Full Moon – February 2017

By Marijosephe Pierre Bradford –

Full Moon: February 10, 2017

The Moon is the closest astral body to the Earth and it has a profound effect on us. It represents the feminine, emotional, creative, and nurturing aspects of our lives. One complete cycle of the Moon takes about 29 to 30 days. The Moon radiates her energy to us in cycles of waxing and waning, bringing in and releasing, ebbing and flowing.

The Cycles of the Moon

A New Cycle The energy is full of new possibilities. It’s a time to set your intentions for what you want to bring into your life.

Waxing Crescent: New growth, with continued action, results will come about.

First Quarter Take action steps towards intentions.

Waxing Gibbous Refine steps and improve your goal plan

Full Moon High tide of power, amplifying and creative. It is a time to release items that no longer serve you, what you no longer need in your life, or aspects of yourself that you have outgrown.

Waning Gibbous: Express newfound truths, withdrawing to reflect on their impact.

Last Quarter: Start seeding for the next cycle of the Full Moon.

Waning Crescent: It’s important to make space for the unfolding of spirit at this time, in preparation for the new cycle and beginning.

Cultures and Religions Connections to the Moon

Many cultures and religions follow the cycles of the Moon. For example, the New Moon is the start of every Hebrew month. All of the Jewish holidays revolve around the dates of the New Moon.

The Moon is symbolic in the Christian Easter holiday; where believers celebrate the rebirth of mankind through Jesus Christ's death and resurrection. The timing of Easter Sunday shows its connection to the Full Moon. It falls on the first Sunday after the first Full Moon between March 21 – 23, the date of the Spring or Vernal Equinox. In the Muslim religion, the month of Ramadan is connected with the New Moon sighting, which traditionally begins at the start of the ninth month of the Islamic calendar.

You can still partake in the power of the Full Moon, even if you don't follow any of these religions. Working with the wonderful gift of nature, and harnessing the different energetic influences at each of the stages can help you manifest your intentions into reality. The lunar cycle gives you many chances to do rituals to mark a personal turning point, purging, or gestation of creation.

February’s Moon Names & Meanings

Each monthly Moon has a name, and these vary in many cultures, regions, countries, faiths or religions – many, many different names, and usually they refer to the season, the weather, or what the people are up to at that time of the year.

• Native tribes called this Moon the Ice Moon, the Snow Moon, the Storm Moon, the Hunger, Bone, or Bony Moon; since the heaviest snow usually falls during this month, and harsh weather conditions in their areas made hunting very challenging.
• Wiccans and Paganshis Moon celebrates the Maiden more so than any time during the year. During the month of February, feel the strength of female energy. As Spring approaches, the Maiden gets ready to meet her mate; she strengthens herself, purifies herself, and draws in the strength she’ll need for the year to come.

Power Flow

Notice the energy working toward the surface of reality during this month. February is a time of purification, growth, healing, and learning to love YOU. It’s also a tough month for those who have any Fire or Water in their chart. Some will have natural endings, and others will begin their new spiritual journey. Others may have to leave behind people, places, or things that no longer serve a purpose. This can be tough, as separation and difficult decisions are challenging for all of us.

This February lunar cycle will feature a penumbral lunar eclipse, which occurs when the Sun, Earth, and Moon align in an almost straight line. When this happens, the Earth blocks some of the Sun 's light from directly reaching the Moon's surface, and covers a part of the Moon with the outer part of its shadow, also known as the penumbra. The rest of the Moon receives the same amount of sunlight as usual, and is as bright as a Full Moon.

Ritual Suggestion

Plan your future! The month of February is a time for spiritual purification and initiation. Take time to cleanse and purify yourself, your home, sacred space, and property. Stones charged beneath this Moon provide owners with added protective qualities. Create affirmations, prayers for growth, healing, and self-love. Accept responsibility for past mistakes, forgive, and make future plans.

• First make space for your future. Accept your role and responsibility for past events or situations that you view as errors in your life.
• Forgive yourself for these events.
• Make future plans through journaling, or creating a Vision Board.
• Colors – Light blue, violet.
• Stones – Amethyst, Jasper, rock crystal.

Next month I will discuss March, and provide suggested New Moon rituals.

Marijosephe (Mija) Pierre Bradford is an intuitive counselor and life coach, working with clients in all aspects of life through the Akashic Records, Reiki, and Law of Attraction coaching. She is the Founder and CEO of Attracting Your Life, LLC. To work with her, or to attend one of her Full Moon events, visit www.attractingyourlife.com or contact her via email at [email protected].