Full Snow Moon February 2024: Here’s Everything You Need to Know

The Snow Moon is a name given to the second full moon of the year, arriving in February. It’s a time when the clear, cold skies in the northern hemisphere mean the Moon is bright, and when reflected off the snowy landscape, creates an almost supernatural glow.

Although it’s visible all around the world, February’s snow moon tends to hold a greater significance for those where snow commonly falls at this time of the year.

When is the full snow Moon 2024?

This February’s snow Moon rises on Saturday, February 24, 2024, at 12:30 GMT/ 07:30 EST.

Full moons occur when the Moon is on the opposite side of the Earth from the sun so that its face is fully illuminated by the Sun’s rays. This happens approximately once a month, when the moonrise and sunset happen simultaneously, and it’s the peak in the lunar calendar.

Also read: How often is there a full Moon?

What are the origins of the snow Moon?

It’s thought that the second full Moon of the year is called the “Snow Moon” because of certain Native American tribes who gave distinct names to each full Moon, based on the time of year and the activities happening in their surroundings.

The snow Moon is believed to earn its name from the heavy snowfall that typically occurs in the northern hemisphere at this time, and especially in the Pacific Northwest.

The Snow Moon forms part of the traditional naming of full moons in many cultures, particularly in some Native American cultures. The names of full moons often reflect the seasonal changes and natural phenomena occurring during that time of year.

In addition to Native American tribes, the Old Farmer’s Almanac also has its own set of full moon names, which were derived from Colonial American and European sources, and they also reflect the changing seasons, environment, and activities of the time.

More snow on tree limbs with snow Moon rising

Why is the snow Moon special?

The Snow Moon is special because it marks the time of year when winter is still at its peak in many regions, and the landscape is often blanketed in snow, creating a serene and picturesque atmosphere.

In the quiet time of introspection before the eventual arrival of spring, February’s full Moon offers hope of renewal and warmer days. The full snow Moon is a symbol of the necessity of the harsh cold, for without the dormancy of winter, the fresh shoots of Spring wouldn’t grow.

The snow Moon is also one of the most striking of the whole year, because the Moon produces an almost supernatural iridescence, as it’s light reflects off the snowy landscape. So it provides a precious opportunity for us to appreciate the beauty of the winter landscape and the magical glow of the February full Moon.

What does the snow Moon mean spiritually?

The spiritual significance of the Snow Moon relates to the heightened energy and illumination it offers.

Full Moons tend to activate intuition, increasing emotional clarity and enabling us to perceive ourselves more clearly. Surrounded by a snowy white and crystal clear landscape, the Snow Moon adds an additional layer of symbolism to this peak in the lunar cycle.

Snow itself carries spiritual meaning across cultures, often representing purity, tranquility, and renewal. When combined with the full moon, the Snow Moon becomes a powerful symbol of spiritual cleansing and inner reflection. The pristine white of the snow creates a mirror for the brightness of the full moon, exponentially increasing not only visible light but spiritual light.

February’s full Moon appears brighter and clearer than usual in the night sky, making it a potent time for self-reflection.

Spiritually, the Snow Moon is a time for rituals focused on purification, releasing negativity, and letting go of any heaviness you’ve been holding onto over the winter season. So the February full Moon can be seen as a powerful metaphor for a clean slate. As the Earth is covered in a blanket of white, we also get to shed what no longer serves us, to make way for a new beginning.

Also read: 33 Spiritual Meanings of the Moon

And it’s a peaceful time too. February’s full Moon often provides a conducive setting for meditation, diving into spiritual practices, and connecting with subtle energies of the natural world.

Realize that the spiritual significance of the snow Moon can vary widely depending on cultural and individual beliefs. The February full Moon also falls in the astrological sign of Virgo, and this brings a whole other perspective and potential for interpretation.

The next snow Moon rising over a mountain into a purple sky<br />

Other February Moon Names

Storm Moon
Hunger Moon
Black Bear Moon (Tlingit)
Goose Moon (Haida)
Bald Eagle Moon (Cree)
Eagle Moon (Cree)
Groundhog Moon (Algonquin)
Hungry Moon (Cherokee)
Raccoon Moon (Dakota)

Goddess Selene of the Oceans with Full Moon

What are you supposed to do on the full snow Moon?

Like any full Moon, the snow Moon can be a time for ritual, ceremony, celebration, and gathering with friends. Here’s a list of things you could try, to honour February’s full moon…

1. Do Moonlit meditation

Take advantage of the bright Snow Moon and engage in a peaceful meditation under its glow, allowing the serene atmosphere to enhance your spiritual practice.

2. Try winter stargazing

This year, the snow Moon will be a “Micromoon”. This means that the Moon has reached ‘apogee’, or the point in its orbit that is furthest away from Earth. So it will look the smallest it can possibly look to the naked eye! The opposite of a Supermoon.

Normally, full Moons aren’t the best time for stargazing as the night sky is lit up. But because of this positioning, you may get a good view of some distant stars, alongside la Luna.

Try this: What is Moonbathing (and why Kat Moss Loves it too!)

3. Hold a full Moon ritual

Create a personal ritual to honor the Snow Moon. Try incorporating elements of snow symbolism and spiritual reflection to mark this special lunar event.

Also read: When is the BEST Time to Manifest With the Moon?

4. Reflect on the moon phases so far this year

Use the Snow Moon as a time for introspection, reflecting on the events and experiences of the past few lunar phases. How far have you come? What are you proud of? What do you want more of?

5. Light a winter bonfire

Gather with friends and family around a crackling bonfire, enjoying the warmth and camaraderie while basking in the glow of the full moon above.

6. Make snow art

If you’re somewhere very cold and have snow, embrace your creative side by making snow sculptures, creating intricate snow patterns, or even trying your hand at snow painting under the moonlit sky.

7. Enjoy a winter feast

Full Moons are times to celebrate! Host a cozy winter feast with friends. Offer seasonal foods and drinks while enjoying the peak illumination of the full moon.

8. Moonlit walk

Take a leisurely stroll in a snow-covered landscape, appreciating the stillness and beauty of the winter night under the luminous glow of the Snow Moon.

Names and dates of all the full Moons in 2024

January 25, 2024: Wolf Moon, Old Moon, Quiet Moon, Ice Moon, Severe Moon
February 24, 2024: Snow Moon, Storm Moon, Hunger Moon, Bear Moon, Goose Moon
March 25, 2024: Worm Moon, Sugar Moon, Sap Moon, Chaste Moon, Death Moon, Crow Moon
April 23, 2024: Pink Moon, Egg Moon, Fish Moon, Budding Moon, Seed Moon, Awakening Moon, Sprouting Grass Moon
May 23, 2024: Flower Moon, Hare Moon, Milk Moon, Mothers Moon, Bright Moon, Grass Moon
June 21, 2024: Strawberry Moon, Rose Moon, Red Moon, Honey Moon, Hoe Moon, Planting Moon, Mead Moon, Horse Moon, Corn Planting Moon
July 21, 2024: Buck Moon, Deer Moon, berry Moon, raspberry Moon, Thunder Moon, Salmon Moon, Hay Moon, Herb Moon
August 19, 2024: Sturgeon Moon, Grain Moon, Corn Moon, Red Moon, Lightening Moon, Green Corn Moon
September 17, 2024: Harvest Moon, Grain Moon, Corn Moon, Barley Moon
October 17, 2024: Hunter’s Moon, Seed Fall Moon, Drying Rice Moon, Falling Leaves Moon, Freezing Moon, Blood Moon, Sanguine Moon
November 15, 2024: Beaver Moon, Feezing Moon, Frost Moon, Mourning Moon
December 15, 2024: Cold Moon, Hail Moon, Long Night Moon, Oak Moon