Wolf moon ritual

As the Wolf Moon approaches on Monday, the 13th of January (Northern Hemisphere), I wanted to share my personal ritual with you.

This ritual is a simple yet powerful way to honour the balance between our shadow and light, as reflected by the Wolf Moon in our lives.

There’s a little bit of preparation involved, so take some time to read through the ritual, gather what you need, and enjoy the wonders of this sacred moment.

Materials you will need:

• A black or dark candle (to represent the shadow self)

• A white candle (to represent the light within)

• A small branch of dried rosemary

• Rosemary oil

• A fire-safe dish or cauldron

Once i've gathered everything, I find a quiet, comfortable space and allow myself to sink into the magic of the Wolf Moon.

I gather my tools and prepare my sacred space beneath the glow of the Wolf Moon. I usually work on my windowsill or at my hearth, as it’s often too cold to be outside, especially on cold wintery nights. However, I like to open the window a little to let the crisp winter air into the sacred space I've just prepared.

The air feels alive with the energy of the frosty night and the glow of the moonlight. I take a deep breath, letting its light guide me into stillness.

On the hearth floor, I have a black candle, a white candle, a small branch of dried rosemary, and a vial of rosemary oil laid out before me. I sit for a moment and reflect on the things I struggle with, holding the understanding that tonight is not about change, but balance. This ritual is about the equilibrium of my shadow and my light, embracing all that I am.

I light the black candle, watching its flame flicker and dance. Picking up the branch of rosemary, I focus on my shadow self; the parts of me that hold fear, pain and hurt, these are my unspoken truths that linger in the dark. The earthy scent of rosemary fills my senses, sharpening my focus.

I recite these words:

"Under the Wolf Moon’s gaze, I call forth my shadow,

With courage, I meet what hides in the hollow,

Flames of black cleanse and transform,

Shadows dissolve; no longer worn."

I carefully place the rosemary in the fire-safe dish and light it with the black candle’s flame. Smoke curls upward, and I watch it drift towards the open window, releasing all that no longer serves me.

Once the rosemary has burned away, I take the white candle and anoint it with rosemary oil, moving from the base to the top. The scent fills the air once more and with steady hands, I light the white candle. Its soft glow warms my spirit. As I focus on the light of the white candle flame, I can feel its light flowing into the space that once held my shadows and as it starts to restore me.

I say:

"Under the Wolf Moon’s radiant and bright,

I embrace the balance of shadow and light,

Healing flows where shadows lay,

Light brings harmony to guide my way."

I sit between both flames: the black candle grounding me in wisdom, the white candle filling me with light and healing. Their energies intertwine, reflecting the perfect balance of the Wolf Moon above. In this stillness, I feel whole, complete, and at peace with all that I am.

When I feel ready, I extinguish the candles, whispering a quiet word of gratitude to the Wolf Moon for her guidance;

I then take a moment to write in my diary, noting the feelings, thoughts, or images that arose during the ritual and any lessons I’ve learned.

Shadows and light are both sacred parts of my being, each bringing its own wisdom and power.