By February, I am eager to say goodbye to winter and move on to springtime, flowers, and new life. Yet, despite being the shortest month of the year, February has a way of seeming to drag on endlessly. If you find yourself longing for the snow and ice to melt, and for warmer days to come, take heart! Beneath the snow, life is beginning to stir. This is the time to prepare, and the Ice Moon is here to help!
February Ice Moon
With the wintry weather and chilling temperatures here in the north, it is easy to see how the February full moon got its Celtic name, Ice Moon. Other names for it include Snow Moon, from the Native American peoples, and Storm Moon, which is the English Medieval name. Whatever you choose to call it, the full moon in February is a wonderful time to connect with your magic and your craft.
Two of the intentions connected with the Ice Moon are beginnings and purification. This brief period, between the dark, introspective winter and the light and fertility of spring is ideal for starting to come out of hibernation. This is when we have the opportunity to refresh our energy, cleanse our spaces, and to let go of that which will not serve us in the coming months.
We have had the winter long to retreat within ourselves. We have used this time to heal, to learn, or to simply get through the dark and cold of the season. Now is the time to plan and to prepare for the work ahead.
Imbolc
Also in the month of February is Imbolc. This sabbat is a much needed reminder that beneath the snow, life is indeed beginning to stir. This time is useful for not only dreaming of spring, but starting to work towards it as well.
Winter was a difficult time for our ancestors. Their survival depended on being able to grow and store enough food to keep them fed until life returned to the land. Although we now have grocery stores to turn to when our root cellars and larder shelves become bare, Imbolc remains an important time.
Even today, Imbolc marks the first stirrings of life. It is a lovely occasion to go out to the woods to try and spot the first signs of spring. Alternatively, if a cold walk doesn’t strike your fancy, it is just as good a time to stay home, brew a cup of tea, and pull out the gardening books and seed catalogs. You may even start your seeds indoors around this time.
With this reminder of the imminent return of life to the land and the busy seasons ahead, it benefits us to prepare ourselves. Fortunately, the energy of the February Ice Moon is ideal for this work!
Harnessing the Magic of the Ice Moon
Full moons are a powerful time each month for certain types of magical workings. In general, full moons are a good time for magic and intentions surrounding abundance, creativity, energy, manifestation and fertility, to name a few.
The Ice Moon in February however, is especially useful for aiding in work relating to beginnings, empowerment, fertility, and purification. Consequently, working with the Ice Moon on these types of magic will increase the efficacy and potency of your spells and manifestations.
Perhaps one of the simplest ways to bring the moon into your magic is to perform your spell outdoors. If frigid temperatures make this difficult, either keep your spell brief, or perform the spell indoors. You could do this by working near a window through which you can view the moon. If that is not possible, open a window or a door to the outside and welcome the energy of the moon in.
You may choose to speak your intentions to the moon, communing with her as you would a friend. If you are interested in deity work, perhaps you will build a relationship with the Moon Goddess Selene and invoke her in your craft. Maybe you’ll simply decide to stand outside in the moonlight. Allow its power to wash over you, to heal and recharge you. Let it connect you with the natural cycles and rhythms of the universe to which you are intricately and inextricably connected.
Healing and Letting Go
For many, winter is a time of introspection and rest. The earth itself is asleep, and naturally, if we are in tune with this cycle in our own lives, we will likely find that we too are in a form of hibernation. We may spend the winter months healing and recovering from the busyness of the preceding seasons. It could be that we have been focused on our shadow work while we have a moment to pause and reflect. As for those of us that are prone to the winter blues, maybe we’re just taking one day at a time and waiting for the sunshine to return.
Whatever the case, February, and specifically the full Ice Moon is a good time to begin stirring from our winter slumber. There is no rush, do what feels best to you. Take the time to stretch, make a cup of tea, take a few moments to journal about the lessons and insights you gained from your winter slumber. Hit the metaphorical snooze button a time or two if you feel the need. But know that soon it will be time to rise and greet the day!
After the reflection and healing we have done over the past months, we may have identified some things we’ve been holding onto which may not have been serving us, or which will not align with new goals or directions we may wish to take.
If you have things you are ready to let go of, habits, thoughts, or feelings which are no longer serving you, try writing them down on a piece of paper. Take the paper outside, and burn it under the light of the full moon. Allow the energy of the Ice Moon to help you cleanse your heart, mind, and soul from these cares.
Welcoming New Beginnings
Now, though winter is not quite through, signs of the coming spring begin to make themselves known. Spring is the season of new life and beginnings. Even now, as we wait for the snow and ice to melt, the earth is preparing for this fresh start.
Following nature’s cycle, we might also begin preparations to welcome new beginnings into our lives, our homes, and our spiritual practice. Now is a lovely time to meditate on what new undertakings you should pursue in the coming months. What do you need physically, emotionally, and spiritually? Is there something new you would like to try? Are you ready for a change of pace or of scenery perhaps? Take the time to sit with these thoughts and see what answers you receive.
Once you have your answers on a path or direction you wish to move in, it may feel right to start planning. Begin a journal, make a list, do some research, or start a dream board. Work with the energy of the Ice Moon to prepare for the journey ahead of you. Whisper your dreams to the moon. Let her light and her promise of new beginnings wash over you, filling you with hope and renewing your sense of purpose. Don’t be afraid to dream big. The possibilities are endless and now is the time to welcome them in with open arms!
Enjoy the magic of the season! Follow me on Instagram for more enchanting content for your home and craft!
Need exact dates for the moon phases? Find the precise dates and times here!
Leave a Reply