Big Winds Moon, February 24

The time of the Big Winds Moon is a time of winter reflection where earth's energies are resting and reenergizing for the coming spring.

This is a good time for the contemplation of life.

Each of the four seasons has three moons; the February full moon is the last of the moons of the winter season. (The March full moon will be after the spring equinox and signal the shift to spring.) During the winter months, the earth's energies retreat deep into its core from the abundant growth of the previous summer. This is a time of reflection on the death of the previous season and the upcoming birth of the growing season to come. Throughout the winter season, the moon watches over the earth's rest, as it reenergizes for the coming spring. This rest is essential, else the full potential cannot come to fruition, just as you know how hard it is to do your best when you're not rested.

During the February full moon, reflect on how your own energy system. Have you rested during this winter season? If not, take time to do that before the spring season. This resting season is an important stage to reaching one's potential; however, it is contrary to our western culture that asks for continuous (and steady) growth in life, in economics, in business, etc. Yet, it's difficult to grow at all times. Rather time is needed to rest between growth stages. Take time now to rest if you haven't. You might try reading (more), sleeping longer (e.g., by going to bed earlier), or meditating. Notice that this may be a time of moodiness or melancholy as the winter season still has four more weeks before the Equinox. Temper these tendencies by connecting deeply with the earth.

The resting stage for plants and for us is designed to ground more fully in the earth’s energies and to replenish our connection with the earth. Because the earth’s energies have retreated into its core to renew and rest, to access these energies for wisdom and understanding, we must also dig deep into the earth’s core where we will find these energies. Take time to sit on the earth and extend a cord from the base of your spine deep into the earth's core. If you're indoors, imagine the carpet and floor dissolving, so you can connect fully with the earth's energies. This cord is essentially your umbilical cord that connects you to the Mother Earth. With this cord, any energies that don't serve you can be carried down the cord to be mulched by the Mother Earth into useful energies. Additionally you can draw the nourishing energies of the earth into your being to gain strength and renewal that you'll need for the seasons ahead. While you can access these energies at any time throughout the year, take some time now to replenish yourself in this last moon of the winter season.

Next Month: Budding Trees Moon – Our dreams lie in the buds according to the Amazonian shamans (see February book review). How do we use the budding trees to remind us to let our dreams bud as well?