For those in cold climates, the Ice Moon is aptly named for February where winter seems to be relentless in presenting one storm of frozen precipitation after another. The energy of these storms can be a clue to the great energy that is also beginning to swirl beyond our sight. The February moon is also known as the quickening moon, for it seems that daylight is increasing at an incredible rate and in the light of the sun’s massing power ice and snow from winter storms doesn’t persist as long after storms have passed.

Beneath the coating of ice and snow, the Earth is still in slumber, but having passed from the isle of dreaming, it is beginning to stir and rouse energy. Soon spring will burst forth. Glimpses can be seen in winter blooming flowers such as witch hazel that blooms on the sunny frosty days of February and snowdrops that seem to spring up in an instant through the snow on a warm day.

Following the path of inspiration from dreams last month, what energies do you feel being mustered deep within you? How can you put them to use? During your inner work over the winter have you uncovered things you don’t like about yourself or things you want to change? Use the energies of the Ice Moon to freeze these negativities, chop them up and shovel them away to excise them, allowing room for new positive energy to take their place.

NOTE: This full moon will be extra special for during the peak of fullness there will also be a total lunar eclipse. Due to the alignment of the moon, sun and earth the moon will not totally disappear, but cast over by an eerie rusty red glow.

ACTIVITIES
· Use your creativity to build a plan to physically manifest your dreams and goals
· Use positive reinforcement and visualization to love and accept yourself, faults and all
· Take a healing bath with your favorite herbs to wash away and purify your body and spirit
· Start seeds for annuals such as heliotrope and perennials
· Look for spring in the blooming of witch hazel or snowdrops popping up through the snow

FULL MOON INCENSE (burn on incense charcoal)
1 scoops sandalwood powder – protection, healing, spirituality
1 granule amber – renewal, alertness, cleansing, protection, purification
3 drops vanilla – love, lust, mental powers
1 part sage – Immortality, longevity, wisdom, protection, wishes
1 part myrrh – protection, healing, spirituality, purifies and creates peaceful space
3 stems lavender – purification, happiness, love, peace, harmony, healing

Posted in: Lunar Lore