New Moon In
Aquarius & Imbolc
Feb. 1st
Full Moon In Leo
Feb. 16th
January brought us into the fertile darkness, into the rituals of rest and dreaming.
February brings us the first sensual stirs of the Earth awakening from her Winter slumber.
The newborn energy of this new year is still shrouded in mystery, yet its energy begins to make itself known. Stirring and moving within us towards the light of our conscious awareness and the growing sunlight around us.
In February we connect to the energy of the seed that has been planted in the dreaming dark of our creative souls and bodies.
Self love, sensuality, play, connection, creativity, time in nature and a return to innocence all help us feed the new energies within us that wish to bloom forth as the days grow longer.
Get curious about the seed within you, get playful. Stay out of the mind, full of projections and expectations of what this seed will grow into this year. It is too early to know. Feel it’s essence within you. Stay in the body, your senses, your heart. Court your innocence through rituals of pleasure and simple joy.
Cyclical Insights
Imbolc is an ancient holy-day, celebrated on the first days of Feb. It marks the middle point between the longest night of the year on the Winter Solstice and the official start of Spring, when the length of day is equal to the length of night. From then on, we enter the seasons of light, growth and expansion – Spring and Summer.
The Earth too is awakening. Crocuses and flowering bulbs sprout through snow. Ice melts, changing form, becoming dancing rivers. The days are becoming noticeably longer. The promise of a new life is in the air. Possibilities dance in the wind.
There are dreams within you and creative gifts that wish to bloom upon this Earth, into your life, that you still cannot see. Trust the process. Don’t rush the expansion.
Nature is inviting in a gentle activation that will usher us into the Spring awakening next month in March. Now is the time to support the seeds stirring within with acts of self love and safety, with pleasure, sweetness, aphrodisiac plants and foods and acts of blooming love.
What would you call this Moon based
on where you live and what you are noticing?
Themes of This Moon
Atmosphere: The sun is rising earlier and setting noticeably later. A shift is in the air, the body of the Earth awakens with a blush of green grass. Flowers, bird songs and melting snow sing to the tender places within us, promising that a new life is coming. She is renewing herself, as she always does.
Movement: Brisk walks in the morning air awaken the body and support the activation of the flame and waters within you. Hiking, walking in the neighborhood and going to the park, awakens our innocent inner child who is inspired to connect with life through new buds and fresh signs of life. Walking stimulates lymph, blood and digestion, preventing the stagnation of Winter and awakening the body, heart and mind in necessary ways for Spring to bloom through us too.
Flower: Rose, The symbol of love, healing and devotion, Rose is deeply medicinal, and is said to have the highest vibration of any flower on Earth. Supportive to the heart, womb, and topically used to tighten and brighten the skin, Rose also has a healing aroma that calms the nervous system and opens the heart chakra.
Food Medicine: Cacao Called “food of the Gods”, Cacao has been a revered, sacred food, medicine, currency, and ceremonial sacrament for thousands of years. Native to the Mesoamericans, a bitter drink called Xocolatl was used by the Mayans and Aztecs for ritual purposes and after the Conquest, later came to Europe, where sugar was added first by an apothecary to make what now resembles our modern chocolates. Pure organic cacao is one of the most medicinal, potent, antioxidant rich, healing plants on the planet. Incorporate cacao this month as an aphrodisiac, digestive, heart tonic and mood lifter.
Herb: Thyme Do not be fooled by this little, common, low growing herb. While small and delicate, she is full of medicinal properties that can support us as we transition out of Winter and into Spring. 
I bring her to you as well because she is so available and likely near you now! Add a teaspoon of dried Thyme from your spice rack or a sprig of freshly picked Thyme into a mug of hot water, with a teaspoon of honey, and you will have an incredibly delicious tea that calm the nerves, opens the heart, supports digestion, supports the respiratory system and boosts immunity.
Tree: Magnolia A blooming Magnolia Tree in the late Winter feels like a miracle of beauty and life. Varieties of these gorgeous flowering trees bloom from late winter to Summer. Adored in the American South and revered in Chinese culture, Magnolia Trees symbolizes purity, nobility, youth, innocence, joy and enduring love. Used for thousands of years in Traditional Chinese Medicine as a yin tonic, magnolia bark has many uses including aiding in relaxation and sleep.
The Ancient Origins of Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day can be a day when we focus the power of the collective on the exultation and celebration of Love! You do not have to be coupled to make this day special – in fact, some of the most beautiful rituals available involve courting Nature, writing poetry, making offerings to the oceans, mountains and the fertile body of your garden and home. Bring your intention and creativity to feed the forces of self love and creative potential, pleasure and joy within you!
RECIPE: Lover’s Licking Chocolate & Chocolate Dipped Fruit
From The Witch’s Herbal Apothecary
This recipe is delicious, simple and quick to prepare. It makes a delicious, thick, creamy chocolate ganache you can use to top a cake, drizzle over fresh strawberries and harden in the fridge, or lick off your lover’s body on a full moon night.
Yields: about 1¼ cup
Ingredients:
- ½ Cup extra virgin coconut oil
- ½ Cup maple syrup
- ½ Cup organic cacao powder
- ½ Tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of Himalayan pink salt
- Generous dash of Ceylon cinnamon powder.
Directions:
- Melt the coconut on low heat, stirring and turning it off once it is liquid.
- Mix in maple syrup, cacao and vanilla.
- Finish with a dash of salt & cinnamon.
- Dip your fingers in and test the results.
- To make a delicious and elegant desert, dip slices of orange, two inch cubes of banana, and strawberries halfway into the chocolate mixture. Place on wax paper and refrigerate. The chocolate will harden and you may serve them as a chocolate fruit mandala for a romantic evening.
Journal Prompts
What brings you pleasure? What feels good? Make a stream of consciousness list. Make it as long as possible.
What does it feel like to be in your innocence? When does your heart and body feel safe enough to open and just be? To experience the purity of your soul?
What is stirring in your creative wells? What have you noticed sparks your interest, awakens your curiosity, enlivens you and brings you joy?
How can you allow the full spectrum of feelings to move through you?
Write a love letter to yourself.
