February Snow Moon in Leo

Welcome to the first episode of our brand new monthly moon blog, where we will explore the stories, rituals, self-care practices and astrological connections to the full moon. Whether you want to align your life with the lunar cycle or are simply interested in why the full moon is so important, you can gather knowledge, wisdom, and inspiration here each month to connect with the full moon.

There is a lot of mysticism surrounding the moon, but there is also a lot of solid and scientifically based evidence that humans have always had a strong connection to the lunar cycle. Researchers have found that many ancient people were “moon worshipers” or moon cultists as early as the pre-agriculture Neolithic period, around 12,000 years ago. While the sun was seen as the source of life, the moon was considered a guide and protector. In the pre-agricultural period, people lived as nomadic hunter-gatherers, traveling from place to place gathering food and providing shelter. Tribes that lived in the deserts traveled under the cool light of the moon, using its light to guide them, and therefore developed a close relationship with the moon and its many phases. Long before the clock or sundial, "the moon was the first known timekeeper. Time was divided into 'months,' each beginning with the new moon," says Leo Rogers, a researcher at the University of Cambridge.

It appears that people were still using the moon to measure time more than 12,000 years ago. A piece of bone now known as the “Blanchard bone” was discovered in France and is over 20,000 years old. On one side of the bone there are markings for the dark, waning and new moon, while on the other there are markings for brightness and full moon. After much research and discussion, the theory is that these bone markings - in addition to the physical lunar phases - also represent women's "moons" or menstrual cycles, with the female cycle lasting on average around 28 days (although anything between 21 to 40 days can also be considered completely normal).

The full moon in focus

So if we know that humans have had a direct connection to the moon for thousands of years, why is it the full moon that seems to be getting all the attention today? The full moon has a profound impact on pretty much all life on Earth; Birds use the light of the moon to navigate during migration, and many birds actually synchronize their migration so that they arrive at their destination during a full moon. Mass coral spawning on the Great Barrier Reef coincides with the full moons of November and December, while the full and new moon phases also have a notable influence on the tides. Because it is 70% water, it is believed that people can experience changes in physical and emotional states during new and full moon cycles due to the lunar influence on water, and full moon rituals involving dance, ceremonies, and even fasting practices have been part of many cultures for millennia as well. While everyone experiences the full moon differently, there are connections and traditions that associate the full moon with insomnia, mood swings, and heightened emotional states, as well as manifestations, climaxes, realizations, powerful personal insights, and endings. Energetically, our thoughts and actions are incredibly powerful at the time of the full moon, making it an important moment to direct our energy to a positive place. Connecting with the Moon each month allows us to rekindle our relationship with nature and let it support us, so let's dive into this month's Full Moon and 3 practices to connect with it!

The full moon will arrive in Leo on February 16, 2022, and this special full moon is bold, creative, full of love, strength and passion. Also known as the “Snow Moon,” this is one of the final moons of winter, encouraging us to transition from the darkness of winter into the brighter days of spring in the coming weeks. Astrologically, Leo is all about leadership, confidence, fierceness, joy, and living life to the fullest. Leo is a fire sign. Although this month's full moon may be a "snow moon," there is nothing cold about the energetic power of this moon. Fire is the element of power and transformation, so this month we will be tuning into our inner power and welcoming transformation. Here are 3 exercises for the full snow moon in Leo in February:

1. Step into your power

Leo energy is always ready to speak up and be bold, even when faced with fear. Tune into the energy of this full moon by tapping into your strongest self; Stand up for what you believe in and express your truth, even when others may not agree. The way we use our bodies can also change how powerful we feel - project your voice when you speak and express what you really need, practice a more open and confident posture with shoulders rolled back and chin lifted, and wear the color red, which is associated with confidence, power and passion.

2. Yoga postures for inner strength

The fire element is stimulated with strong, core-focused asanas such as Navasana (boat pose), twisting poses, and asanas that open the front of the body such as Ustrasana (camel), bridge pose, and Urdvha Dhanurasana, also known as “full wheel.” or 'Chakrasana'. The navel center is our energetic place of power, so bring awareness to this place in your yoga practice. Kappalabhati Pranayama is also a great way to focus on the navel center, as the belly has to work to force each breath out, and it is a warming, stimulating breathing technique.

3. Journaling Questions

Set a timer for 15 minutes. Try not to overthink the answers to these journal prompts, but rather let your mind reveal the answers to you to work with the full moon this month. Sit somewhere where you can see the full moon or even hang out

Outside in the full moonlight as you journal to deepen your connection to:

1. Why am I not my strongest self yet?

2. How can I embrace my inner strength more?

3. What am I willing to change?

4. What would I benefit most from letting it go?

5. What brings me joy and how can I connect with it more?

Prepare for your full moon exercises with these 5 basics:

1. Learn the traditions and folklore surrounding the full moon in Seasons of the Moon by Michael Carbaretta. From strawberry to dragon, harvest to storm, the full moon is known by many names around the world and in all seasons, and behind each name there is a story.

2. The Yogamatters Revive yoga mat in red is a wonderful way to combine the power of color therapy with your yoga practice. Red can evoke a feeling of strength and confidence and helps us connect with our physical body.

3. Core-focused poses like Navasana can be made even stronger by placing a yoga stone between the thighs, which helps activate the deep core muscles. Choose the Yogamatters Reclaim Eco Yoga Brick for an eco-friendly practice.

4. Use Elizabeth Gilbert's Magnificent Creature Journal to answer the Full Moon Journal questions in the monthly blog, or pick up a copy of Lunar Living to gain more insight into connecting with the phases of the moon.

5. Create a sacred space for your full moon practices with the Yogamatters luxury Zafu meditation set. Having a dedicated space is a powerful way to make habits and practices like this stick.