The Silent Moon

This is a time for Protection.

In the calendar system we have provided as an example, this moon is typically named the Silent Moon, and is a reference to the break in the stillness of winter that is indicative of a gathering of energy. Like the silence before the storm, the Silent Moon offers an opportunity to cleanse past regret so that we might better shift our attentions through this purification to future growth.

In many other belief systems there are already time-honored traditions for the establishment of a calendar. We have encluded a few examples here for you to consider.

In the Celtic Tree Calendar the name of this moon is Beth (Birch) which runs from December 24th to January 20th.

The Runic Calendar of Nordic traditions, (which is governed by half months rather than full months), divides this moon of the year by Peorth (Dice Cup) from January 13th through January 27th, and Elhaz (Elk) from January 28th through February 11th.

The Goddess Calendar names this moon of the year after the goddess Hestia and runs from December 26th through January 22nd.

The American Backwoods Calendar refers to this moon of the year as the Wolf Moon and is determined by whichever full moon falls in January.

This is a time for stillness. This is the deep silence of winter earth after the solstice celebration heralding the birth of energy and the return of ever lengthening daylight.

In history this has been seen as the most appropriate time for settling (or forgiving) past debts to mark the beginning of a new solar year. The quality of this moons' energy is thus one of new possibilities guided by that which came before.

This concept is depicted through certain double-visaged gods and goddesses such as Janus, who looks simultaneously backward at the past and forward to the future.

Whether you know this as the Silent Moon, Disting Moon, or Snow Moon, you can best use the slow-to-awaken energy of this time to work on the kind of personal, private matters that need to be put to rest before you can concentrate your fullest efforts into forward momentum.

Just as you wouldn't set sail without lifting anchor you will also be well advised not to launch your future while things from your past still act to drag you down.

So, with all that information to guide you, think of this moon as the perfect opportunity to cleanse and purify yourself of past debts and through this purification, shift your attention toward future growth.

If you select a personal name for this moon, this name too, should correspond to whatever reflects the theme of purification and inner cleansing to you.

If you wish to review a completed lunar calendar for this year, please select the icon image to your left labeled "Lunar Calendar".

If you wish to go directly to instructions for creating a lunar calendar of your own using our lunar calendar system, please select the link to your left labeled "Lunar Calendar System".

If you wish to learn more about the individual thirteen moons of a lunar calendar, please use the image links to your left.