Pay enough attention to the lunar cycles and you’ll soon come to realize each full moon is named. Traditionally each culture, each society, chose names that clearly reflected what connections were relevant for them. This particular moon, the last full moon before Spring arrives, is known by many names, but my favorite is Full Crow Moon. Given that I’m a lover of all things crow and moon-related you’ll have no trouble understanding why this is a time of celebration for me.
As I was moving things around freshening up some of my altars, I couldn’t help but smile at this fabulous crow bowl a friend gifted me with several years ago.
Such a marvelous crow! Doesn’t he look mischievous? And no doubt he’s a smooth talker. And check out his at his slightly unkempt hair. Isn’t he someone you want to know? Don’t you imagine he knows mysteries? Has friends in every part of the world? Knows what’s important and how to laugh about it all? Yep – I think he does. And I love having him in my world where he can whisper reminders that it’s true about all of us.
No two full moons are ever alike, but one of the simplest ways to begin delving into their study is to reflect on what zodiacal sign the moon is in. This is our annual Virgo full moon. What are some things you might know about the archetypal Virgo energy? Often thought of as leaning into perfectionism, loving organization, serious and analytically-minded and a great problem solver, Virgo bring a let’s-get-down-to-it grounded action plan to the table. This can be a great time to activate some kind of game change in your life.
Winter is a time we travel down and inward, and as we’re coming to completion of this cycle we’re beginning to turn our attention to what’s ahead. We’re casting forward while simultaneously wrapping this winter journey up.
I think Crow is a perfect companion to have during this time. Crow is clever and is connected to the sacred realms and the underworld, AND Crow knows how to have fun.
I recently re-read a prose poem by Aimee Nezhukumatathil entitled Crow Joy about how the gold leaf on the domes in Kremlin was scratched off by crows sliding down the roofs. That image makes me laugh. It seems so utterly crow-like — the dance of the sacred and the profane.
As I’m wishing on this full moon, I’m certainly wishing for more joy, more laughter, more crow-inspired goodness. But I’ll also be invoking some problem solving energies. Just as importantly, I’ll also be claiming mastery of some things as well. It can be so easy in these times, especially when we’re apt to feel overwhelmed collectively, to forget we each have gifts and strengths and superpowers that not everyone else has. Let’s remember to claim them so we can use them.
What are you wishing for on this full Crow Moon? Do you share my love of crows? Want to name one of your superpowers so we can celebrate with you? Do tell – you know I love to hear.
For some reason I think of crows as dirty birds but you are definitely right about the one in your bowl! He is strutting his stuff for sure! Birds that I don’t know much about have been popping up in my world lately; magpies was another one. Wonder if that is telling me I need to pay attention to those feathery creatures more? I’m not generally an animal person so I am not drawn to them instinctively but when they keep getting shoved in your face so to speak…
Crow are in fact the most intelligent of birds, and they along with ravens, jays, and magpies are all members of the Corvid family. I’m always fascinated when animals show up vying for our attention. There’s always something to learn.
Hi Deborah – I do love how crows are depicted … and that bowl is wonderful … then Aesop’s fable … they are predators … not so sure how much I love them – yet they have a certain attraction. Love the moon at its brightest … the trouble is – it scurries around us rather too quickly! It’s interesting what effects the moon pull has on our earthly world …
Love the idea of the crows scratching the gold off the Kremlin as they slide down the roof … I’ve lived in a corrugated roof house … and when the birds (heavy ones!) slide down they make an awful screeching noise – like a blackboard … cheers Hilary
Oh goodness Hilary – the corrugated roof experience must have been something. I’m not sure how well I would have done with it being particularly sensitive to loud noises. Might have had to wear earplugs a lot. 🙂
Loved this post Deborah thank you! We are inclined to imagine the crow as a pest, but I gather research shows that they are highly intelligent creatures.
The full moon was bright and full over the weekend, and I’ve enjoyed looking up at her as the nights have gone by as she shows her glory much later in the evenings and is in waning. I didn’t know that this full moon is known as a Crow Moon – add an ‘n’ to the crow & she becomes ‘crown’ –
I remember many years ago a friend looking at my astrological chart and saying aha! there’s the Virgo influence which explains a lot! (I wish I could remember in what way). Well, I hope for some game-changing in my life – there is so much happening everywhere and much on my personal plate.
This morning is tidy up of my study and making lists – a great need to get organised in preparation for what lies ahead .. so, your post is timely for me thank you again.
I often think about the connection of crow to crown to crone – it seems a beautiful thread to me. While I know crows often have the reputation of pest, I refuse to see them that way. It delights me instead to think of them as insistent, clever, and vocal – a perfect crone model don’t you think?
No doubt the Virgo in your chart is a gift you’ve maximized. But I love the attitude that we don’t always have to know exactly what things mean. Sometimes it’s enough to simply trust, and know we have to roll up our sleeves and create.
Hope you’ve had success organizing things. You’re an inspiration.