February’s moon cycle is known as the Snow Moon, and for many regions this name makes perfect sense! However, if you remember my post about the Wolf Moon last month, you will remember that the moon names we have come to accept collectively are a collection of names pulled from different cultures based on the phenology of the cycle. The problem with this is that not every region experiences the same cycles of nature. I always encourage people to research and learn about the indigenous peoples of the land that they live on, and this might be very useful for those not in snowy areas during this moon cycle.
As a Penobscot descendant, and living on the same lands my own ancestors thrived on, I’ve heavily leaned into the Penobscot lunar calendar. For glaringly obvious reasons, due to recent events alone, my ancestors had a similar name to the ‘Snow Moon’. They called this lunar month: takʷaskʷayí-kisohs- moon of crusts of ice on the snow.
New Moon
Unlike last month, this month’s post is centered on the New Moon, which for many cultures marks the beginning of a month on their lunar calendars. In fact, this particular New Moon marks the New Year for some Asian cultures. I will talk a little more on this later this week when I post January’s Book Guide adventure.
New Moons are an event where the moon is conjunct with the sun, this simply means that the sun and moon are in in a similar degree to each other in the same sign, because of this aspect the sun in unable to illuminate the moon as it would if it were in opposition; in it’s full phase. There’s differing perspectives on this of course, some believe this aspect is the dark phase of the moon and not the same as a new moon, some believe it’s a new moon and not the same as the dark moon, and the more radical people (appropriate for this sign) they believe it’s one in the same. This is just a matter perspective. Neither is right, or wrong.
Family Activities for the Snow Moon
A couple years ago I joined Wilder Child’s Kids Moon Club, an annual moon cycle observation club packed with monthly activities to do as a family themed after each moon cycle. It is a valuable resource for those connecting to lunar cycles, but I did feel like it was lacking for me personally. Not in a bad way, but my moon observance is different so it didn’t align. However, I had some great takeaways from this club! Such as the Moon Corner (pictured below) that we decorate for each cycle. It’s a work in progress and things keep getting added to it little my little.
Other inspirations for our snowy weather activities include prompts from 1000 Hours Outside and the Explore Nature with Kids calendar. The moon phase/cycle decorations for the our moon corner can be found at Hearth Magic.
Activities we love for snowy funny are: Hiking in the woods with warm cookies and hot cocoa. Snow painting. Maple candy. Catching snowflakes with our tongues. Cutting out our own snowflakes to decorate inside, and not pictured, but delicious snow cream!
What are your favorite snowy activities? And if you don’t live in a winter weather state, would are your favorite winter time activities?
In the meantime, here’s a playlist of snowy themed songs to enjoy this month!
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