Full Snow Moon

For centuries, full moons have been given specific names by various cultures and civilizations from around the world. These special moon names helped people keep track of the seasons and were often inspired by nature and agriculture.
Since the heaviest snow usually falls during the month of February, Native American tribes of the north and east most often called this month’s full moon the Full Snow Moon. Some tribes also referred to it as the Full Hunger Moon or Little Famine Moon, since harsh weather conditions in their areas made hunting very difficult. Forced to gnaw on bones and sip bone marrow soup for sustenance, the Cherokee named it the Full Bony Moon.
Around the globe, the Celts called February’s moon the Moon of Ice, while the more optimistic Chinese named it the Budding Moon in anticipation of spring.

The moon is  believed to represent our intuition, mind, emotions, creativity, sensitivity, and the great feminine power.  The full moon brings closure, death (to a situation or feeling), change, rebirth, and manifestation. It is a time where we can reflect on those things that no longer serve and give ourselves honor and nourishment in releasing them. The moon corresponds to the element water and invites us to remember our connection to the oceans held within earth, as well as the oceans of water contained within our own bodies.  Water invites movement, flow, a breaking through of built up physical, energetic, and emotional resistance. Many ancient and traditional belief systems around the world consider the Full Moon as the most auspicious time.

Whether you have mountains of snow or it is 80 degrees (lucky you!) at your house today, take the time to appreciate the light and symbolism of the Full Moon after the sun goes down.
Instructions for all sessions in FAQs

1. Begin by sitting on only the front half of your chair seat, but with enough of your rear end and thighs supported so you don't slip off!

2. Inhale as you roll your shoulders up, then release them down on an exhale. Repeat 4 times.

3. Inhale arms out to your sides, parallel to the floor with palms facing down. Exhale as you bring them back to the side of the chair. Repeat 4 times.

4. Inhale arms back to that same outstretched position with palms facing down and as you exhale, turn the palms facing up. Continue to turn the arms(palms up, then down) with your breath 4 times then let hands rest in your lap.

5. Take 4 deep, calming breaths, noticing your heart beat.

6. Sitting up tall, still sitting back only halfway onto the chair seat so there is space between your back and the backrest, inhale as you lift your chest, resisting at the lower abdomen. On the exhale, reach the hands behind you and rest the hands on your lower back, palms facing out. With hands behind you, continue to inhale and lift your chest, exhaling as your hands move closer together, opening the shoulders. After a few breaths you may be able to reach your hands to grasp the opposite elbow. Stay here for at least 4 breaths.

7. Rest hands back on your thighs, still sitting only halfway on the chair seat, turn both knees pointing the left side, shifting so that most of your weight is on your left butt cheek. The right knee may be pointing at the floor as you turn your body to the left. The left knee is at a 90 degree angle with left foot flat on the floor. Sit up tall using your belly muscles, hands resting on the left thigh. Take 4 slow breaths.

8. Shift your body back to center, then repeat #7 facing to the right.

9. Return to center and slide yourself back onto the seat, resting your back against the chair back now. Soften your gaze, noticing the rise and fall of your belly as you breathe for 8 full breaths.