Every month has at least one full moon, and each moon has a name.
Centuries ago, early 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 is also sometimes referred to as the Hunger Moon, Bone Moon, and 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 with spring.
The Snow Moon will reach its peak on Sunday, February 5, 2023 at 1:29 p.m. ET.
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. 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. We are in the final throes of winter.
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 (some cultures celebrate Imbolc on the first nice day that feels like spring).
The Snow Moon reminds us that there is a source of light in the darkness, that the storm is nearly over, and that warmth will soon return to awaken the sleeping world. We begin to stir and think about the bird songs and buds of spring’s thaw.
This full moon often comes with some restlessness. Our time of rest of 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 already started spring cleaning, or you’ve been inspired to tackle a new project.
Think about how the seeds and bulbs in the frozen soil are gathering their energy right now in preparation for rapid growth soon. We should be preparing as well, and our bodies, minds, and spirits can feel this need to start shaking off the remnants of sleep.
We are awakening, and we are beginning to gather the motivation, energy, resolve, and plan to 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 (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. Think flowers, seeds, bulbs, eggs, talismans, etc. I also enjoy taking a walk outside and scavenging natural items for my altar. These find might include seed pods, stones, pinecones, bark, etc. Just make sure 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
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 might be 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. This shift from rest to activity makes divination especially powerful, so perhaps you’ll want to consult your runes or tarot/oracle deck for guidance to ensure your energy is directed in a proactively productive way.
You can’t go wrong with a ritualistic bath surrounded by crystals and candles. If you’re looking to upgrade your candle collection, I highly 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.
Enchanted Crystal - $46.50
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 2023 full moon calendar with names, dates, and 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.