Bright Blessings of the Quickening Moon

[alivemagdolene]

Also Known As: Storm Moon, Horning Moon, Hunger Moon, Bony Moon, Wild Moon, Red & Cleansing Moon, Moon When Trees Pop, Solmonath (Sun Month), Big Winter Moon, Little Famine Moon, Ice Moon

Element: fire

Nature Spirits: house faeries, both of the home itself and of house plants

Herbs: balm of Gilead, hyssop, myrrh, sage, spikenard

Colors: light blue, violet

Flowers: primrose

Scents: wisteria, heliotrope

Stones: amethyst, jasper, rock crystal, rose quartz

Trees: rowan, laurel, cedar, myrtle

Animals: otter, deer

Birds: eagle, chickadee

Deities: Brigit, Juno, Kuan Yin, Diana, Demeter, Persephone, Aphrodite, Mars

Power Flow: energy working toward the surface; purification, growth, healing. Loving the self. Accepting responsibility for past errors, forgiving yourself, and making future plans.

Mantra: I am creative and inspired.

Info on This Moon From About Dot Com: In February, the nights are cold and we begin to feel a bit of cabin fever. We're tired of being cooped up in the house, and there's a part of us that's just longing for a bit of warmth. This is the season of Imbolc, the days when we know that if we can just hold on for a few more weeks, we might get lucky and see little green shoots peeking out through the snow and slush.

This is a month when new life is beginning, but still lies dormant. Pregnant animals, due in the spring, begin to feel the quickening of their unborn young. The earth itself is quickening, as seeds and bulbs far beneath the soil begin their journey towards the light. We know these things are coming -- and we know also that this is a good month to make plans for the future. We can dream and hope, and set goals for ourselves. Accept responsibility for mistakes you've made in the past, and move on. Magical workings this month should focus on personal achievements and advancement.

Further Notes From The Witches' Datebook: To the Cherokee, February is the Bony Moon. In their southeastern territory, this historically marked the hungry time when people and animals grew lean. Similarly, the Choctaw call this the Little Famine Moon. To the Dakota Sioux, it's the Moon When Trees Pop. Out on the plains, it can get so cold that the moisture inside living wood freezes and the expanding ice causes tree trunks to burst.

Toward the end of winter, people and wildlife have used up much of their reserves, so be cautious and conservative when you find resources stretching thin. Conversely, if you have enough to share, look to help others. Donating to a food bank or cooking supper for a friend who's lost a job can soften the bite of this sharp Moon. Assist wildlife with rich foods, suet, corn, and fresh water. Check forecasts of extreme cold and protect vulnerable plants if necessary. Trees are especially vulnerable as warm weather makes the sap run, followed by a severe cold snap.

Magically, create abundance via gateways and gratitude for what you have. Pray for people experiencing famine and hardship; contribute to charities that aid them. Work spells of protection for the land and wildlife.

A safe and happy holiday to all who celebrate~!