Full Moon 2024 January: The Full Moon will rise on Thursday, January 25, 2024. What is the Wolf Moon? Here’s the true meaning and origin of January’s full moon—and when you’ll see it at its brightest! Find out what makes January’s full moon so special!
When to see the full moon in January 2024
The January full moon will reach peak light on Thursday, January 25, 2024 at 12:5 p.m. EST. During the full moon, the Moon is on the opposite side of the Earth from the Sun, so the face of the Moon facing the Earth is completely illuminated by the Sun’s rays. Look for the Moon to rise above the northeastern horizon at sunset that evening.
Check out our Moonrise Calculator to see what time you can expect to see the first Full Moon of 2024!
Why is it called a full moon?
The full moon names used in the Old Farmer’s Almanac come from several places, including Native American, colonial, and European sources.
Traditionally, the name of each full moon was used not only for the full moon itself, but for the entire month in which it occurred.
Wolf Moon
It is believed that the full moon in January was known as the wolf moon because the howling of wolves was louder at that time. Traditionally, it was assumed that wolves howl in winter due to hunger, but today it is known that wolves howl for different reasons. Howls and other wolf sounds are used to define territory, locate pack members, strengthen social bonds and coordinate hunting.
Moon phases in January 2024
Below are the dates and times for the moon phases of January (Eastern Time).
See our Moon Phase Calendar for times in your city/state. 1)
Full Moon, January 2024: January moon phase dates and times
Full Moon 2024 January
- Last quarter: January 3 at 10:30 p.m
- New Moon: January 11 at 6:57 am
- First quarter: January 17, 10:53 p.m
- Full Moon: January 25 at 12:5 p.m.
A lone gray wolf howling in a snow-covered landscape. January full moon Every month we explain the traditional names of the full moon and some fascinating facts about the moon. Learn about the full moon in January in this video. Click below to watch the video.
The best days of January 2024
- To plant… … Early grains: 1 , 15, 23, 2 …Underground Grains: 5-7
- To lay eggs 2, 3, 20, 21, 29, 30
- For fishing 11-25
Folklore of the Moon
The bright first month promises rain and an abundant harvest; a red-colored month means a dry year.
The waxing moon and the tide are lucky times for marriage.
A halo around the moon foretells wet or stormy weather.
Share your thoughts on this month’s full moons below.
Let us know if we’re missing something you’d like to know!
January Full Moon Name
The first full moon of the year is known in many cultures as the wolf full moon, which is appropriate given the deep ancient connections between wolves and the January full moon. For example, the Gaelic word for January, Înàirà, comes from wolf faol-chù, although there have been no wolves in Scotland for centuries. The Saxon word for January is Wulf-monath or wolf month.
At the same time, in January, the Ooguchi Magami festival of the Japanese wolf pod takes place. The Seneca tribe associates the wolf with the moon so strongly that they believe that the wolf gave birth to the moon by singing it to the sky.
Why are wolves so strongly associated with January and the full moon?
The most obvious answer is that wolves are much louder and more noticeable in January, when the breeding season begins. Wolves begin to howl more frequently and aggressively to establish their territory, threatening to keep neighbors and enemies away from their nesting areas.
A small pack of wolves may even try to look like a larger pack by howling together. While a single wolf can howl in one breath, the entire pack can howl together for more than two minutes during the breeding season. While it makes sense that the haunting howling of wolves is more memorable in January, how did wolves come to be associated with the full moon itself?
Everyone knows the iconic image of a wolf raising its head and howling at a full moon – but do wolves really sing to the moon? While this may be a romantic idea, there is no scientific evidence linking wolves to the lunar cycle.
People may have associated wolves with the moon shell because they are nocturnal animals that are very active at night. In addition, wolves raise their heads to the sky so that their howls can reach their peace mates over long distances as they migrate. Instead of singing to the moon, they are actually singing to their friends. In fact, wolves are so well known for their close associations that the Sioux tribe named January as the full moon when wolves run together.
Wolf Moon in January 2024
The wolf is often considered a symbol of loyalty and protection in many cultures. The Leo Moon is the perfect time to reach out to loved ones and strengthen your connections as you prepare to deepen your bonds and take on new challenges in the coming year. Lone wolves, however, are perfectly capable of overcoming hostile conditions on their own with their resourcefulness.
According to Celtic mythology, the wolf is imbued with the power of the moon, suggesting its ability to sniff out hidden insights or knowledge and discover unexpected sources of danger. In some legends, the wolf even swallows the sun so that the wolf can bask in the overflowing lunar power of the moon!
The full moon is a good time to plan smart ways to achieve your goals for the coming year. Trust your gut when making decisions, but also be consistent in your search for useful information that will help you execute your master plan.
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