Snow Moon

    The rise of the Snow Moon signifies the end of warmth and sunlight, and heralds the coming of the dark months of the year.  Mother Earth yawns and stretches.  She is tired from all the planting, growing and harvesting, and prepares to take a long, well deserved nap.  As She settles down, all of Nature follows her example.  Even the snow acts in kind.  It covers her with flakes, providing an insulative blanket that keeps Her snug in Her bed, and shields Her from the harsh cold winter.

   We begin to slow down, too.  With the Earth at rest, we spend more time indoors.  We finish projects and tie up loose ends.  We relax and regroup.  We contemplate the goodness of the Earth and the fertile abundance She shares with us.  We count our blessings.  They are many and we are thankful.

Things to Do for the Snow Moon:

• Dress in purple, black, navy blue and other dark colors to honor the sleeping period of the Earth

• Use purple candles and burn the Full Moon incense, or use mugwort or patchouli for your incense.

• Decorate the altar with onions, garlic and other vegetables that grow beneath the ground.  Use a child's sheet or coverlet as the altar cloth.

• Asperge the Circle with camphor-soaked water. (A bit of Mentholatum dissolved in hot water, then set aside to cool works well in a pinch.)

• Sing a lullaby to the Earth to bring Her peaceful dreams.  Try singing to the tune of "Brahms' Lullaby":
              Mother Earth, get some rest
              Peaceful dreams while You're sleeping
              Gain new strength, for the springtime's
              Work will shortly come.

• Make a list of all the people who have done something nice for you in the last year.  Reflect upon how they've changed your life.  Make plans to do something nice for them in reciprocation.

• Make a charm to help tie up loose ends on any projects pending completion.  Just place 3 cloves of garlic and a piece of clear quartz crystal in a cloth bag, and chant:
              Bulbs that grow beneath the ground
              Bulbs that grow so white and round
              Help me put (name projects one by one) to bed
              Completing their circle in my head
              Quartz crystal, do your stuff as well
              As I do will, now start this spell.
  Place the bag in front of the altar candles and leave it until the candles burn completely down.  The place the bag under your bed to work while you sleep.