January Wolf Moon: Miriam, Goddess of Protection

The January Wolf moon was named so after the habits of wolves emerging hungry and howling in January as they scavenged for food in the midst of winter. Wiccans harnessed the energy of the wolf and mythology provided a patroness that personified the wolf through tales and lore of a Goddess. Just as the wolf protects and guards what belongs to it, its home, family, and territory, the Goddess Miriam also guards and protects those that worship her, acting as a mediator between humanity and the cosmic divine. Many of those that observe the Wolf moon harness that energy and turn it into good fortune and luck while protecting their household.

Miriam is a Hebrew tutelary Goddess and the sister of Moses. Moses’ older sister Miriam stood by the banks of the Nile, watching over her baby brother in the basket, to make sure he was safe. When she saw that he was being rescued, young Miriam bravely approached Pharaoh’s daughter and persuaded her to have the baby nursed by his own mother, Jochebed. This arrangement meant that Moses received optimum love and nurture within his own family for a few years before being surrendered to Pharaoh’s daughter when he was still a little boy. Miriam later became a prophetess and she was recognized as a leader alongside her brothers Moses and Aaron

Correspondences:

Goddess: Miriam

Colors: Black, White, Silver

Element: Air

Herbs: Marjoram, Thistle, Nuts, Seeds, and Cones

Oils: Musk

Trees: Birch

Flowers/Plants: Snowdrop, Crocus

Stone: Garnet, Hematite, Onyx

Psalm to Miriam

Miriam, the great protector of all that are living things
Just a she protected Moses
She protects all
She is the stars that shine brightly in sky
Like precious jewels alight from her essence
The divine hand that guides those that seek
To the Gods that they wish to greet

Our Guardian Lady with wings 
That spread vast and tall
With the fierceness of a lion 
The strength of a bull
And the howling hunger of the wolf
Ready to feast upon those that serve harm

Patroness of those that seek shelter
And gnosis of the Divine
She who stands over the cradle
And walks you from the grave
She stands guard at the threshold
Of both house and soul
As she bears your burdens 
And defends your psyche