((Read cards left to right, bottom to top. The Steampunk Tarot by Moore and Fell))

The cards above remind us of the importance of pacing ourselves; the piper must always be paid, be prepared before you dance. Grasshopper or ant? Doesn’t really matter, the result is the same; Summer parties into Fall, and suddenly it is Winter – time flies whether or not you are having fun and you must be prepared to hunker down when the time comes. Be ready to be safe, warm, and well in your own physical space.

This blog is published in Chicago, Illinois, USA – also commonly referred to as “The American Midwest” – and in January, it is cold, dark and bitter with high temperatures in single digits (when not impacted by windchill…which it always is), lots of layers of clothing, and cars reluctant to start. Some places have an easier Winter, others have a much harder time but overall,  January’s Wolf Moon marks a difficult time for many.

THE GOOD NEWS: You have an annual opportunity to make good use of the Wolf’s energy for your own growth. Take a moment to think about wolves and the lessons they can teach us to improve our relationships, communications, and understandings.

Non-verbal cues: Most communication within the pack is non-verbal; facial expressions and body language are used for everything from conveying discipline to expressing pleasure. Now, think about your own body language* and facial expression? Do you have a “Resting Bitch Face” or do you appear pleasant and approachable? Personally, I know myself to be quite approachable but I am told I often sport RBF (usually while taking a mental inventory for a shopping list, my son assures me I appear to be planning a homicide – alas!). I work on this because I am approachable and I want people to know. Conduct a little experiment for yourself; watch yourself in the mirror while speaking on the phone. What do your face and body convey? Is it the same for a friend, significant other, or mother-in-law? (*Google Body Language and check out the common messages we send inadvertently every day.)

Group cooperation: Wolves work together – the survival of the pack depends upon it. Group cooperation plays a large part in our own everyday lives; parents work, grandparents watch children, children have chores – whatever your family’s structure, every member is important and has a part to play. Take a look around, thank your family members for their contributions and remind them it is your honor and privilege to contribute as well.

Heed the elders: Experience is invaluable and your tribe includes people of varying ages and experiences – do not waste these precious resources! Ask questions, listen to stories, seek out recipes or craft-work instruction – be a sponge and absorb as much of the information as they are willing and able to share. If you do not, there will certainly come a day when you will wish you had.

Honor traditions: This is part of the previous two lessons – group cooperation and heeding the elders – and may be the most important. Honor and preserve the traditions of your family (your tribe, your people, your church – however you self-identify community); as common as baking holiday cookies and tree trimming parties,  or as silly as Polar Bear Plunges (which I do not recommend – not judging if it is your thing, however). Customs, traditions, celebrations and milestones bind us to each other, keeping us warm.

Warm your heart – howl at the Moon!!

((All images courtesy of Google Images.))