Cold Moon —by Míchealín Ní Dhochartaigh (Also known as: the Long Nights Moon, the Elder Moon, Ruis, the Oak Moon*) During this month the winter cold fastens its grip, and nights are at their longest and darkest. It is also sometimes called the Moon before Yule. The term Long Night Moon is a doubly appropriate name because the midwinter night is indeed long, and because the Moon is above the horizon for a long time. The midwinter full Moon has a high trajectory across the sky because it is opposite a low Sun. Traditionally, this is the time when the Oak King takes the place of the Holly King at the Winter Solstice, and brings the returning light of the newborn Sun. Mistletoe is symbolic at this time because even in the dormancy of winter, life sprouts from its branches with berries of white (according to one source, the white berries symbolise the semen of the Lord of the Forest). During this moon, Wiccans decorate their altars with holly, mistletoe and Sun symbols. Use white or yellow candles, and mark the circle with sunflower seeds. The candles should be lit every day until the Winter Solstice (22 December). Name the candles for any bad habits or problems you’ve had over the past year and wish to rid yourself of them. *Note: The Celts, some others call the
January Moon, or Wolf Moon,
the Cold Moon. Sources:
Page last updated 23 Jan 2006 Website Design and Myths & Magic logo by Míchealín Ní Dhochartaigh Copyright © 2006 Ireland's OWN All Rights Reserved.
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