A Super Blood Wolf Moon Arrives on Sunday — Here’s What It Means for You

Full moons are always special, but there will be an extra special one on gracing the sky soon. On Sunday, January 20, through the wee hours of Monday morning, we’ll be greeted with a total lunar eclipse. This cosmic event goes by many names: It's also called a supermoon, a wolf moon, and (a favorite among many), is known affectionately as the Super Blood Wolf Moon.

This total lunar eclipse will be the last one until 2021, so if you're a fan of all-things-otherworldly, you'll want to direct your eyes upward when night falls. In fact, if you’re in North or South America, you’ll have a prime view of this rare cosmic event. However, even if you won’t be able to see this cosmic baddy in real life, you’re still likely to feel the effects of the energy that will be manifested during the eclipse. Read on to learn everything you need to know about the first full moon of 2019, also known as the Super Blood Wolf Moon.

What is a lunar eclipse?

A lunar eclipse happens when the Earth sits between the full moon and the sun. Because of this particular alignment, we see the Earth’s shadow reflected on the moon. Although we had a partial solar eclipse just last month in December of 2018, we haven’t had a total lunar eclipse since July 2018 and we won’t have another one until May 2021.

The vibe for this particular eclipse is to expect the unexpected.

If you're wondering what's particularly special about this one (and where it gets its cool moniker), the Blood Moon takes its name from the reddish hue the moon adopts during a lunar eclipse. Space.com explains that as the moon enters the shadow of the earth, it will begin to take on a rusty hue, saying, “Sunlight scatters to produce the red colors of sunset and sunrise when it enters Earth's atmosphere at a particular angle.” So although this moon can look quite apocalyptic, there really isn’t anything to be worried about. And if you’re planning on watching the eclipse, you can use this chart to help you with timing.

So what makes this moon a supermoon?

This lunar eclipse and full moon is also a supermoon, which is the name for what happens when the moon is at the point in its orbit closest to the Earth, also known as perigee. During this time, supermoons often appear bigger and brighter in the sky than they typically do, explains the website Time and Date. This positioning in the sky is said to amplify the energetic effects of the cosmic event. Supermoons occur between three to four times a year, so this is indeed a special occasion.

And what exactly is a wolf moon?

So now we know what the supermoon and the blood moon are, but what about the wolf moon? Each full moon in the calendar year has a name associated with it, based on the time of the year it happens. According to Farmer's Almanac, January’s full moon is known as the “Wolf Moon” for the wolves that would howl during midwinter. Other names for this full moon include the Old Moon and the Moon After Yule.

How will the Super Blood Wolf Moon affect us?

From a spiritual perspective, eclipses are a time of release and transformation when we’re asked to surrender what no longer serves us. As we’re thrust into the shadow of the moon, we’re also thrust into our own shadows, which aren’t always pretty. Our shadows are the parts of ourselves that we often feel ashamed of; they’re the darkness, the parts of psyches that we bury in the closet. As the Earth’s shadow is reflected onto the surface of the moon, our own shadows also find a way into the light.

<h1 class="title">January's Full Moon is a Super Blood Wolf Moon</h1><cite class="credit">Getty Images</cite>

January's Full Moon is a Super Blood Wolf Moon

Getty Images

Full moons and eclipses are both times of completion. While full moons complete the cycle of the month before, an eclipse cycle lasts between six months to a year. This often means that things feel chaotic because these events guide us into alignment that we may not be ready for just yet. Doors often close when we surrender to this energy, and although it sounds scary, the best thing we can do is to trust that this is in our highest favor and act accordingly.

According to astrologer Amelia Quint, the vibe for this particular eclipse is to expect the unexpected. “Between being at 0 degrees, square to rebellious Uranus, and right on top of asteroid Dionysus (the Greek god of wine and parties), the universe is sending everyone on a totally new adventure,” Quint explains. ”It might seem completely unexpected at first, but it'll probably be way more fun than what you had planned anyway.” The main takeaway? Just go with the flow.

What's the best way to celebrate this cosmic event?

While this intense energy may call some of us to take it easy and immerse ourselves in our homes, hermit style, Quint reminds us that because this eclipse is in the sign of Leo, it may also be in our best interest to celebrate. This is a time to bask in our accomplishments and to recognize all the hard work we’ve put in since the first Leo eclipse in August of 2017.

This is a time to embrace praise and confidence, not a time to put ourselves down. And if you want to celebrate this eclipse witch style, Quint also suggests lighting a gold or yellow candle in honor of fire sign Leo and it’s ruling planet the sun. No matter how you chose to celebrate, may the Super Blood Wolf Moon help you usher in your most magical year yet.


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