On Monday, January 17, don’t underestimate the power and influence of emotions. The first full moon in the year will be in creative, sensitive Cancer at 6: 48 PM EST. Under the emo moonbeams of this Cancer full moon, the floodgates may burst open.
By The AstroTwins
Anyone up for a New Year’s hugs? Some of the divisions between people in recent years could be healed by the first full moon in Cancer 2022.
Sensitive Cancer is the nurturer for the zodiac. The sign of a crab reminds us that our hearts are far more powerful than the games of the ego. Women’s rights activists often say, “The personal IS the political.” Don’t underestimate the power of making positive changes in your family, home, workplace, or even your own corner of the globe.
According to The Old Farmer’s Almanac some Native American tribes call the January full moon the Full Wolf Moon. It is named this because it falls during winter’s darkest time, when hungry Wolf can be heard barking outside villages. This full moon may also be known in other cultures as the Old Moon Ice Moon Snow Moon and the Moon which follows Yule.
These emo skies might have some howling. It’s not surprising that buried issues will rise to the surface as this full moon opposes Pluto. Empower the shadow work to let go of whatever is (secretly) holding you back.
Seven ways to harness the power of the January 17th full moon in Cancer 2022
1. Let your heart wants what it wants
Cancer Selena Gomez wrote this anthem: The heart wants what is wants. How often have you paused to listen to the wisdom of the ticker?
Under the high beams of the first full moon of 2022, messages clamor to be revealed. You need to find a place that is quiet and where you can empty your soul. (And then, have any subsequent emotional reaction without worrying about “bothering” other people.) Crying, screaming, pounding a pillow, laughing uncontrollably–it’s all up for grabs.
If you’ve been denial about your truth, it’s not possible to avoid the problem any longer. However, this doesn’t mean that you should rush to scratch every itch. Just allow yourself to WANT the thing. It may not work for your current lifestyle. It can be very liberating to admit the urge to yourself.
Since triggering emotions may emerge, keep compassionate friends and trusted sounding boards close by. The world “lunacy”, like “luna,” shares the same root as “luna.” Cancer Full Wolf Moons could see people acting wild and out of character. A situation could present itself that forces you to examine a repressed desire. Sometimes you may be swept away, but then you will look back to see how your judgment might have been so badly skewed. While this may not stop you falling down the rabbit hole temporarily, it could prevent you from putting vital aspects of your life at risk in the heat.
2. Your roots should be strengthened
How secure do you feel in the world? Cancer is connected to the fourth House of Home, Family, Foundations and is anchored at just the bottom of the Zodiac Wheel. As one of the three water signs (along with Scorpio and Pisces), the zodiac’s Crab is responsible for hydrating our “root systems.”
In the light of this full Moon, reflect on your actions and make sure you are taking the right steps to ensure stability in the material realm. For example: Are you setting aside enough money for your nest egg? Crab’s strong claws have a great grip. Keep a little more of what you have. Even if you’re just putting $20 a week in savings, that can add up over the months. The point is to start the habit now.
The Cancer Full Wolf Moon spotlights financial security and a need to be prudent with your funds. It doesn’t matter how much money you make. What you do with it is what matters. This lunation might inspire pleasurable lifestyle options that won’t break the bank. To help Cancerian friends, you can pool your resources for things like potluck meals and home swaps.
Also, how are you fostering relationships with people who support you? How well are you nourishing yourself–with food, hydration, ample sleep? The first full Moon in 2022 in Cancer might make you feel like an archetypal mother bird is calling your name. Listen up, she knows what’s best for you!
3. Call your mother, or a mother figure.
When was the last time you called home? The Cancer Full Wolf Moon represents a perfect time each year to honor your primary nurturing person. Everybody lives a busy life, with many demands, distractions, and devices that constantly ping at us. Although it may seem like we are spending less time with our loved ones now than in the pre-smartphone age, there are still options. Make plans for a dinner date with your loved one or a weekend trip. Then, when you’re together plan to put your phone on the charger and engage in uninterrupted conversation. You can’t replace the human connection and intimacy.
You might suddenly think about a family member or role model that you haven’t thought of in a while. This is not something you should ignore. Reach out! The person may be in need of your support. They may also have the right wisdom to share with you.
Even if you are unable to get together, you can still “connect”. Write a letter and place it on your altar. Light a candle and place a photo of a female ancestor. Post a photo and pay tribute to a woman special in your life.
If you’re a mother, do something to honor yourself.
Consider the 2022 Cancer full moon as your astrological Mother’s Day. Spend more time spending quality time with those who look up and the people you consider your family. Sidebar. Although traditional astrology depicts Cancer primarily as a feminine archetype, it is possible for the “mom” in your life to be any other gender. Perhaps your big brother raised you or a non-binary relative. This is a day for them to be honored!
One of our Full Moons in Cancer Ritual Ideas is also available.
4. Watch your moods during the Cancer full moon
When the Cancer Full Wolf Moon opens up emotions that have been blocked, it could lead to a torrential outpouring of hurt feelings or lingering resentments. As much as possible, open your heart to others. The saying goes that you can be bitter or get better.
Interesting fact: Research has shown that bad moods actually can be contagious. Psychologists have identified a three-step process called “emotional contagion” whereby a person’s mood is transferred to someone else. So dodge the Debbie Downers. Make sure you don’t spread the grouchy vibes.
5. Take note of what’s on your plate
How can you enjoy delicious food without becoming addicted to it? It is not unusual to become numb from holiday stress or just continue eating the leftovers. A detox or cleanse may be a good option if your energy is low.
The weeks that follow a full Moon are crucial for manifesting. What if you cut out a vice for 14 days? While you can’t go a whole life without coffee, cupcakes and fried chicken, it is possible to lose your cravings for these things if you try healthier, more natural alternatives. The Brightline Eating program, developed by Cancer Susan Peirce Thompson, has some fascinating brain science around food cravings. Try it for two weeks and you’ll be amazed. This full moon has faith.
Don’t feel guilty about not taking care of yourself. Find a healthy comfort food recipe or treat yourself to a great cookbook and indulge! Invite a friend over to teach you how you can make simple recipes if your kitchen skills are lacking. Trade your culinary skills for their expertise–if you are good at numbers, trade tax planning advice for a tasty demo on blanching vegetables or braising them.
6. Reset your home, clear your mind
With the Full Wolf Moon in homey Cancer, how about a decor refresh? Do a walkthrough of your home and consider every corner. We get accustomed to the piled-up second bedrooms, cluttered shelves and knick-knack overload. Our brains are wired to respond to visual cues. They can trigger memories which trigger thoughts and feelings which, in turn, trigger the brain to flood our bodies of chemicals.
The domestic goddess of the full moon reminds us that we can clean our homes and clear our minds. Give one area a makeover. Take everything out and then give it a curated makeover. Be selective with what you have. Your brain will be able to breathe if there is some white space. To the other side, if you are feeling low in energy, consider painting a wall, hanging art, or adding oxygenating plant life to brighten it up. Whatever makes YOU feel good and happy is great, as long as you don’t overload your senses. Take our Home Reset course to learn more about Feng Shui and how it can add more om to the home.
7. Role play at the first full moon of 2022 in Cancer
We are prone to fall in love with our loved ones and become the Responsible One, The Wild One or The Chauffeur. Once those patterns are set, it can be very difficult to break them. Who wants to be restricted in this way? While there are some benefits, these parts can also be beneficial. It’s especially nice if our families aren’t trying to force us into doing dishes and cleaning up after ourselves.
The full moon is calling for us to get out of our comfort zones. Set boundaries for the hyper-functioners. Go on strike! The other people living under your roof or benefitting from your kindness need to step up. They won’t do it if you’ve made them suffer. Start making unapologetic and direct requests for support. Stop letting others do your dirty work. Not being a slug is something that happens in a vacuum. Energy is kinetic. That’s because the more energy you put in, you get back. Get up from the couch and get your life moving again!
Photo collage by Rosie Dienhart