The lunar cycle takes approximately 29.5 days, which means there’s at least one full moon in each calendar month. Each of those full moons has a name and brings us important spiritual lessons.
Native American tribes relied on the season’s flora, fauna, weather, and activities to christen each full moon of the month as a way of keeping track of time without the 365-day calendar. The Snow Moon in February is also sometimes called the Hunger Moon, Bone Moon, or Bear Moon.
When Is the Snow Moon?
The Snow Moon is February’s full moon. It comes after the Wolf Moon that starts the year’s full moon cycle and the Worm Moon that arrives near Ostara, the spring equinox.
The Snow Moon will reach its peak on Saturday, February 24, 2024, at 7:30 a.m. ET.
The Snow Moon Meaning: Why Is It Called a Snow Moon?
The Snow Moon was aptly named for February’s historically harsh conditions and heavy snowfalls… although this year’s El Niño pattern has caused weaker trade winds and unusually warm water in the Pacific Ocean to result in an unseasonably warm and dry winter in the Americas.
Historically in the northern hemisphere, this cold, dark month of scarcity was a difficult time for hunters, which is why the moon earned additional names like “Hunger Moon” and “Bone Moon” associated with famine.
February’s full moon is generally regarded as the last moon of winter. The next full moon is the Worm Moon, which reflects the thawing transition as spring finally arrives and the birds feast on worms and grubs. We are in the final clutch of winter, the end of the season.
Snow Moon Spiritual Meaning
Despite the bleakness of some of its associated names, this moon is a hopeful sign of spring on the horizon. It channels similar themes that are celebrated during Imbolc on February 1-2.
The Snow Moon reminds us that there’s a source of light in the darkness, that the storm is nearly over even though it feels like our reserves are almost gone, and that warmth will soon return to awaken the sleeping world. We begin to notice the bird songs and think about the buds of spring’s upcoming thaw, and we become more attuned to the tiniest shifts of nature stirring.
But the Snow Moon also invites us to explore the stillness of winter and find beauty in the cold darkness. We can examine the slow awakening happening below the surface. There’s great power in introspection.
This full moon typically comes with a sense of building restlessness. Our hibernation is almost over, and we can feel it. The days are getting noticeably longer. Chances are, you’ve already started to feel your energy change. Maybe you’ve started spring cleaning, or you’ve been inspired to tackle a new project or take a walk outside to get some fresh air and escape the cramped stuffiness of your home.
Think about how the seeds and bulbs in the frozen soil are gathering their energy right now in preparation for rapid growth soon. We’re preparing as well. Our bodies, minds, and spirits can feel this need to start shaking off the remnants of sleep. It’s time to start focusing on gathering the motivation, energy, and resolve as we enter the growing season with positivity and confidence.
Snow Moon Altar Tips, Colors, & Crystals
With the Wolf Moon in January, we planned our resolutions and goals for the new year. Now, we start to focus on our course of action to see them come to fruition.
Imbolc’s colors, crystals, and altar decorations work well for the Snow Moon as well. For your altar color scheme, consider utilizing white or silver (representing snow), red (sun), and green (buds and shoots getting ready to emerge). Other spring colors such as lavender, robin-egg blue, and pale hues of yellow, pink, etc. would work.
Decorate your Snow Moon altar with items that remind you of spring. Flowers, seeds, bulbs, eggs, talismans, etc. I also enjoy taking a walk outside and scavenging natural items for my altar. These finds might include seed pods, stones, pinecones, bark, etc. Just make sure that you scavenge responsibly so the wildlife has plenty of access to food.
Some of the best crystals to use for Imbolc and the Snow Moon include:
- Amethyst – spiritual protection, insight, self-reflection, shadow work
- Moss Agate – restoration, healing, rebirth, a connection with earth and plants
- Onyx – strength, stabilization, grounding, alleviating fear (tourmaline and obsidian are also good alternatives)
- Selenite – purification, cleansing, protection, a symbol of light, ties to the moon
- Moonstone – new beginnings, fertility, intuition, lunar/feminine energy
- Sunstone – light, life, energy, luck, prosperity, empowerment, especially powerful stone to help combat seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
- Carnelian – connected to the element of fire and the sacred flame
- Clear quartz – healing, peace, cleansing the mind and aura, divination
- Rose quartz – love, self-love, friendship, romance, companionship
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Snow Moon Ritual Ideas for a Solitary Witch
Fire is a powerful element of Imbolc, and it works well with the Snow Moon as well. Use candles with your rituals to focus on the light, warmth, and life. (See my candle color guide to choose the right color to match your intentions. Make sure you’re always careful with fire in your home.)
If you haven’t already started spring cleaning yet, now is a good time to start. Let the restlessness of the Snow Moon channel itself into productive energy. With our hibernation period nearing its end, we instinctively feel the urge to clean out our living spaces that have accumulated junk over the last few months. At the very least, I recommend burning sage and/or Imbolc herbs to purify your home with a smoke-cleansing (smudging) ritual (see my list to help choose the right herbs).
All of this building energy makes the Snow Moon an ideal time to make moon water and charge your crystals as well.
The shift from rest to activity makes divination especially powerful, so you might want to consult your runes or tarot/oracle deck for guidance to ensure that your energy is directed in a proactively productive way. We’re at risk of being busy just for the sake of being busy; it’s important to stay focused on what matters.
You can’t go wrong with a ritualistic bath surrounded by crystals and candles. If you’re looking to upgrade your candle collection, I recommend:
Hemlock Park crafts beautiful aromatherapy candles and spa packages, handcrafted with natural ingredients. They offer crystal candles and organic coconut wax candles with wood wicks. But here’s why I love this company — they partnered with One Tree Planted to focus on reforestation. A tree is planted for every order placed.
Mama Wunderbar quickly became a favorite for me! I purchased some beautifully packaged smoke-cleansing kits as Christmas gifts and have been in love with this company ever since. Although they have a greater selection of crystals, smoke-cleansing (smudging) bundles, and jewelry, they do have a limited but beautiful candle section, including crystal candles, ritual candles, moon phase candles, and intention candles. When you order from Mama Wunderbar, you can count on everything being all-natural, high quality, and sustainably grown and harvested in the United States. It’s a great one-stop shop for your online spiritual needs!
Old Soul Artisan creates handcrafted candles inspired by folklore, literature, and the dark psyche. They also offer seasonal fragrances, such as a special Samhain candle. Their 100% vegan soy candles are hand-blended in small batches and contain no dyes, parabens, phthalates, or other toxins. Another reason to love this company — Old Soul Artisan donates part of its profits to wolf conservation.
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from: Cratejoy
A monthly subscription box is a fantastic way to celebrate the full moon! See my top witchy/spiritual box recommendations.
For more information on full moons, see the 2024 full moon calendar with names, dates, and spiritual meanings here.
Award-winning fantasy author, freelance writer, spiritual explorer, and sole founder of Green Witch Lunar Witch. She created her first website in 2016 and published her first novel two years later. Sara spends most of her time writing, creating, and daydreaming.