nurturing our spaces, the energy of Brownies can inspire us to care for our homes and create harmonious environments. Their presence reminds us of the value of quiet assistance and the satisfaction found in maintaining order and comfort in our personal spaces.
𓇼Lares
In Roman and Etrsuscan tradition, Lares are guardian deities of the household and community. They represent protection, prosperity, and the well-being of a family. During the Cold Moon in Leo, a time for reflection and protection of what we hold dear, invoking the Lares can be beneficial for ensuring the safety and prosperity of our homes and loved ones. Their energy helps in grounding and connecting us to our roots, reminding us of the importance of community and familial bonds.
𓇼Skadi
A figure from Norse mythology, Skadi is a giantess and the goddess of winter, hunting, and mountains. She embodies strength, independence, and resilience in harsh conditions. The Cold Moon in Leo, occurring in the heart of winter, resonates with Skadi’s energy. This period can be a time to embrace our inner strength, to be self-reliant, and to face challenges with a brave heart. Skadi's presence encourages us to find beauty and power in solitude and the starkness of winter.
𓇼Cailleach
An ancient deity from Celtic mythology, Cailleach is known as the divine hag, a creator and weather deity who reigns during the winter months. She symbolizes transformation, wisdom, and the cycle of life and death. During the Cold Moon in Leo, Cailleach’s energy can guide us in embracing change, understanding the natural cycles of life, while also providing the medicine and wisdom of the crone. Her influence is a powerful reminder of the transformative nature of time and the endurance required to weather life's storms.
Activities for the Cold Moon in Leo
Activities for the Cold Moon will coincide with themes relating to the homestead, introspection, cleansing, and nourishment.
Feel free to try out any or all of these practices to enrich your Full Moon experience:
Perform a Deep Spiritual Cleanse of Your Home
I use a special homemade floor wash and room spray to cleanse my home of both physical and spiritual impurities. Our homes mirror our inner selves, significantly impacting our mood, health, and well-being. Regularly maintaining your home's spiritual hygiene, whether through smoke, prayer, or even the clanging of pots and pans to dispel stagnant energies, is essential. Dedicating thirty minutes to an hour under this Full Moon to refresh and purify your space will create a foundation of clean energy for realizing your goals and ensuring peace at home.
A Silent Winter Meal
During this Full Moon, dedicate time to nourish yourself by having at least one meal in complete silence, free from phones, TV, or other distractions. Use this moment to fully engage with your meal, honoring it with your silence and presence. Regularly eating in this mindful manner is a spiritual practice that connects us deeply with the experience of living and self-nourishment. Additionally, it's scientifically shown that thorough, thoughtful chewing aids in better digestion which helps us to absorb the nutrients in our food to a greater capacity!
Final Reflections
As the Cold Moon in Leo illuminates the night sky on January 25th, 2024, it ushers in a period of self-expression and heartfelt introspection. This majestic Full Moon, occurring in the vibrant sign of Leo, invites us to embrace our individuality and creative spirit.
The Cold Moon in Leo, a beacon of personal authenticity and courage, provides a splendid opportunity to reflect on our passions and life's purpose. It reminds us of the importance of aligning our goals with our true selves. In this time of illumination, we are encouraged to balance our ambitious aspirations with heartfelt joy and warmth.
This is a moment to rejuvenate and connect with our innermost desires, ensuring that our pursuits are not only grand in vision but also deeply fulfilling. The Cold Moon's radiant energy in Leo inspires us to approach our goals with confidence and a generous heart, reinforcing that our dreams are not just far-off fantasies, but vibrant possibilities awaiting realization.
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