This year, the Full Snow Moon aligns with Valentine’s Day and Galentine’s Day. What better way to celebrate than by crafting bookmarks with friends? Add in playing a game of literary icebreakers, enjoying a delicious treat, and cozying up with a book inspired film and you have yourself the perfect full moon celebration.
New Moon
January 29th was the most recent new moon—I promise the title is not meant to be misleading. This new moon marks the beginning of the cycle that will culminate in the Full Snow Moon on February 12th. I love that the start of this cycle coincides with the Lunar New Year and that the peak aligns with Valentine’s and Galentine’s day. There is so much to celebrate and be grateful for. This new moon is a perfect time to hit pause, take a look around us, and give notice to where we are going in relation to where we want to be.
This intentional reset reflects in the traditions of the Lunar New Year, a beautiful event celebrated by many Asian cultures. Considered the New Year, and sometimes referred to as the Spring Festival, those celebrating are encouraged to avoid behaviors like sweeping, washing clothes, and urging someone to leave bed, all to secure a year of good fortune. We can glean wisdom from this centuries old celebration when considering our own traditions for the lunar cycle.
Full Snow Moon
The Full Snow Moon, typically occurring in February, is named for the heavy snowfalls that often blanket the northern regions during this time. Historically, Native American tribes used this moon to track the seasons and weather patterns, with the Snow Moon marking the period when winter’s coldest and heaviest snows were most likely. In the 1760s, Captain Jonathan Carver, who had visited with the Naudowessie (Dakota), wrote that the name used for this period was the Snow Moon, “because more snow commonly falls during this month than any other in the winter.” (Farmer’s Almanac). The name is a reminder of the unforgiving winter conditions that force us to slow down, take refuge, and conserve energy. At least, before the industrial revolution and introduction of technologies that enable us to “bypass” seasons.
The Full Snow Moon is a time to celebrate the beauty and blessings of winter. While the external world may seem quiet and still, this moon invites us to honor what we have—our achievements, our relationships, and the simple joys of the present moment. It’s a time to express gratitude for the things we often overlook, like the warmth of our homes, the comfort of community, or the inner strength we've built through the winter months.
How to Celebrate the Full Snow Moon
Celebrate with Gratitude and Community
The Full Snow Moon is an invitation to celebrate the abundance in our lives, especially the people who surround us. Use this time to connect with your community, crafting together, playing a game, or just enjoying each other’s company. The moon’s energy is a reminder that even in the coldest months, we are not alone. Take time to express gratitude for the people who support and uplift you.
Slow Movement
A mindful movement practice under the Full Snow Moon—such as a winter walk, yoga, or dancing to uplifting music is a wonderful way to incorporate slow, intentional habit building. These gentle activities help balance the need for rest with the opportunity for celebration, allowing you to honor both the stillness and the joy that come with the full moon’s light. You might also light a candle, create a simple ritual, or write a letter to loved ones as a way to mark the occasion.
Connect with Nature
Spend time outdoors, under the light of the moon, and appreciate the peaceful stillness of the season. Enjoy a piping hot cup of tea, I strongly suggest anything with ginger to warm your soul. Winter landscapes are often at their most beautiful when the moon casts its glow, offering a opportunity to reflect and take in the beauty of the natural world.
Collective Growth
Reach out to those around you and share your thoughts, hopes, and experiences. Collective reflection can deepen the sense of connection we share with our loved ones. Whether through group meditation, storytelling, or discussing personal growth, the Full Snow Moon brings us together to celebrate how far we’ve come and to support each other in our journeys.
Communal Gratitude
Every full moon invites us to embody gratitude through our actions. Its a time to reflect on the season we’re in, honor the life we’ve created, and find creative ways to connect.
As part of my resolution to align with natural cycles, I’m introducing a tradition of offering a communal gift each new moon that will inspire celebration for the full moon if its cycle. These gifts are crafted with the purpose of inspiring connection, stewardship, and intention while aligning with the rhythms of the moon. I will be offering physical gifts to my local community, that pair with digital gifts for an extended network.
If you’d like to participate in this tradition, here is how to get started:
Follow for updates as each new moon approaches.
Subscribe for a seasonal newsletter that explores broader themes of alignment with the natural world.
Participate in this cycle of gratitude by embracing the invitation to create, connect, and celebrate.
Share your experiences and creations to keep the spirit of communal giving alive.
This tradition is an invitation to honor these natural cycles and improve the health of ourselves, our community, and the world we all call home.
Let me know what you think about aligning our routines to the cycles that surround us in nature!
Up Next:
The Worm Moon, March 14th. Make sure you subscribe for the next cycle of aligning ourselves with the natural world!
I'm really looking forward to the snow moon. This is an excellent post. 👏