"Just as you begin to feel a change in the days and hear the echo of a new season, Juno Februa, patroness of February, the 'love month', awakens you with her signature trait: febris...the fever of love. She introduces herself as she truly is, the original Valentine. And then there's Brigid, the bright Goddess who holds the torch from which you ignite your lovelight, who arrives at Candlemas on Feb 2nd to purify your heart and make all things new again." -from The Goddess' Guide to Love: Timeless Secrets to Divine Romance by Margie Lapanja
Since I keep notes on this for my own reference anyway, and its and important part of how I practice, I thought I would share some thoughts for monthly moon phases and different ways to work with them and other correspondences. Maybe start a new topic for each month.
*Please note: this is just my opinion, thoughts and beliefs, based on my own practice and experience, and other info I find relative or interesting or can relate to personally. Kind of a personal moon journal, as well. Not meant to be a complete source of information on moon phases or monthly correspondences... or one that will relate to everyone.
Each month I take a look at the timing of new and full moons, the days they fall on, correspondences for the month and how I can use that with spells or rituals. February for me is a month to connect with the Love Goddess, and the moon phases this month line up pretty well for that. Since I read somewhere that the Venus retrograde this past month has been 'a time when the Love Goddess turns its back on you' (was a little harsh and upsetting for me considering I feel strongly connected!) I am looking forward to working with the energy in February. The Love Goddess is back and I am excited. I have felt the drain, for sure. I experienced an explosion of energy on the winter solstice, also the day Venus went retrograde... since then have been totally drained, magickally speaking. I am hoping for a boost this Friday and the wheels have been turning with ideas on how to welcome February. I need to renew and refresh, that is for sure.
January ends with venus turning direct, on a Friday (the day of love) and also the energy of a new, 'black' moon. I think there is some great opportunity here for new moon magick heading into February. Some use the time of the new, or dark moon, for rest. Some use it to work magick, including manifestation magick as well as cleansings or even love magick. I see the dark moon as the Enchantress (who is also called the Temptress) and find it is sometimes more powerful for me than the full moon. Love spells can be started on the new moon and carried into the full moon. Any spell can, any manifestation spell can work well when done in this manner. As far as love spells/magick, we will also have the full moons energy on Friday, Valentines Day. ♥
Working with the moons energy in February can be productive on many levels... self confidence, easing a broken heart, attraction spells, healing, starting fresh, enhancing an existing relationship (or healing one), increasing love/passion, self love and appreciation, beauty, fertility, strength and renewal magick. Since February is a time for renewal (and some say for love)... it is a great time to work on mending broken hearts and making way for new love.
Some info and quotes from other sources:
Quickening Moon by Patti Wigginton
In February, the nights are cold and we begin to feel a bit of cabin fever. We're tired of being cooped up in the house, and there's a part of us that's just longing for a bit of warmth. This is the season of Imbolc, the days when we know that if we can just hold on for a few more weeks, we might get lucky and see little green shoots peeking out through the snow and slush.
This is a month when new life is beginning, but still lies dormant. Pregnant animals, due in the spring, begin to feel the quickening of their unborn young. The earth itself is quickening, as seeds and bulbs far beneath the soil begin their journey towards the light. We know these things are coming -- and we know also that this is a good month to make plans for the future. We can dream and hope, and set goals for ourselves. Accept responsibility for mistakes you've made in the past, and move on. Magical workings this month should focus on personal achievements and advancement.
Also Known As: Hunger Moon, Ice Moon *(some call it Chaste Moon, Storm Moon, Full Snow Moon)
Correspondences:
•Colors: Purple and blue
•Gemstones: Rose quartz, amethyst, jasper
•Trees: Rowan, Myrtle
•Gods: Brighid, Aphrodite, Juno, Mars
•Herbs: Hyssop, sage, myrrh
•Element: Fire
A little bit about the new moon since this event leads us into the month of February. Being a time of renewal it seems like a great time for manifestation magick all around...
'The new moon is the birthing cycle of the moon's various phases. Are you ready to attract your heartfelt longings by doing a moon ritual focused on manifestation? The new moon phase is an optimal time for planning and seeding your intentions. Seedlings need a period of gestation before they break through the soil and reach for the sunlight. This is also true for our cultivating our ideas and clearing the way for our visions to surface in reality. The dark side of the moon, with its mysterious unseen forces, offers a nurturing environment where our intentions can establish roots before their miraculous manifestations begin to sprout and reach out to the stars.' by Phylameana lila desy
Use the moon wisely this February for all that your heart desires, and all that needs to start anew. I know I will.
Thank you for mentioning the unethical side of love spells and magick. I know I should clarify a few things on this thread...