Seasons of Wicca: The Essential Guide to Rituals and Rites to Enhance Your Spiritual Journey - Ambrosia Hawthorn 2020
February Moon
Moon Celebrations (Esbats)
Rituals to Enhance your Spiritual Journey
Gregorian Calendar: The February moon is often called the quickening, snow, hunger, chaste, or cleansing moon. During this full moon, work on magic related to purification, growth, love, and healing.
Celtic Tree Calendar: The Rowan moon is celebrated until February 17, and the Ash moon is celebrated from February 18 to March 17. The Celtic name for ash is nion, pronounced knee-un. The Rowan moon is associated with new life, strength, and success, and the Ash moon is associated with healing, strength, and endurance.
PURIFICATION ESBAT
Purification works by using the energy of the full moon to expel tiredness, sadness, and the effects of negativity. This ritual is stronger than an average purification or cleansing because it involves communing with the Moon Goddess in addition to using your own energy.
Ritual Setting
Altar
Tools and Supplies
Wand or athame
Elemental representations—incense for air, candle for fire, bowl of water, and a crystal for earth
Deity representation for Moon Goddess
Offering of choice—cake and ale, foraged items, or a crafted gift
Any new ritual objects that need purification (optional)
PRIOR TO THE RITUAL
1.Shower or bathe, visualizing all old or unwanted energies leaving your being.
2.Cleanse the altar.
PREPARING THE ALTAR
Place the tools and supplies on the altar. Place the elemental representations in a pentacle configuration. Place the deity representation at the top of the altar. If you are purifying any ritual objects, place them on the altar as well.
THE RITUAL
1.Cast a circle of protection. Hold the wand or athame as an extension of your hand to gather and direct energy as you call upon the elements. Starting from the east and ending north, call upon the element of air for mental clarity, the element of fire for power, the element of water for fluidity, and the element of earth for stability.
2.Invoke the Moon Goddess by saying: “I call upon the Goddess of the Moon. Please join my circle and guide me with your light.”
3.Visualize the moon’s light mixing with your own light. Let it envelop your being. Chant to the Goddess: “Goddess of the Moon, lend me your power to cleanse and purify on this esbat rite.” Visualize and feel yourself becoming lighter, free of stress and negativity.
4.Once you feel the positive effects of purification, thank the Moon Goddess by saying: “Great Goddess of the Moon, I thank you for your presence. Accept my offering for your assistance tonight.”
5.Place the offering on the altar in front of the deity representation.
6.Release the elements in reverse order by beginning facing the north and ending east, thanking each element for their assistance and bidding them farewell. Then open the circle by saying: “I open this circle and release the energy back into the earth.”
7.If the offering contains food, cover it. Leave the offering on the altar overnight.
8.If you are purifying ritual items, place them by a window or outside to charge under the light of the full moon.
HEALING ESBAT
The February moon has powerful healing energy that you can tap into during a healing esbat. You can perform this ritual on yourself or a loved one who needs assistance with healing. An important note: Before performing a ritual on anyone other than yourself, make sure you have their consent.
Ritual Setting
Altar
Tools and Supplies
Wand or athame
Elemental representations
Deity representation
1 votive or pillar candle—blue (for healing)
Fire-safe plate or candle holder
Photograph of or item belonging to the person who needs healing
Lighter or matches
1 ounce dried lavender
1 ounce dried rosemary
Offering of choice
PRIOR TO THE RITUAL
1.Shower or bathe, visualizing all old or unwanted energies leaving your being.
2.Cleanse the altar.
PREPARING THE ALTAR
Place the tools and supplies on the altar. Place the elemental representations in a pentacle configuration. Place the deity representation at the top of the altar. Place the candle on the fire-safe plate in the center of the altar. In front of the candle, place the photograph or item.
THE RITUAL
1.Cast a circle of protection. Hold the wand or athame as an extension of your hand to gather and direct energy as you call upon the elements. Starting from the east and ending north, call upon the element of air for mental clarity, the element of fire for power, the element of water for fluidity, and the element of earth for stability.
2.Invoke your deities of choice by saying something like: “Lord and Lady, I invite you to join my sacred circle tonight.”
3.Light the candle and state your intentions for healing.
4.Hold up the photograph or item. Describe the ailment out loud.
5.Sprinkle the lavender and rosemary onto the candle’s flame and say: “Healing herbs, I invoke your power: rosemary for promoting recovery, lavender for easing pain.”
6.Meditate for 10 to 20 minutes, focusing on the person who is ailing.
7.When you are ready, thank the deities and leave your offering: “Lord and Lady, I thank you for your presence and guidance tonight.” Snuff out the candle.
8.Release the elements in reverse order by beginning facing the north and ending east, thanking each element for their assistance and bidding them farewell. Then open the circle by saying: “I open this circle and release the energy back into the earth.”
9.Relight the candle every night to bring about more healing energy.