The Quickening Moon - February 2012

Well my lovelies, the February full moon is tomorrow (Feb 7th) so that will be today's topic.

I celebrate every full moon with my coven/group and if you only do one spiritual practice a month as a pagan, recognizing the full moon is a great (and popular) one to do.

Lets start with some Correspondences for the Quickening Moon:

Other Names: Storm Moon, Ice Moon, Hunger Moon, Cleansing Moon.
Herbs: Sage, Hyssop, Myrrh, Spikenard
Colours: Blue, Purple, Violet
Flowers: Primrose
Scents: Wisteria, Heliotrope
Stones: Amethyst, Jasper, Rock Crystal
Trees: Rowan, Laurel, Cedar
Animals: Otter, Unicorn
Birds: Eagle, Chickadee
Deities: Brigid, Juno, Kwan Yin, Diana, Demeter, Persephone, Aphrodite
Power Flow/Themes: Purification, Courage, Loving the self, Accepting responsibility for past errors, planning for the future.

In this moon, new life is beginning yet still dormant. This is the time when pregnant animals who are due to deliver in the Spring start to feel the quickening of their unborn young. This is also the time when gardeners and farmers start planning for the planting season. 

When I look at what to focus on in my full moon rituals I narrow down themes by also looking at the astrological timing of the full moon. This full moon's astrological correspondences are:

• Tuesday - dealing with conflict, surgery, lust, physical stregth, courage, politics, quickening moon
• 2nd quarter in Leo - finding of lost objects, finding truth in all matters, seeing what cannot be seen, short tempers, bad communication esp between family members, gossip.
• Colour: Grey
• Saturn in retrograde-  It's unwise to attempt sudden changes or to rush through things. Take practical steps and accept limitations while you take serious steps toward your long term goals. Saturn retrograde can cause you to become your own hardest taskmaster, limit your actions or leave you feeling blocked and pessimistic.
• 5th House - This is the house of self-expression through creativity.

My recommendations for this Quickening Moon is to do magic relating to stopping gossip, improving communication, boosting energy and clarity, or asking for inspiration. 

If you are celebrating in a group setting or would like an interesting alternative for cakes and wine, here is a recipe for a warm mulled herb wine that is great for warming us on a cold full moon night and a very yummy easy corn fritter recipe (I love the corn fritters!)

Mulled Herb Wine (serves 4)

Ingredients: 

• 1 cup boiling water

• 1/8 teaspoon rosemary leaves, crushed

• 1/4 teaspoon mint flakes, crushed

• 4-5 whole cloves

• 1 cup grape juice

• 1 cup dry cocktail sherry

• 1 stick of cinnamon

Pour the boiling water over the rosemary and mint; steep for 15 mins. Add the cloves and continue to steep the mixture for another 15mins. Strain; mix this liquid wit the grape juice and sherry in a pan. Place over low heat until hot. Strain, add the cinnamon stick and serve hot.

Corn Fritters ( makes 6) 

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup self-raising flour

• 310 g can of corn kernels, drained

• 1/3 cup of grated cheese

• 2 eggs, light;y beaten

• 1 tablespoon of butter

Sift flour into a bowl. Add corn and cheese and stir until well mixed. Make a hole in the center and pour eggs into hole until just mixed. Divide mixture into 6 equal portions (1 for each fritter). Melt half the butter in a frying pan and pour in the mixtures to make the fritters. Cook fritters over medium heat for three minutes or until underside is golden, then flip. Remove from  pan and drain on paper towel. Serve warm.

I wish  everyone a pleasant and blessed full moon! Blessed be!