Amongst many North American native tribes the January moon is said to be called the Wolf Moon as wolves pack & hunt in the bright winter light of a full moon reflecting off a landscape of white snow.
The below image of the "Wolf Moon" of this January 2010 is titled:
WINTER'S WOLF MOON IN THE PINES
Lets not forget the Wolf appears in human history beyond North American tribes: the wolf is with the founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus. Legend has it that the two brothers were raised and suckled by a she-wolf.
In Norse mythology, the Wolf is a symbol for victory when ridden by Odin and the Valkyries upon the battlefield.
As a Celtic symbol, the Wolf was a source of lunar power. Celtic lore states that the Wolf would hunt down the sun and devour it in the evening twilight allowing the power of the moon to come forth.
In Asia, the wolf guards the doors that allow entrance to heavenly, celestial realms. The Wolf is also said to be among the ancestry of Genghis Khan.
The Wolf is a complex creature communicating with touch, body movements, eye contact and complex vocal expressions – they are expressive both vocally and physically. Further, the Wolf possess a high intellect, and have been observed using strategies about hunting, habitat and migration.
Here is a poem I found on-line - the author was listed as 'Werewulf14'...
Howl to the moon
Run the windswept moor
Come dance with me under starlight
In this place of myth and lore
Run like the wild river
through the trees of pine
I am a child of the night
And this wilderness is mine
So come, grow claws of onyx
And flashing teeth of white
I roam the woods at dark
And sleep while it is light
Throw on your pelts of gray and dun
of black and snowy white
And run with me my friend
For all the moonstruck night
So howl with me to the moon
Run with me through the pine
I love the wood and moon and stars
And all I love is mine
Want more? Check out FULL MOON NAMES & THIER MEANINGS on the Farmers Almanac link below:
Or Wikipedia's WOLF MOON page:
Above image of howling wolf found on-line, artist unknown.