Continuing our exploration of what celebration looks like in modern Pagan families, this is the next in our series of blogs from the Children & Families Team write about the traditions they have developed to celebrate the full moons of the year with their children aged 3 years and up, continuing with the February full moon.
February full moon is the Ice Moon or Snow Moon. This time last year we had lots of snow and ice and it really felt like the moon was living up to its name. My then 3-year-old and I went out early, trudging through the snow and making tracks, used sticks to write in the snow, we rolled big snowfolk as the sun rose and the sky got lighter, then went home for hot chocolate and breakfast.
This year the weather is a lot warmer, signs of spring are everywhere, but no snow and ice. This moon is also sometimes called the hunger moon because for our ancestors the winter stores would be getting low and food for foraging scarce.
We’ll be making a moon altar together, with trinkets to represent this moon and its significance. I’ll also set up an icy play for them to explore, freezing some toys in a tray for them to break out. For the hunger moon aspect, we’ll put birdseed out, making reference to the moon’s significance. We’ll also make more of giving thanks for the food we have and add something to the local food donation box, again talking about the significance of the moon while doing so.
Krys
Manager, Children & Families Team
February’s full moon comes a couple of weeks after Imbolg and more than a month before Spring Equinox, in 2022. It’s still wintry and blustery, yet the first tentative signs of spring are bursting through. It’s a great time to spot new shoots, bulbs starting to sprout, and to listen out for birds marking their territories and some even finding their mates for the nesting season. This full moon also falls near Valentine’s Day, a celebration of love.
Perhaps this full moon you could practice some self-love; eat your favourite foods, talk to friends, or do your favourite things whether that’s a sport, getting out and about, or chilling with a book.
Names for February’s full moon include the Snow Moon, due to the brisk weather, and the Hunger Moon, probably because it’s historically a time when winter supplies would be running low. With that in mind, it’s a great time to take stock and celebrate the amazing things in your life.
Mabh
Secretary, Children & Families Team
February is a busy month for us, we have several birthdays which take our focus, and the full moon often gets lost. Having said that we still spend time noticing how the world is coming alive again. This has been especially easy for the last few years as dog walks are an ideal time for getting out and about. Even if you don’t have a dog, getting on warm coats and heading out to parks, woods, beaches, hills, and dales is chilly, rewarding fun.
In our house, the February moon is the Snow moon, and I was surprised to find out recently that we have never been a country of snow at Christmas, and it usually falls in November and February, hence the old name.
Lyn
Deputy Manager, Children & Families Team