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 Who do you love? What do you love? What are you passionate about? In these current crazy times of unrest, sometimes getting back to simplicity and what is truly important can be the most effective way to deal. This is still the contemplative season, and if you are able to go on a quiet winter retreat–even an overnight, I would highly recommend it. Journaling, self-care, walking in nature while the silent snow falls gently all around you–the spiritual revelations that can come can be deep and poignant at this time. Above all right now, tapping into the spiritual strength of nature–and our own inner reserves–can be the most powerful thing we can do. That and being there for others close to us that might be struggling or having a difficult time processing everything.

Phyllis in February

These are just a few of the many topics that our cherished return guest, author/teacher/activist Phyllis Curott brings to the table on the latest podcast episode of, “Women Who Howl at the Moon.” I enjoy having Phyllis back every year, as I tell her at the beginning of the show. She has such powerful insight and worthy advise to weather various storms, of all kinds. Speaking of which, we had quite a doozy, in the Midwest all day yesterday, well into the evening! So although we couldn’t fully appreciate the light of Grandmother Moon here last night, we can still feel the power of the February Quickening Moon tonight, Friday, and Saturday. Phyllis shares a wonderful ritual you can perform under the full moon’s light–especially if you have some privacy and warmer temperatures. However it could also be adapted to a back bedroom, where you can see and feel the full moonlight shining in on you through a window.

We've been in deep hibernation mode for a spell, now. Like finding all balances though, there's always that light on the horizon after being immersed in darkness for so long. I myself have noticed more brilliant sunsets recently, and even on the iciest of cold days, the sun shining brilliantly for all to see. It's nature's little miracles like that that continue to give me hope. Hope is what we all need to keep pushing on, to keep going—even when we're beyond weary and hope seems like it is in short supply. Holding onto some optimism when much of the world seems engulfed in gloom and doom can be vital. Our planet and our country needs the optimists to keep plugging along and getting things accomplished in a proactive way. If we can carry and share that wherever and whenever possible, it can only help humanity. Small acts of kindness for a friend, neighbor, or stranger are great pay it forward practices. Rather than sit in despair, immobilized, and lament, "what can I possibly do to make a difference," get up and get out there and just start doing with a good heart. Every little bit counts and is indeed crucial right now. If enough of us are able to continue doing what needs to be done in spite of obstacles, then good and hope can always exist in the world. Don't get me wrong. I know we all get blue sometimes and feel like nothing matters. I'm not suggesting completely ignoring the harsh realities that are occurring all around us. I just happen to think everything is best faced with a positive attitude whenever possible, however much you can muster. It certainly can't hurt, and if it can help yourself and others in the long run, then blessed be! I myself need to follow that path to function at my fullest potential.

Full Moon Today

The Leo Quickening Full Moon will be in all its glory at 10:56 a.m. CST today, and it should shine nice and bright this evening. There are a few different rituals or spells you could perform, depending on your goals. You could enact a hearth and home protection spell, as suggested by Llewellyn's Witches' Datebook. To simplify, open a curtain or shade to let in the light of the full moon and smudge all the doorways and windows in your home with a sage stick. Alternately, you could meditate on the coming spring. Focus on what you'd most like to plan and plant in conjunction with the coming Spring Equinox next month. This is a month associated with fire, so if you have access to a fireplace, by all means, this is the night to light one. Combine both of the above rituals to celebrate the coziness of your homestead and meditate on what's to come.

Dear Moon Muser, This month I was guided to create a Virgo Full Moon meditation audio recording plus pull some oracle cards from my hand painted decks which I’ve shared in the image within. May you be guided, healed and blessed by this reading.

Here at Witches and Pagans, I’ll be sharing a spirit animal painting and message from my Elfin Ally Oracle Deck picked especially for the zodiac sign that Mama Moon is currently transiting. Enjoy!

Keyword: Love
Meaning: This is YOUR time, so make it special, for you are precious.
Reversed: Why are you wasting your time?