Wolves and women are relational by nature, inquiring, possessed of great endurance and strength. They are deeply intuitive, intensely concerned with their young, their mates and their pack. They are experienced in adapting to constantly changing circumstances; they are fiercely stalwart and very brave.

Clarissa Pinkol Estes ~ Women Who Run with the Wolves

We have the Full Wolf Moon coming up this weekend. The first full moon of the year. It is said to be named the wolf moon as it is the time of year when wolves become more active and rally their packs. Howling is a very efficient way to communicate. Wolf Moon myths and lore are found across most ancient civilizations. Wolves are both feared and revered for their instinct, bravery, loyalty, and protection of their pack. Navajo healing ceremonies call on the wolf to restore health. It was a she-wolf who nursed the abandoned twins, Romulus and Remus, in the origin story of Rome. Many other ancient legends tell similar stories of children abandoned in the wild and raised by she-wolves to become great leaders of their people. Ancient supernatural beings were said to arrive astride wolves. Folklore tells of warriors and bodyguards that shape-shift into wolves to protect their charges. 

This Full Wolf Moon gives us the opportunity to awaken our own fierce allegiance to what we hold dear – our loved ones, our community, our values, and our purpose. Here are a few suggestions to jump-start your life force energy this week.

• Wolf Breath: Breathwork is the fastest way to reconnect with yourself. Sit in a kneeling position and rest your hands on your knees. Open your mouth and stick your tongue out and begin panting. Focus on the exhale – pulling your belly to your spine. The inhale should happen naturally. This breath is literally awakens you as it sends oxygen to the brain and stimulates your core. This can be done 5 times or for 5 minutes. Stop if you start to feel dizzy.

• Take a Hike: Hike, bike, drive or take a lift to a high elevation where you can gaze at the vastness of nature. When you find your view, come into mountain pose. Stand up straight with your feet together and pay attention to their connection with the earth. Pull your shoulders back, and slide your shoulder blades together and down. Lift the crown of your head. Let your arms fall slightly away from your body with palms forward to receive. Take in the stillness—seal it in–so you can come back to it in the face of life’s chaos.

• Howl: You knew this was coming. This can be embodied—put on some music with howling—dance and howl along. Shakira’s She Wolf will do the trick! This can also be metaphorical, how can you raise your voice in fierce allegiance? Perhaps, it’s a letter to the editor, a social media post, or take pen to paper for an old school letter of allegiance to a friend or loved one.