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Nurture your emotions, release past wounds, and heal under the Wolf full moon in Cancer

The first full moon of 2025 graces the skies with a watery and emotional current of energy in the sign of the Crab Cancer on January 13th. As the moon finishes her cycle in Cancer we are pushed to dive deep into the depths and waves of our emotions. Cancer is one of the most sensitive and intuitive signs of the zodiac. It’s ruled by the moon so when the moon is in the sign of Cancer at any time, you can be sure you’ll be feeling more emotional than normal especially during a full moon! Cancer rules emotions, and you can work on any emotional issues. You can work on facing those feelings you have let sink to the depths of your psyche, embrace them with compassion, and surrender to the waves and let them go. The Cancer full moon connects us with the feeling of home within ourselves, pushes us to develop a new awareness of our emotional nature, and establish a new relationship with our sensitivity and vulnerability. It represents our foundation in life, our home, our roots, and our family of origin or our motherland. So during this full moon our healing and release work can focus on things like our childhood, generational traumas, and toxic family dynamics as well. The Full Moon in Cancer is a profound opportunity to nurture your emotional landscape, connect with your inner world, and release what no longer serves you. Let’s surrender to the waves of our psyche and our deepest emotions riding on the back of the crab under the glow of the full moon light in this blogpost together.

First, What is the Full Moon

Over the centuries, the Moon has played a significant role in different cultures and traditions. The full moon simply put is when the moon is completely illuminated in the sky and it has reached it’s peak in this lunar cycle in the sky. When the moon is completely illuminated it’s time for all to reach full expression. The full moon is the most powerful and potent time of the entire lunar cycle.

A full moon occurs when the transit (moving) Sun and Moon are in the exact opposite positions in the Zodiac (called an opposition). The full moon greatly affects humans and it’s no wonder it does because, there’s a scientific reason for this – we are made up of 60% or more of water. Full Moons are the peak point of the lunar cycle: at this time of the month, the light of the Sun is fully illuminating the Moon, and the luminaries are exactly opposing one another from our perspective on Earth. This potent alignment offers us opportunities to gain more awareness about what is moving in our inner and emotional world, and information previously uncertain or hidden could be revealed at this time.

With the moon being fully illuminated it creates this portal to some of the most potent energy to connect to for us to manifest our desires and dream life. This portal creates a connection to our peak creative energy and the deep seated creative passions we all have within us. This creative energy and power is the energy we need to actually do and create the things and lifestyle we need to manifest what we desire. With the new moon phase being about planting the seeds of what you want to manifest, the full moon is about actually doing the work and moving the energy to make your manifesting happen. The full moon allows you to bridge the connection between these energies and themes and bring them into your life while reminding you how important it is to have them in your life not only when the moon is illuminated in the sky for you to see.

There are so many ways to work with the full moon, to learn more about the basics of working with the full moon energy check out my blog post here and you can watch my class all about lunar magic. But, remember each full moon will be slightly different and have different practices to add and different ways to do it based on which zodiac sign the full moon is currently in at the time.

The wolf moon

During January, as the long harshness of winter has settled in for awhile and food sources to hunt become scarce. The howl of hungry wolves coordinating to take down their prey is something we commonly hear. This is why the full moon of January is known as the wolf moon. This first full moon of the year is an opportunity to slow down and reconnect with what truly matters. The howling wolves have long been a signal of the deep winter season. The Wolf Moon symbolizes both introspection and the power of community. The Full Moon of January connects us to Winter’s strength, the resilience of the wolf pack in harsh condition, and quiet stillness. Wolves, are revered for their wisdom and instinctual nature, and serve as symbols for individuals seeking a deeper connection with their inner selves. Like the pack-oriented wolves, this full moon reminds us of the importance of fostering relationships, improving communication, and achieving harmony in all aspects of life.

As with most pagan names there will be different ones for each culture so below I listed any of the other names for the cold moon I could find across the Earth. The common themes for these moons are, stillness, introspection, community, resilience, wisdom, rest, and the coldness of winter.

  • Mörsugur (Norse) Fat (most likely animal fat) Sucking month
  • Great Spirit Moon or Spirit Moon Ojibwe Native American origins
  • Mantis Moon (Praying Mantis) South African origins
  • Ice Moon Catawba Native American origins
  • cold moon
  • frost exploding moon
  • When Snow Blows Like Spirits In The Wind Moon
  • Stay Home Moon or Quiet Moon Celtic
  • Bear Hunting Moon (táan kungáay) Haida Alaska Native American origins
  • Moon After Yule (Anglo-Saxon)
  • Sun Has Not Strength To Thaw

Who is Cancer?

Like, I said before each full moon will be amplified and influenced by the zodiac sign we find it in and this time the full moon is in the sign of Cancer. So who is Cancer? As the fourth sign Cancer is the very bottom of the Zodiac which makes it associated with our foundations and the core of who we are. As a water sign Cancer is not afraid dive into the depths of emotions and create a nurturing environment to heal the wounds of the past. Cancer represented by the crab is known to be very emotional, nurturing, sensitive, and deeply intuitive.

Cancer constellation

Cancer, the crab, is the dimmest of the 12 zodiac constellations, yet it contains one of the brightest star clusters, the Beehive Cluster. In Greek mythology, the constellation Cancer represents a giant crab named Carcinos that attacked Hercules during one of his 12 labors. The goddess Hera sent the crab to distract Hercules while he fought the Hydra of Lerna, a water serpent. Cancer was able to grab Hercules’s toes with its claws, but Hercules killed it with a kick before it could cause more damage. Hera felt sorry for the crab and rewarded it for its efforts by placing it among the stars as the constellation Cancer.

In Egyptian mythology, the Cancer constellation was associated with the sacred scarab beetle, an emblem of rebirth and immortality. The connection comes from the scarab’s behavior of rolling dung into a ball, which the ancient Egyptians saw as a symbol of the forces that move the sun across the sky, thus connecting the beetle and the constellation with cycles of renewal and eternal life. In Mesopotamian mythology, the Cancer constellation was often depicted as a turtle or tortoise, associated with the summer solstice and sometimes seen as a gateway to the underworld.

In Celtic mythology, the Cancer constellation is most closely associated with the goddess Cerridwen, who is often depicted as the keeper of a cauldron of knowledge, with the stars within Cancer representing the sparks of wisdom emanating from her magical brew; essentially, the constellation is seen as a symbol of the cauldron itself, signifying the potential for enlightenment and deep understanding.

Themes for the Cancer full moon

Every full Moon contains its own themes, which are related to the sign that it falls under. This time, we experience the full Moon in the emotional, sensitive, loving, caring, forgiving, compassionate, foundational, sign of the crab; Cancer. The crab is also the sign that represents our family, our childhood, our ancestral line, and our past. When diving into the depths of your soul, with not only the moon as your guide but the crab as well. You are most likely to see themes focused on these topics as you swim among your emotions. The Cancer full Moon is going to bring the spotlight on your personal life, your inner life, your emotional life, as well as on home and family dynamics that we need to address or take care of, confront, and finally release and let go. The full Moon in her home sign invites us to strengthen our ability to tap into our intuition and reminds us of the value of giving space to our emotions. Keep in mind that the full Moon relates to the continuation of your journey to manifest your desires and dreams. So, make sure your release work helps you make those happen. Let’s explore some of the themes and energies of Cancer deeper below.

  • Nurturing
  • Sentimental
  • Emotional
  • Tender
  • Nostalgic
  • Protective
  • Creative
  • Intuitive
  • Moody
  • Loyal
  • sensitive
  • security-seeking
  • compassionate
  • Kind
  • Sympathetic
  • supportive
  • healing
  • Maternal
  • Foundational
  • devoted
  • Imaginative
  • resilient
  • duality
  • Family-orientated
  • ancestral
  • domestic

Cancer The sign to nurture your emotions

Cancer is a water sign associated with nurturing, intuition, and empathy. The Moon is at home in Cancer and illuminates our innate desire to focus on our deepest emotional needs. The cancer moon reminds us of the importance of letting our emotions flow, of sitting with our emotions without judging them, without rationalizing them, and without attaching a story to them. The Cancer full moon infuses us with its energy. Making it a powerful time for emotional healing, enhancing psychic abilities, letting go of past wounds, breaking generational patterns, and nurturing relationships. Whether it’s spending time with loved ones, creating a comforting environment, or simply honoring your own feelings, the Full Moon in Cancer highlights the importance of caring for your inner world. Remember, tending to your inner world is just as important as taking care of others during this extra sensitive and emotional full moon.

Cancer The Ruler Of Home And Family

Cancer is the ruler of the home and family, so we can focus more on home and family matters. This can be a time to work on healing wounds from your childhood, releasing past toxic patterns, and redefining the dynamics in your home and relationships. When the full moon is in Cancer this is a time to go back to our roots, who we are, where we came from, and work on releasing anything holding us back emotionally that is connected to our generational lineage, our childhood, and our upbringing. Now is a great time to begin looking into childhood wounds and working to start to healing them. Cancer is also the sign of mothering energy, so during this Moon you’ll feel a stronger urge to nurture and care for not only your own family more deeply, but everyone as if everyone was one of your children.

Cancer the sign of heightened intuition

Cancer is one of the most intuitive signs of the zodiac and has a natural ability to understand other people. This sign has an uncanny ability to sense the moods of others . This sign really is ruled by their intuition and gut feelings, which often proves to be a trusty compass for them. Guiding them to react to others with compassion and empathy giving them the emotional support they need. To connect to the heightened emotional intuition of Cancer this full moon it’s an excellent time for enhancing empathy, and deepening your intuitive abilities by working with your clairs. This allows you to follow that gut instinct about peoples true emotional state, even when it’s not what you see on the surface.

Eris is active

I don’t normally talk about other energies too much but, I have a soft spot for Eris. I feel she gets such a bad rep and she is so overlooked. Especially for her ability to bring empowerment , fight for the under dog, and bring about much needed justice. So, whenever she is active I always try to bring it up and make a note of it. Eris is known to bring destruction and unsettling energy, but this is only to achieve a greater harmony. Eris can see what is old, broken, or is in need of a massive change. She fights against oppression and outdated beliefs, aiming to bring more freedom. though she is known to be a bit erratic when she feels offended. I mean she did play a big hand in the destruction of troy. When she is active she can ignite some inner rage to stand up for yourself, and even get into the fight for justice within our community. To learn more about her energy and myths check out my class on her in the dark goddess devotionals class with DiviNation here.

What to be cautious of this Cancer full moon

When it comes to the Cancer full moon emotions will be really heightened and it’s easy to become moody if you don’t express how you’re feeling. So make sure to express those hidden feelings that you have allowed to sink to the depths. Another thing to be cautious of with the full moon in Cancer is to not allow yourself to build up stronger defense walls. The crab likes to retreat behind the walls of it’s castle to remain safe and protected as the waves of emotions crash upon the shore of your soul. But, don’t let yourself do that by lashing out in passive aggressive ways to those you love and care about. Allow the walls of your castle to soften and come down this lunar cycle instead of allowing them to be reinforced. The last thing to keep in mind is to make sure you don’t allow the nurturing pull of the crab to overcome you. It’s great to care for others and nurture others but, not at your own expense.

Cancer and duality

Since, I am a grey witch every single energy I work with I look for the duality in that energy and how I can connect to it. First, let’s talk about the sign Cancer. The zodiac sign Cancer is known for its duality, which is represented by the crab’s hard shell and soft underbelly. Cancer energy is said to be tough and protective on the outside, but nurturing and emotional on the inside. Like the crab this energy allows us to retreat into our shell and home we carry on our back and be grounded safely in it. But, when we need to we can stand our ground and defend the home we carry on our backs and protect it until the end. Even though we will feel protective, this energy also allows us to feel, be sensitive, and to nurture not only others but, ourselves. We may feel resilient and hard on the outside right now, but on the inside the waves of emotions are crashing all around us and we internally don’t feel strong and protected.

Second, the full moon itself is all about duality as it is another time of transformation, transition, and rebirth. During this time we are pushed into a liminal space that forces us to look at the things, people, and places that have been obstacles or holding us back. This can be a thing of beauty and hope as well as a thing of pain and darkness which forces us into duality.

Correspondences for the Cancer full moon

First, what is a correspondence? A correspondence is an item or symbol that is meant to connect you to a specific energy thru it’s representation. It is seen also as an item to respect, honor, and venerate that energy as well whether it be a deity, an archetype energy , or the zodiac energy the moon is currently in like for Cancer, I will list below for you to use. Remember to follow your intuition with the correspondences you choose to work with and that you can always use any that correspond to the moon itself as well.

  • planet- The Moon
  • Animal- crab, lobster, crayfish
  • Element-Water
  • Sex-Feminine
  • Modality-cardinal
  • Symbol- Crab
  • colors- sea green, blue, silver
  • Motto- “I feel”
  • Chakra- Heart
  • Herbs- water lily, aloe, passionflower, lemon balm, lotus, sandalwood, lavender, rosemary, ginger, Geraniums, daisy, honeysuckle, chickweed, peppermint, jasmine, hyssop, morning glory, parsley, verbena
  • Stones/ crystals- pearl, moonstone, aquamarine, turquoise,Rhodochrosite, rose quartz, ruby, opal, Chrysoprase
  • Deities- luna, diana, artemis, lord krishna, deities of the moon, Freyja, Lupa, skadi, calliech, cerridwen, baba yaga
  • Themes-Emotional, Family-oriented, Protective, Devoted, Caring, Maternal/Paternal, Intuitive, Domestic, Sentimental
  • tarot- The chariot
  • House- 4th
  • Day- Monday

How to connect to the Cancer full moon

Now, that we have talked about the themes of this cancer full moon and how it is going to affect you let’s talk about how you can specifically connect to and work with this moon. In magical practices, under a cancer full moon we can focus our spells on things like self love, creativity, emotional healing, generational patterns, and increasing your intuition.

First, make sure to do all of your staples that your learned in the previous blog post on the full moon and the moon in general like, charging your crystals, making moon water, and resetting your altar. Make sure to make moon water this lunar cycle. The moon rules Cancer, so its energy is particularly strong and potent during this time. This makes Cancer moon water incredibly powerful for spells and rituals involving emotions, intuition, home, and family.

With this moon there are certain spells and rituals that will help connect you this moon in the most effective way. Like spells focused on emotional healing, release work, self care, and deepening your connection with your intuition. Remember these are just some of the many ideas. Follow your intuition and the energy of this moon. Below is a more extensive list of ideas on how to connect to and work with the Cancer full moon.

  • Redefine a relationship with a relative
  • Make your home cozy and a safe environment
  • Do inner child work– You can start by purchasing my eBook in the shop
  • Visit a body of water and do some elemental magic
  • Make sure your SMART goals and word of the year are set
  • Do something nostalgic or sentimental
  • self care rituals and things to build your self worth
  • Abundance spells-You can learn how to connect to abundance with my in depth guide here
  • Meditation and Visualization
  • release and heal wounds no longer serving you
  • Heart Chakra Energy Work
  • immerse yourself in water
  • Spend time with your mother and/or connect to maternal energy
  • Divination– Try divination associated with the element water; one of my favorite is by practicing water scrying.
  • Self reflection– You can do this through mirror magic. To learn more on how to do this you can read about it here
  • Cleansing
  • Ritual bath
  • spend time in silence and alone
  • Do things that bring you comfort
  • Get creative and express yourself with art in whatever modality sings to your soul
  • Practice lunar magic
  • Womb healing– To learn more about this practice you can watch my class all about here and book me for 1:1 guided sessions here
  • Protection magic and spells– To learn more about how to do protection magic you can watch part 1 and part 2 of my classes with Divination academy on YouTube
  • release emotions by making worry water
  • Do things that help you feel stable and safe
  • Burn Bay leaves with things you would like to release on them
  • Work with your intuition– sit with your intuition, listen to your intuition, work on developing your psychic clares. To learn more about how to do that you can purchase my eBook here
  • Hydrate
  • attend a community support group and/or therapy
  • Random acts for kindness
  • Spread compassion by volunteering in your community
  • add the wolf to your altar
  • Visit the winter woods where wolves play
  • snow magic for release work
  • Create a spell bag or talisman for a peaceful home
  • watch a feel good movie or read a romantic novel
  • Connect with and ride the waves of your emotions
  • Cook a big meal and host some family
  • Use the last full moon of the lunar year to work with the year of the dragon
  • Make a spell jar-to connect to the zodiac Cancer. To learn how to make spell jars you can purchase my ebook here
  • Work with the element water in your magical workings and spells- You can learn more about how to do that here
  • Connect to the energy of January. You can read my extensive guide here
  • Make a simmer pot-for peace, calmness, emotional healing or clarity
  • Journal– focus on your emotions, emotional healing, family life, family dynamics, childhood, ancestors

Reflection questions and topics for wolf full moon in Cancer

During the Full Moon in Cancer, your focus should be on emotional awareness, self-care, and nurturing your connections. This is an ideal time to tune into your inner feelings, acknowledge any emotions that have been bubbling beneath the surface, and create a safe space for self-compassion. Whether you do it thru meditation, shadow work, or divination like tarot; below is a list of prompts and topics to connect with the energy of the wolf full moon in Cancer . If you would like to learn more about shadow work you can purchase my eBook here;  you can book me for a 1:1 session as your guide here; and you can watch my free class previously taught on it through DiviNation here.

  • What changes or shifts are occurring within you? How can you embrace transformation and growth during this period?
  • How do you contribute to your “pack” or community, and how do others contribute to yours? What can you learn from the dynamics of a wolf pack?
  • What wounds or past hurts from our childhood do you need to let go of?
  • What does your inner child need from you to feel safe? To feel loved? What did they not get when you were young you can give them now?
  • How can you express your own authentic voice? How can you find your own way to howl?
  • What helps me feel stable and secure? How can I create more of that in my life?
  • What emotions are bubbling just beneath the surface that I need to face?
  • Do I trust my gut instinct? How can I release doubt in my intuition?
  • What dynamics in my home need to be changed and shifted to bring more peace?
  • What generational patterns am I willing to release to step into my own destiny?
  • What in my day to day life feels heavy that I need t be willing to let go?
  • What emotion keeps coming up for me in a destructive way over and over again do I need to face and then let go this full moon?
  • How can I mother myself more?
  • Do I have a mother wound that needs to be healed an addressed?
  • How do I allow myself to flow freely with my emotions? What happens when I let myself ride the waves of my emotions?
  • What do I need to release in order to trust in the source?
  • How have I nurtured myself in the past 6 months? How can I nurture myself in the next 6 months?

Full moon Prayers and affirmations

  • I release all that does not serve my highest good.
  • I illuminate the things blocking my path to my desires.
  • I release all negative energy, feelings and thoughts that are not serving me.
  • I release the belief that I am not worthy or capable of manifesting anything that I want.
  • I call in the energy of the full moon to cleanse my field of anything that is not aligned with my higher purpose.

Affirmations specific to the Cancer full moon

  • I go with the flow of my emotions
  • I let my emotions guide me
  • I trust my intuition is a connection to the universe and is always protecting me
  • I am clear on my needs
  • I allow myself to feel vulnerable
  • My sensitivity and empathy are strengths not weaknesses
  • I trust my instincts, and they guide me wisely.
  • I am a valued member of my community, and I contribute positively to it
  • I protect the members of my community who are vulnerable and need it
  • The past no longer defines me I create my future
  • I let go of stress and emotional wounds and surrender to the flow of life
  • I protect my own energy by allowing myself time alone
  • I nurture myself through ups and downs. Breakdowns lead to break throughs
  • I let go of toxic dynamics to create a safe, nurturing, and peaceful home

Spell for emotional healing

Cancer is the sign of emotions and nurturing which makes it a very potent time to go within and do some emotional healing. Especially with family wounds, childhood wounds, and scars from the past. Use the spell below during the cancer full moon to bring emotional healing to your life as you surrender to healing waves where the crab resides.

What you will need:

  • a bowl of water
  • pink candle
  • oil
  • Lavender, pink rose petals, rosemary, cinnamon
  • rose quartz

How to perform spell:

Get into sacred container by taking some deep breaths and visualizing pink, loving, and nurturing energy surrounding you. Once you feel set in sacred container take the herbs and grind or mix them together. Once done take your oil and anoint your pink candle with it focusing on loving pink energy open you up to emotional healing. Next, take your candle and roll it in the herbal blend you mixed. Next set it next to your bowl of water asking to connect to the energy of the crab and the depths of your soul. Once your items are set light your candle. Take your rose quartz and hold it in your hands while reciting the spell below staring deep into your bowl of water.

” Water wash over my heart and soul to soothe what needs to mend, healing energy to me please send. Heal the inner scars and wounds you touch and I wish to no longer carry. Heal my heart, and soul so here on out I can be peacful and merry.”

Repeat the spell as many times as you feel you need to. Until you feel your emotional wounds mend, heal, and be released. Leave the candle to burn until it goes out on it’s own. Take your bowl of water and give it to the earth outside thanking it for absorbing your emotional wounds as you do so. Carry your rose quartz with you for as long as you need to bring you love and emotional healing throughout the day.

Howl your emotions out ritual with the wolf moon

This first full moon of the year is the wolf moon remember? So why not connect to the spirt and energy of the wild and wise wolf under the full moon rays of light by communicating like them tonight. One of the simplest ways to release pent-up emotions and energy is to actually howl at the moon just like wolves like to do. Though we now know that wolves howl for different reasons (including to find pack members or to coordinate a hunt), this full moon we can take a cue from these majestic creatures and do our own howling. The howl is the spirit of the wolf unleashed in its divine expression.

So this full moon Do what the wolf does: howl to the Moon. With all the stress and unwanted emotion in life let it go, howl what is in your heart. Let loose what is in the depths of your soul. The Moon is listening. Sitting with the Full Wolf Moon especially in cancer you will know that you are not alone.

How to do this:

When the moon is high out in the sky get some warm clothes on and head outside under the moonlight. Find a place where you can get a clear view of the full moon and be alone. Then stand with your feet apart and put your hands on your hips creating your strongest power pose. Focus on drawing the energy of the moonlight down into you and your pose. Feeling the untamed wild , wisdom, and intuition of the wolf. Allowing the rays of the full moon to hunt down the things that need to be released tonight. Once you feel they have been found. With a deep breath as loud as you can howl as the wolves do and let it all out. Feel the tension, the stress, the past wound, the pain, and the hurt, leave you now with the depth of your howl and be left to the winter wild.

Final thoughts

This full moon being the last one before we enter the year of shedding with the wood snake is your cue to slow down, tune into your intuition, and prepare for the release that naturally flows with the full moon. Whether it’s letting go of emotional baggage or simply acknowledging your inner world, this Full Moon invites you to nurture yourself and those closest to you. The Full Moon in Cancer is all about emotional release and healing especilay with the wolf howling by our side. This full moon encourages you to acknowledge what’s been submerged beneath the surface of the waves and let go of any emotional weight that no longer serves you. By focusing on self-compassion and nurturing your emotional well-being, you can create a solid foundation for personal healing and growth during this full moon in sign of the crab with Cancer.

Don’t forget to make preparations for your full moon hangover you may experience after this lumination. If you don’t know what a full moon hangover is or how to deal with one you can read all about it in my previous blog post here!

Have you been feeling stuck, emotionally unstable, missing joy in your life, or having a hard time connecting to yourself and your magic? Do you want to start the new year from a different headspace? I have the answer for you to start out this new year from a place feeling grounded, present, and ready to manifest your dream life. Come join me for this special one time only two day event teaching you how to integrate the practice of Mindfulness to your magic and life!

What is mindfulness? Mindfulness is the practice of purposely bringing one’s attention to the present moment without judgment. It allows you to move from just existing in life to thriving, get back to wise mind, create a place to heal and grow in, and most important of all, align you with joy while creating a life where you truly thrive! This skill is a core skill in DBT, the therapy that changed my life! To register for this special two day event visit the link below! https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/JY5UBMB2TA27L

Come join me for community, knowledge, and to restore the enchantment of magic in yourself and life today!

Don’t forget to head over to the shop today for eBooks, workshops, resources, and 1:1 services with me!

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About Me : I have been a solitary grey magic practitioner for 15 + years. First and foremost, I consider myself a mystic and seeker of all knowledge. I am dedicated to the restoration, and re-enchantment of Magic in society, across this realm, and in each and every soul I come across in life! I am here to create a container that promotes healing, duality, and raw authenticity. I do this by guiding you on your personal journey to understanding your unique magic and sacred contracts. I facilitate this for you through embracing your shadow, duality and learning to live in energetic balance while not wearing a mask. When you work and learn from me you do so from your “darkness” as much as your “light” and in a way to truly harness and accept it not to just go thru it on the way to your light. But, I teach you how to truly embrace it, work with it, and use it alongside your light as a partner. I hold up a mirror for you to be able to see your authentic reflection looking back. Then have the courage to take the next step and do the uncomfortable but vital inner work to completely remove your mask. By facing all of your past wounds, traumas, and hurts. Allowing you to see both the dark and light within your story and take each chapter and alchemize it into something that is so powerful. your unique internal flame will shine so bright you will always be able to go within and find it on a dark cold night. You will learn how to truly live in duality and energetic balance to allow growth, and alignment with your sacred contracts and purposes. to finally move on and truly let the things that hold you back in this life from healing and manifesting go. To see everything I offer; like personalized shadow work sessions, womb healing, eBooks for you to work through on your own, Tarot sessions for guidance and more! Go to my shop!

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Shake up societal norms and liberate yourself during Saturnalia

Yule may be the most well-known pagan celebration of the Winter season, but it is certainly not the only one nor in my opinion is the most fun of them all. That would be The Saturnalia Festival. The Saturnalia Festival l is an ancient Roman holiday that mainly celebrated the Winter sowing season, as well as honored the god Saturn. The actual dates vary but most scholars agree it was once celebrated between December 17th and the 23rd OR December 25th through the 31st, depending on the calendar that was used. Saturnalia was a jovial time for the entire city of Rome because, everyone in ancient Rome participated in the excitement. Saturnalia was a day when all work came to halt for everyone from the emperor to slaves. This meant even the courts of law were closed. Saturnalia was a time of revelry and social upheaval in Roman society, characterized by indulgence, merrymaking, and the suspension of norms.

When was Saturnalia?

The Saturnalia Festival is an ancient Roman holiday that mainly celebrated the Winter sowing season, as well as honored the god Saturn. The actual dates vary but most scholars agree it was once celebrated between December 17th and the 23rd OR December 25th through the 31st, depending on the calendar that was used. What we know for sure is it that it was observed around Midwinter a.k.a. the Winter Solstice and when the Norse celebrated Yule. Saturnalia is thought to have lasted for up to seven days, this was followed by the celebration of the winter solstice and birth of the the sun god, Sol Invictus, on December 25th , an occasion marked by the city wide chariot races.

History of Saturnalia

Saturnalia started out as a one-day farmers’ festival on 17th December each year. As you might have guessed by the name, the festival was to honor Saturn – the god of farming and the harvest. Over the centuries, the festival grew, eventually becoming a seven-day event culminating on December 23rd with Sigillaria – a day of gift-giving. During this period, Romans celebrated the completion of the planting season and honored Saturn, thanking him for the promise of bountiful harvests to come. The festival brought warmth and light to the darkest days of the year and most of all gratitude to the god of agriculture Saturn.

Saturnalia a time to shake up societal norms

My all time favorite Ancient Roman tradition comes from this festival. One of Saturnalia’s traditions consisted of allowing people to revel in a role reversal of sorts. The social norms on Saturnalia were lifted. Slaves were treated as equals, allowed to wear their masters’ clothing, and be waited on at meal time in remembrance of an earlier golden age thought to have been ushered in by the god. Not only that but, it was a time of participating in indulgences we normally wouldn’t get to partake in like orgies, and cross dressing.

Saturnalia a time of Liberation

Saturnalia was even called a “feast of liberation.” Enslaved people were temporarily liberated. Moral rules were loosened, so activities like gambling , swearing in public and cross dressing were allowed on Saturnalia. The strict city dress code enforced upon all was even lifted meaning no more togas during this festival. Instead bright clothes were worn by all. Allowing others to freely be themselves and express themselves in ways that normally are not allowed giving them liberation they don’t normal get to feel the rest of the year round.

Saturnalia a golden era of abundance

At the heart of Saturnalia was a celebration for Saturn, the god of a the best time for humanity, called the Golden Age. This was a time when everything was plenty and peaceful. It was like a magical time with lots of resources, where everyone got along well, and the earth gave abundance without anyone having to work too hard. This time was full of lots of good things and happiness, and life was easy and free. The time when Saturn was in charge was like the beginning of a world that was full of peace and freedom. This is the time we remember and try to receive from the god Saturn again during Saturnalia.

Saturnalia a time when the veil is thinned

Like their Northern European neighbors who celebrated Yule, the ancient Romans believed the spirits and ghosts from the underworld were active during the Winter season and holidays like Saturnalia. Saturnalia, was a time when the spirits of the dead were honored and the boundaries between social classes were temporarily overturned including those between the living and the dead.

Common Traditions

Saturnalia was generally considered a merry festival, with lots of feasting and exchanging of gifts. Many of the common traditions we see during the winter solstice were seen during this festival as well. In Rome, the holiday was kicked off with a religious ceremony in the Temple of Saturn, followed by a free public banquet open to all. Along with the other common traditions below.

Unbinding of Saturn’s feet

The statue of Saturn’s feet, typically bound the rest of the year, were freed from their bindings during the festival. This symbolized the freedom and liberation of the gods, people, and earth. This was done within the temple of Saturn and by most accounts I can read the priest’s was even allowed to uncover his face.

Drinking, feasting, and revelry

Saturnalia was definitely a time of merriment full of Bacchus level style of partying. Drinks were flowing, bellies were full, and voices of laughter and singing were heard throughout every street. Sources say traditional foods included roast boar, cakes, walnuts, honey, grapes, fermented fish, figs, apples and of course, wine. In addition to the role reversals, large parties were had that involved orgies, fertility rites, gambling, and games of many kinds. cross-dressing was a common tradition and enlivened the atmosphere with joy as well.

Gift giving and gag gifts

Gift-giving, still common during the Winter holiday season today, was incredibly prominent in ancient Rome as a Saturnalia tradition. Gifts were given to children and gag gifts between friends. The gag gifts were called sigillaria and were typically wax dolls and figurines made to resemble gods, mythical heroes, and even grotesque monsters. These were typically sold during a Saturnalia market traditionally held during the holidays. Some believe the figurines are a nod to ancient times when human sacrifices might have been made. I wonder if this is where the roots to the famous gag gifting game, the white elephant game, gets it’s roots from.

The king of Saturnalia

The King of Saturnalia was a man chosen in each household to represent the leader of Saturnalia or Lord of Misrule. The King of Saturnalia would then cause mischief or misrule in the household and more specifically at parties and feasts. By playing pranks, telling jokes, chasing the women, etc. Even having the role creating chaos, by yelling commands that other partygoers had to obey. I consider this tradition as a way to create a character or “spirit” of the season. When I read about this common tradition it gives me a very Loki, causing Mischief kind of feel.

Saturnalia and the god Saturn

Saturn, and his consort Ops (Opis) were both worshiped on Saturnalia. To the Ancient Romans, Saturn wasn’t just the god of karma time and boundaries, but he was also an agricultural god and the ruler of a great Golden Age, a time of abundance and perfect peace. He taught the people about agriculture and how to save their money, so they might never experience hunger or poverty again. He taught them the payout of discipline and restraint. Offerings and sacrifices were made to both the god and his goddess in hopes of protecting the Winter-sown crops. Saturn, also called Father Time and Seed-Sower, is the Roman god of agriculture, prosperity, time and fertility. In one of the myths, Saturn is a haggard wanderer who eventually is given the job of door guardian. Tasked with guarding Rome’s immense wealth. Let’s be honest we all know how much Rome loves their money and gold. Which places him as one of the most important gods to Rome of all, outside of their founders whom we celebrate soon during Lupercalia.

Saturnalia and the goddess Ops

Saturn wasn’t the only deity honored during the days of the Saturnalia Festival but, so was his consort Ops. On, December 19th is Opalia, the feast day of Ops. Ops is the goddess of peace, plenty, and protection. She specifically is invoked to guard one’s home against fires and to extinguish fires that have gone out of control. Interestingly, her name influenced the word opulence, which means great wealth or luxuriousness.

Saturnalia Vs the Winter solstice and Yule

While both Saturnalia and the Winter Solstice happen to be festivals that take place around the same time as each other they are quite different with different core meanings. Saturnalia was a time of revelry and social upheaval in Roman society, characterized by indulgence, merrymaking, and the suspension of norms. In contrast, Yule carried a deep reverence for the natural cycles, focusing on the return of light and the cosmic order. While both Saturnalia and Yule involved feasting and joyful gatherings, their underlying philosophies and significance varied. Yule centered on the sun’s rebirth and spiritual renewal, whereas Saturnalia was more associated with social liberties and honoring Saturn as an agricultural deity.

Themes of Saturnalia

Every season and every pagan holiday has certain concepts and magical themes. Which means, depending on your tradition and needs, you can weave one or more of these themes into your personal celebrations. This festival perform spells to harness the energies of the harvest, abundance, expression, gratitude, liberation, accessing our deepest desires, and merriment. This is also a time to reflect on the past year, but in a way to be present. To truly let go and celebrate the hard work you did during the planting and harvest season. Saturnalia is a time to break down walls, let go of fear, and allow ourselves to express ourselves freely. To no longer let the expectations, and rules of societal norms hold us in shackles anymore. On Saturnalia, we see the following magical rituals and spells below as well. Remember these are just some of the themes and energies you can connect to and work with on Yule.

  • Merriment
  • Role reversal
  • Liberation
  • Equality
  • Celebration
  • Feasting
  • Drunkenness
  • Breakthroughs
  • Expression
  • Freedom
  • Abundance
  • The Harvest
  • Charity
  • Community
  • Agriculture
  • Wealth
  • Joy
  • Winter
  • Debauchery
  • Interconnectedness
  • Humor
  • Mischief

Saturnalia and Duality

Since, I am a grey witch I look for the duality in every single energy I work with including sacred times like the ancient Roman Festival of Saturnalia. This festival and holiday is time full of merriment, revelry, and honestly down right debauchery. Allowing us to express ourselves freely. For this one time during the year not be bound by societal norms giving us a taste of true authentic freedom. This may make some think this holiday is only about positive and wanted energies. But, that is not the case. To truly be free, to feel full liberation and be present in true debauchery you have to allow yourself to face your repressed feelings, inner shame, and let go of fear and control. You must be willing to let go of all fears and take a massive leap of faith in yourself, your partner, and the community you have made. You have to be willing to remove any masks you have in place so you can be truly present to feel all the pleasure liberation has for you to taste.

Correspondences of Saturnalia

First, what is a correspondence? A correspondence is an item or symbol that is meant to connect you to a specific energy thru it’s representation. It is seen also as an item to respect, honor, and venerate that energy as well whether it be a deity, an archetype energy, the zodiac energy the moon is currently or for A holiday or sacred time like Saturnalia. I will list below for you to use. Remember this is not an all encompassing list and there may be other correspondences to use. Just follow your intuition and use what calls to you.

  • Planet- Saturn
  • Animal- pig/ boar
  • Element- Earth
  • colors- red, green, gold, white
  • Herbs/flowers-spruce, fir, holly, bay laurel, cinnamon, pumpkin, mint, cumin, peppercorn, coriander, fennel, Rue
  • Stones/ crystals- Iolite, Sapphire, Moldavite, Black obsidian, Shungite, Smoky quartz, Spirit quartz, Onyx, pyrite, black tourmaline, Jet, blue kyanite, carnelian, ruby, garnet, malachite, clear quartz, Lapis Lazuli
  • Deities-Saturn and Opis. Also Janus, and Bacchus
  • Symbols-decorated trees, evergreen garland, wreaths, gilded ornaments, the sun face, candles, Sigillaria, coins
  • Food/drinks: boar, pork, honey cakes, figs, dates, grapes, mulled wine, mead, apples, olive oil

Ways to connect to Saturnalia

Whether you choose to weave Saturnalia traditions into your Winter holidays OR full-on embrace the ancient Roman festival, there are many festive ways to do so. First, In your everyday life, you can work with any affirmations, mantras, and visualization work for liberation, freedom, sexual desires, abundance, and wealth. Check out below more ways to work with and celebrate this Ancient roman holiday into your holiday season even now!

Switch up the roles in your home

One of the most popular traditions and my personal favorite was the role reversal. So, why not do the same in your life during this festival to honor that as well. Now, you may not be able to do this in your entire life because, it isn’t something that is widely celebrated like it was during ancient times in Rome. But, you can do it in your own home at least. So if you are normally the one managing the home while someone else gets a more laid back role. For these few days switch those roles. Allow each other to understand how the other feels to create more harmony in your home from this day on.

Gambling

During Saturnalia, a time of jovial merrymaking, many social norms were relaxed and inverted. Gambling, normally outlawed, was allowed in public. According to some accounts, you were only supposed to gamble for nuts, not money, to recreate the golden age of Saturn

Abundance and Sharing Celebrations

Host a feast that’s all about gratitude and generosity. Share your blessings with others, perhaps through a community meal where everyone contributes, or by donating to those in need. You can also cast abundance and wealth spells for not only you but, also for others. One of my favorites to do is to make abundance spell bags, or packets and gift them to friends, family members, and even strangers on the street.

Gift giving

Embrace the joy of giving with thoughtful, perhaps handmade, gifts. Acts of kindness, personalized letters, or DIY crafts can be more meaningful than store-bought presents.

Other ways to celebrate

  • Decorate with Evergreens
  • Carry On the Saturnalia Tree Tradition
  • Purification and cleansing Rituals
  • host a Saturnalia Feast
  • Dress in bright and lively clothing
  • add Saturnalia Decorations to your altar
  • Honor Saturn with prayer and offerings
  • Work with some chaos magic to cause a little mischief
  • Designate someone in your home as the king of Saturnalia
  • Throw a Big Party full of dancing, singing, drinking, and feasting
  • Pumpkin magic
  • Shadow work focused on freedom, liberation, and what you view as societal norms holding you back. If you would like to learn more about shadow work you can purchase my eBook here;  you can book me for a 1:1 session as your guide here; and you can watch my free class previously taught on it through Divination here.
  • Study and learn about the history and practices of Saturnalia
  • Good luck and fortune spells
  • Sex magic
  • Add sigils to increase joy and give thanks for your meal with some kitchen magic
  • Candle magic
  • Apple magic
  • Mirror magic to unmask repressed parts of who you are
  • Spells to increase peace, harmony, and understanding
  • Play pranks, be a kid, do things that make you laugh
  • Celebrate the past years success
  • Charity work, or donate your time focused on feeding those in need
  • Elemental magic with the element Earth

Final thoughts

While Saturnalia seems to be lost to the ancient past by many, its lessons feel timeless. It teaches us to pause, reflect, and connect—to honor the cycles around us and revel in life’s fleeting joys. The Romans embraced Saturnalia as a way of restoring balance, gaining perspective, and finding unity, whether its by serving another or sharing a warm laugh . Follow your intuition and honor Saturnalia however feels right. That could be through sharing gifts, hosting a festive feast, or simply taking a moment to connect with your loved ones beyond the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Saturnalia reminds us to honor both the light and the shadow, to plant seeds for future harvests, and to bask in the merriment of community. It reminds us of the true freedom and liberation we get to feel when we embrace our authenticity and live outside of societal norms no matter what others feel and think.

Come join me for community, knowledge, and to restore the enchantment of magic in yourself and life today!

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About Me : I have been a solitary grey magic practitioner for 15 + years. First and foremost, I consider myself a mystic and seeker of all knowledge. I am dedicated to the restoration, and re-enchantment of Magic in society, across this realm, and in each and every soul I come across in life! I am here to create a container that promotes healing, duality, and raw authenticity. I do this by guiding you on your personal journey to understanding your unique magic and sacred contracts. I facilitate this for you through embracing your shadow, duality and learning to live in energetic balance while not wearing a mask. When you work and learn from me you do so from your “darkness” as much as your “light” and in a way to truly harness and accept it not to just go thru it on the way to your light. But, I teach you how to truly embrace it, work with it, and use it alongside your light as a partner. I hold up a mirror for you to be able to see your authentic reflection looking back. Then have the courage to take the next step and do the uncomfortable but vital inner work to completely remove your mask. By facing all of your past wounds, traumas, and hurts. Allowing you to see both the dark and light within your story and take each chapter and alchemize it into something that is so powerful. your unique internal flame will shine so bright you will always be able to go within and find it on a dark cold night. You will learn how to truly live in duality and energetic balance to allow growth, and alignment with your sacred contracts and purposes. to finally move on and truly let the things that hold you back in this life from healing and manifesting go. To see everything I offer; like personalized shadow work sessions, womb healing, eBooks for you to work through on your own, Tarot sessions for guidance and more! Go to my shop!

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Why Coming Out As A Bisexual Woman, In A Hetero Or Straight Appearing Relationship Was Hard

This month(June) kicks off LGBT PRIDE month! Pride month is a month dedicated to the celebration and commemoration of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender pride.

Those who identify as bisexual are among those to be included this pride month. But, bisexual people often exist in a grey area, simultaneously ostracized by the LGBTQ+ community as not “gay enough” and heterosexual people as not “straight enough.” Others tell them they are just confused, it was or is a phase, and the even more harsh to here from both communities; it’s not real and all for attention. That may explain why, according to one recent study, most bisexual people say their friends and family don’t know their sexuality.

Coming out as bisexual was a very difficult thing to do and I want to take the time to really talk about and shed light on the whys especially on the fact that we struggle to fit into either community, our identities are questioned often, and how if we are in a hetero or straight appearing relationship it diminishes our identities as bisexuals and/or ostracize us from communities.

I used to be one of those in the most category we talked about earlier in the survey. Until 3 years ago a combination between a new type of therapy and Pride month, allowed me to finally open up about my sexuality, my past, and how much being in the closet was really affecting me. I hadn’t expressed to anyone my sexualtiy not even to my husband who at the time I had been with for a decade. No one knew about my brief relationship with a girl in middle school and high school, my sexual hookups with girls, and the deep feelings of sexual attraction and desire for many of my deep friendships growing up.

People were surprised to say the least, and many didn’t believe me and said or asked quite a handful of hurtful things. I had always been in hetero or straight passing relationships in public and I ended up married in one even. It made it even harder for me since I met my husband so young, and have been together for 13 years now as I write this. Like I said, I hadn’t even discussed it with my husband until he was the first one I came out to right before my cousin and best friend. On top of that, I didn’t come out until I was almost 30 years old, at that point many asked me why it mattered now, including myself.

But, the longer I was in the closet and not public and vocal about my identity; the more I didn’t feel authentic. The more I didn’t feel honest. The more I didn’t feel whole. The more I had actually started to have some guilt in my marriage and resentment as well. And I had reached a point that I needed to figure out why I was so afraid to openly express my sexuality when I was usually so authentic about every other area of my life.

There were three huge reasons I had come up with while in reflection. The first was my hetero or straight appearing relationship really causes a lot of issues with my sexuality. Now, this doesn’t mean my husband isn’t kind and supportive or I was worried of judgement from him. The issue is the image my relationship makes others see and how they perceive me and feel about it me in different communities because of it. From my experience your made to feel, when you are in a hetero or straight relationship you for some reason have to almost just give up and hand over identity as a bisexual. You get questions from the LGBT community and the assumptions made that you are a straight when you are seen with your partner. You get doubted and not believed from the ally or straight community as well and even told, well your married now and to a man so how can you be bisexual anymore? Again, like the whole time it was just confusion and you waiting to make an ultimate choice on your identity and you chose straight.

However, my “gay side” and my “straight side” do not compete. They coexist, regardless of my partner’s gender. This is simply my identity and it doesn’t go away because, of the gender or sexual identity of my life partner. When I really realized this myself it helped me to understand that it shouldn’t matter to myself or anyone else that my relationship appears to others as a hetero or straight relationship. I am and always will be bisexual no matter the gender or identity of the person I am married too.

The second reason it was so hard for me to come out as bisexual was the grey area I talked about in the beginning that made me feel really ostracized in either community. Listening to the way others would talk about those who were bisexual both in the hetero or straight community and in the LGBT community didn’t make it seem like a welcoming and opening space for me to be out in. To be honest I still struggle with this today. In general because of being bisexual and the having to always feel like you are defending your identity, what it means in both communities and defending yourself to be included in the safe spaces. To be questioned about the validity of it, was it phase, were you just confused, and even at times being made to feel like it’s asking for attention. AND this is coming from all sides and both communities which makes it seem like being lonely in the closet may be better than having to defend yourself from all fronts at times.

The third reason was the guilt and resentment that I had started to build up in my marriage. Most of this was my fault. My husband had never given me any reason to believe that I couldn’t be open and honest with him. For me, I just wasn’t ready to come out to anyone at all about it and that had included him for a really long time. I would make comments about my preferences in women and how I found some attractive throughout the years but, I never told him directly about my identity. Eventually I started to feel guilty for not allowing him the chance to be a safe space and also for not being fully honest with him and all parts of who I was. When the guilt got really heavy I even at times felt like I had tricked him into marrying someone he didn’t fully know and that felt wrong and unfair. Which made me had to decide what felt worse the guilt about hiding it from him or the anxiety of coming out to him?

The fourth and final reason it was hard for me to come out as bisexual was I experience straight-passing privilege because of the image my relationship portrays to others. This means that most people assume I am a straight woman in a heterosexual relationship. Which does allow me to at times not have to deal with some challenges and obstacles of those assumptions if I don’t want to. Which led to me feeling guilty and like I almost hadn’t earned the right to be in the LGBT community and in queer spaces especially since I had been in the closet for such a long time.

I eventually realized that guilt is a feeling that you invoke on yourself not others so it was time for me to deal with that on my own while remembering that it was something I needed to be aware. Because, when you let that guilt and straight-passing privilege take over it can lead to the erasing of your bisexuality whether you do it to yourself like I did by not allowing myself out the closet for so long or by others making assumptions about your identity no longer existing. I do my best to also remember it’s normal to not always feel confident in my identity. It’s okay to sometimes feel discomfort, after all sexuality is a spectrum that changes as we evolve with it.

To this day I still experience being questioned, I still have to be vocal in public spaces and openly identify myself to feel like I am not allowing straight-passing privilege to erase my bisexuality, and at times I have to still struggle with feelings of guilt when in queer safe spaces and especially during pride month it gets a spotlight shown on it. I do my best to hold onto my bisexuality though and not allow it to be erased because of my hetero or straight passing relationship. Some of the ways I do that is by trying to be vocal and open about my identity, until recently I had a flag in the front window of my home ( it will be replaced), I talk about my identity often with others, and I bring awareness to my relationship and others on my social media when I can. I attend pride events and try to be in queer safe spaces and communities and find ways to bring my bisexuality into my life through shows I watch, conversations with my husband, and into my sex life without cheating.

What I ask of you if you took the time to read about my experience this pride month is if you are bisexual and in closest I hope this helped you feel safer, and seen. I hope it let you know you are not alone and there actually is a much bigger community of others out there for you to connect with. Especially if you are in a hetero or straight appearing relationship. Since, I came out of the closet I have had more than a handful of other women confide in me they identify the same way and I guard some of their doors still. Most importantly remember being bisexual doesn’t mean you shouldn’t find safety and belong in queer safe spaces.

If you are not bisexual I ask that you remember being bisexual isn’t a phase, or confusion for someone you love if that is how they identify. Even if they end up choosing a life partner that has them appear to be in a hetero or straight appearing relationship. It doesn’t suddenly make them no longer bisexual. Please don’t try and erase that part of their identity from who they are. This pride month if they are out of the closet and vocal about it don’t forget about them. Don’t allow them to be overlooked especially if they are in a hetero or straight appearing relationship. Their existence isn’t any less valid in the LGBT community this pride month. Remind them that their relationship doesn’t make them any less valid in the LGBT community and it shouldn’t make them feel that way either or like they have to hide in the closet if they still are.