The Wolf Moon Howl: A January Release Ritual We Do With Our Kids

by Meghan Metzger

Every January, without fail, the Wolf Moon arrives—and so does our little family tradition: my kids howl at the moon.… and every year, mine gets a little louder too.

It started one year as a goofy, spontaneous moment. We stepped outside into the cold night air, looked up, and one of them let out the loudest “AWOOOO!” I’ve ever heard. We laughed so hard we cried… and then we did it again.

Now it’s become our January reset.
Not fancy. Not complicated. Just playful, real, and weirdly healing.

Because January has a way of showing us what we’ve been carrying. And sometimes the most powerful release isn’t perfectly spiritual… it’s simply letting your feelings out of your body.

Wolf Moon Energy (January Vibes)

The Wolf Moon always feels like a gentle reminder to:

  • Come home to yourself

  • Release what’s heavy

  • Protect what’s sacred (your heart, your home, your boundaries)

You don’t need to “believe” in anything for this to work. If you’ve been feeling tender, overwhelmed, or emotionally full—this ritual gives your nervous system a clean exhale.

The Wolf Howl Release Ritual (2 minutes)

What you’ll need:

  • A small piece of paper (or sticky note)

  • A pen

  • Optional: a little bowl of water (or just a sink)

1) Step outside (or stand by a window/front door)

Look up at the moon if you can. If it’s cloudy, that’s okay—just step into the moment.

2) Hand on heart and say:

“I come home to myself.”

3) Write ONE thing you’re done carrying

Keep it simple. One honest sentence is enough.

Examples:

  • “I release pressure.”

  • “I’m done carrying comparison.”

  • “I release fear about the future.”

  • “I release emotional heaviness that isn’t mine.”

4) Howl it out (yes, really)

Say: “Awooo… I release ____.”
Do it loud, do it quiet, do it silly—whatever feels true.

5) Rip or crumple the paper

Destroy the paper like you mean it. This is your physical “I’m done.”

6) Seal with water

Rinse your hands with a little water (or touch raindrops if it’s raining like tonight).
Then say: Protected • Guided • Home

Why I Love Doing This With Kids

Kids don’t overthink rituals. They don’t worry about doing it “right.”
They just feel, release, laugh, and move on.

And honestly—the first time we did this, I felt vulnerable and embarrassed. I remember thinking, What if the neighbors hear us? What if they think we're weird?
But my kids didn’t hesitate for one second. They howled like they belonged to the night. And in that moment, I realized they were teaching me how to be unapologetic—to take up space, to be real, and to let joy be seen.

Shop the Ritual (Optional Supplies)

If you want to build a little “Wolf Moon kit,” here are my favorite add-ons:

  • Black Tourmaline (or Obsidian) — for protection + energetic boundaries

  • Moonstone — for emotional softness + intuition

  • Mugwort / Rosemary / Lavender — for clearing + dream support + calm

  • Sea Salt (or cleansing salt blend) — for sealing + protection around the home

  • A black or white candle — for release + renewal intentions

A Gentle Closing for January

If you’ve been carrying a lot, let this be your sign.

You don’t have to drag it all into the next month.

Step outside. Look up.
Howl if you want.
Release one thing.
And come home to yourself.

Protected • Guided • Home.

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