According to the Complete Idiot’s Guide to Wicca and Witchcraft (Amaranth, 2000), this moon is known as the Storm, Death or Quickening moon. In the Northern Hemisphere, the Storm moon occurs at a time of long nights and dark days, making it a good time of year to do magick for accepting challenges and perseverance.
Gemstones to Heighten the February Full Moon’s Energy
The gemstones that will help enhance the Storm moon’s energy are ones that have the properties of strength, courage, vitality and physical energy. Some common gemstones that have these characteristics include:
- Agate
- Amethyst
- Bloodstone
- Chrysocolla
- Garnet
- Geode
- Hematite
- Lapis Lazuli
- Malachite
- Tiger’s Eye
- Turquoise
It is easy to incorporate these beautiful stones into a full moon celebration. A simple suggestion is to have every participant bring his or her stones to the party. At some point in the evening, have everyone place the stones in a central basket, pot, cauldron or other container. The group can then do a meditation on the stones, focusing their thoughts on the stones and their various healing energies.
Essential Oils to Enhance the Energy of February’s Full Moon
Essential oils not only smell nice, but they have healing properties as well. There are some basic safety precautions to be aware of before using them, however. Unless consulting an expert, ingesting essentials oils or using them on skin is not recommended. To use them safely for the January full moon, however, use an oil diffuser or pour drops of the oils into a bowl of water for scrying.
Again, the February full moon brings the energy of perseverance and accepting challenges. Some common oils that have such properties include:
- Black Pepper
- Cedar
- Clove
- Ginger
- Lime
- Tangerine
- Yarrow
Ganesha Reflects the Energy of February’s Full Moon
The Hindu God Ganesha is an elephant-headed deity. His energy is one of overcoming obstacles, making him an excellent God to call upon or invoke during the February full moon. Ganesha teaches about perseverance, strength and courage.
During the February full moon celebration, invoking Ganesha can help participants connect with the natural strength and courage that everyone possesses. Ganesha can bring participants a deep connection with the personal power that can be required during times of change and growth.
February Full Moon Guided Visualization
Use the following visualization individually or with a group to tap into February's energy. Find a quiet and comfortable spot and allow about ten minutes to complete this activity.
- Relax your mind and body. Focus on breathing deeply and slowly. Allow the thoughts that come into your mind to leave, leaving a quiet, dark and safe space within. Feel the earth beneath you and the universe above you.
- Imagine yourself on a path in some woods. The path is clear and lit by the light of the moon. It is safe and you are amazed by how much the full moon lights the night scene before you.
- Walk along the path, paying close attention to any animals, rocks, or plants that stand out. They will have significance and you will be able to remember them later and think about what they mean to you.
- Up ahead you see a space or a clearing to sit down in. Sit down and breathe in the smells of the forest.
- You notice another being coming down the path. The being is smiling. It is Ganesha and he’s come to give you something. Welcome him into the space and feel happy knowing he has come just for you.
- Allow some time to communicate with Ganesha. He may speak, or give you feelings, perhaps even a gift. You can ask questions.
- When you are finished communicating with Ganesha, thank him and say goodbye. Make your way slowly back down the path.
- Slowly bring your conscious mind back to the present, knowing that you can visit with Ganesha any time.
Celebrating the February full moon is a great way to connect with the inner characteristics of strength and courage that are required by trying and challenging situations. This full moon provides a time to focus on strength, fertility and perseverance.
Trish Hoskin - Trish Hoskin B. Ed, lives in southern Alberta with her husband and two daughters. Trish is a professional card reader and new age workshop ...
