Robin Ivy Payton
Daylight is lengthening, the Sun grows stronger, and February dawns with Imbolc. February 2 is also known as Groundhog Day when the groundhog’s shadow, or lack thereof, determines the length of winter. This nonscientific tradition plays into the element of light and the Sun’s increasing power. In the Wheel of the Year, this is the childhood phase of the Sun. The ewe begins to milk for her babies. The ground warms, and early sprouts emerge. In some zones, there are winter thaws and surprisingly spring-like days. Like Aquarius’s element, air, this is a time of cleansing and refreshing. The New Moon closest to Imbolc brings Chinese New Year, a traditional time for thorough cleaning and “sweeping away of dust.” Chinese Year of the Tiger begins on February 1, the eve of Aquarius New Moon.
Astrology for Imbolc
New Moon in Aquarius arrives with Imbolc on February 1, 2022, which is also Chinese New Year. Sweep out the cobwebs physically and otherwise. Remove obstacles for this cycle of strong beginnings and long-term actions. Aquarius Moon favors commitments, and Saturn nearby adds serious intent. Planet Uranus in Taurus aligns with the Sun and Moon, inspiring reinvention. Some will make radical change with this aspect, which brings out the inner rebel. Mercury, Venus, and Mars are in Capricorn, helping with goals and step-by-step plans. Mercury is retrograde, however, until Friday, February 3. Legal contracts or important announcements may be best initiated after that date.
Also note the first two days of February share a void-of-course Moon from 6:01 a.m. to 5:59 a.m. EST the next day. This makes February 1 a particularly good vacation or celebration time. Personal and business matters that require negotiations or judgment calls may be better timed a few days later, as Mercury moves direct.
Sync body and mind with the return of light through a regular practice of Sun salutations. Like creatures of the earth who stir from hibernation, we emerge from conservation mode and benefit from movement. Alternately, if it’s been a busy or tiring winter, begin with gentle stretching and extra immune support before trying more invigorating exercise. Paired with either salutations or yin postures, yogic breathing helps calm the nervous system, ruled by the sign Aquarius. Group classes and practices, whether virtual or in person, provide social interaction and participation as the Sun travels this sign related to collective energy, friendship, and community.
February Full Moon
On February 14, the Moon enters Leo at 6:17 a.m. EST, and on February 16 the Moon is Full in this heart-centered sign. Make art, music, and homemade valentines under creative Leo Moon. Performances such as plays or concerts make excellent Valentine’s dates since Leo rules the stage. Generosity and fun are enhanced as the Moon warms up in Leo, then peaks on February 16 at 11:56 a.m. Just hours before, the Moon and Saturn are opposite. Be objective with serious decisions or considerations. Temperance and courage are called for, and as the Moon opposes the Sun directly, positive outcomes are favored. The Moon is void of course from 11:56 a.m. to 3:41 p.m. EST, then crosses into Virgo. Take a little time for self-care or leisure while the Moon is void of course.
Astrological Spirits and Symbols
Infuse your seasonal spells with astrological magic. For Imbolc, combine the Star card with others that illustrate your dreams. The Star depicts an Aquarian-like water bearer and offers flow between the present and future. Temperance represents spiritual guidance and also shows water pouring between containers, like blending the earthly and heavenly. Surround these hopeful images with others of your liking: cups for emotions and love, pentacles for earth and abundance. Wands cards signify the fire element, like this month’s Leo Moon. Swords relate to air qualities, like Aquarius, our current Sun sign.
Amethyst stone aligns beautifully with Aquarius New Moon. Place some by the bed or in your workspace to release habits or addictions and to stay on a positive course. Clear quartz signifies clearing for what’s to come. For Full Moon in Leo, use crystals for the heart including green aventurine, fluorite, or malachite for balancing emotions. All month long, wear or display turquoise stones, which offer Aquarian qualities like hope, intuition, and friendship. In your rituals, call upon animal spirits with Aquarius nature. Owl sees the broader view, is patient, observant, and objective. Invoke the owl’s energy for wisdom and good judgment.
At Full Moon time, Lion and Peacock embody traits of both Aquarius and Leo, this month’s solar-lunar polarity. For courage and heart, call on the lion, a symbol of the strengthening Sun. Lioness both hunts and raises the young, and is therefore a strong spirit for women and for grounding in feminine greatness. Peacock blends Aquarius’s vision with Leo’s expressive traits. Its iridescent feathers contain the shapes of eyes, symbolic of knowing and sight. One of this bird’s power cycles is spring, the season just ahead. Peacock is associated with integrity and resilience. And, naturally, the male’s incredible colors draw our admiration. To attract positive attention or re-instill hopefulness, invite Peacock’s spiritual guidance between Imbolc and Full Moon.
Finally, note that Year of the Water Tiger begins with Imbolc and Chinese New Year, as they arrive simultaneously this year. Associated with both New and Full Moons, the tiger is a spirit of devotion and adventure. Call upon the tiger to renew vitality and passion in your life. Unlike many animal spirits, this cat relates to all directions and all elements according to type and color (Andrews 1993, 319). With Tiger spirit, reflect on the speed of life’s events. Tiger can run at top speed, but only for short distances. On the hunt, they move slowly and quietly, in the nighttime, under the Moon. Tiger may appear or be invoked for awareness of pace, stamina, and visibility as you move through late winter.
Reference
Andrews, Ted. Animal Speak: The Spiritual & Magical Powers of Creatures Great & Small. St. Paul, MN: Llewellyn Publications, 1993.