Get your snow shovels ready—February’s Full Snow Moon will reach peak illumination at 8:53 AM EST on Wednesday, February 12, 2025.

All in a Name

Every full moon has a certain significance and silent power. The Snow Moon’s name comes from several places, having roots in Native American, early American, and European sources. Traditionally, each full moon’s name extends beyond the event itself, to encompass the entire lunar month. This full moon’s name is fairly straightforward. On average, February is the snowiest month in the United States, according to data from the National Weather Service. In the 1760s, Captain Jonathan Carver, who had visited with the 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.”

As animals aren’t as active during this time, and abundant snow made it difficult to hunt and track, Native Americans would also refer to this moon as the Hunger Moon. Other names for February’s full moon have been connected to animals—Eagle Moon (Cree), Racoon Moon (Dakota), Groundhog Moon (Algonquin), and Bear Moon (Ojibwe and Tlingit). Throughout history, the human desire to name natural events after animals, weather, temperatures, colors, and seasons shows the ancient awareness of Nature’s flow and its connection to all things, visible and invisible. The full moon deeply connects us to Nature and its purpose.

Sun and Moon: Visible and Invisible

The moon represents the entire invisible world; the sun represents the visible world. Living things rely on both the sun and the moon. But while the sun needs to show itself every day, the full moon is invisible for all but one day each month. It balances an entire month of energy in just one beautiful showing.

In the full moon we see yin and yang, day and night, invisible and visible. Along with the sun, the moon has the power to control the rising and falling of the ocean tides. Seventy percent of our Earth—and coincidentally, our bodies—are made up of water. You are a being of Nature, connected to the moon’s miraculous power and energy. Every time you face a challenge, allow the moon’s invisible yet powerful essence to rejuvenate you. Allow it to be a source of cleansing, a reset button of sorts—a clean slate.

Weather Connections

Did you know the moon also influences the weather? Moon weather observers say the moon brings frost in the Spring and Fall and periods of extreme cold in the Winter. Researchers have shown a distinct correlation between the full moon, cloudiness, rainfall and thunder. Even weather records confirm that the first few days after a new moon or a full moon tend to be rainy or stormy. There is an abundance of moon weather folklore connecting its shape, color or position in the night sky. One indicator is  the moon’s horns. If the crescent is pointed upward, the moon is able to hold water, leading to a dry spell. If the crescent moon stands on its point, precipitation will spill out, bringing rain. What will this Full Snow Moon bring you—clear skies or snow?

Whatever the weather, everything happens for the good. Can you see the good?

Year of the Snake

In Chinese culture, the Snow Moon is the first full moon of the lunar new year, and brings its own unique consciousness. Everything in Nature is connected. February’s full Snow Moon is the first in the Year of the Snake. Its frequency connects to all full moons and every Year of the Snake.

So how do you prepare for this great opportunity? Begin the full moon diet! This is not a traditional diet with an eating plan and exercise regimen. Instead, it is an opportunity to empty your mind and find a place of peace.

1. Make yourself the priority! Begin your day from a place of quiet and introspection. Close your door, close your eyes, and breathe. Notice how your breath feels running through your body.
2. Quiet the ongoing to-do lists and running tally of responsibilities that runs through your mind throughout the day. Everything else can wait.
3. Focus on nurturing yourself. Pour yourself a hot cup of tea and instead of running to your computer, take time to savor it.
4. Stretch your legs. Take a walk and notice the emptiness and busyness happening at the same time in Nature. Which do you connect with?
5. Practice Qigong. Hold The Dragon Stands Between Heaven and Earth for as long as you can every day. As you practice, picture your feet grounded on the earth and your hands in the heavens. Envision the moon and your connection to this Universal presence.

Intentional Connections—Join Us!

When you outstretch your hand or point your face upward on a sunny day, you feel the warmth of the sun. But the moon is different. You have to intentionally connect with the moon to experience its power.

Embrace the power of the full Snow Moon, this new beginning, and all of its possibilities.

February’s full Snow Moon reaches peak illumination at 8:53 am EST on Wednesday, February 12, 2025. We will practice together virtually at 8:30 am EST. Find a good spot with a clear view of the moon. As you stand in its light, practice The Dragon Stands Between Heaven and Earth to energize yourself and connect with the moon’s power.

Inspired? Join Our EXCITING New Program!

The Consciousness of the Five Elements: An Advanced Course Launching February 22, 2025

Have you ever wondered about patterns in the Universe and how we are inextricably connected? This course, offered by Grand Master Nan Lu, will take you on a journey into the Consciousness of the Five Elements to rediscover how the non-material world influences material outcomes. This is an advanced course but is open to anyone with a basic understanding of Five Elements. Register today!