At the Crossroads: Hunger Moon

Photo by Heidi Katchia Copyright © 2007

In the Native American tradition, February is the Hunger Moon. It was a time when the people found that the food in the wild was scarce and their foods from the summer gatherings were dwindling. It was a time to reflect on the fruits of their labor and the bounty that was gathered from the Earth Mother. The people shared their food with each other so that no one went hungry. There were no “haves” or “have nots”. They took care of their elders and their orphans. Everything was done for the tribe. It was a time for storytelling when the nights were long and the snow was still lingering. All in all it was a time for sharing in the village whether it was food or stories. At this time of year the winter ceremonies were held to renew their spirituality and to renew the earth. They would pray for everything under the sun so that the Earth Mother would renew all life in her care; the animal people, the winged people, the fish people, the plant people, and the two leggeds.

It was a time to pray for more snow in the mountains and in the deserts to bring enough water for the new life that would come, again. For without the water, there is no life. The Native Americans believed that the snow was God’s kiss to the earth and to all living things. And so during the Hunger Moon, their spirits were lifted in all ways. In our lives, even though we may not experience physical hunger, we do have a hunger within ourselves for greater spirituality.

During this slower time of the year, as some of us are restricted by weather, we can reflect on our spiritual life. This is the quiet time to be still and listen. Let the spirits speak and fill your souls, hearts, and minds with happiness, love, and good thoughts. If you are able , go for a walk when the snow is falling and let it quicken your spirit as a little child who sees magic in everything, in all creation. Imagine that the Creator is kissing your whole being and reminding you of the love for and the devotion to your life. If you do not have falling snow in which to walk, go for a walk, anyway. In your mind’s eye imagine the snow of God’s kiss falling on you, and as you meditate on this be aware of the earth’s hidden bounty outside of you and spiritual bounty inside of you just waiting to grow and flourish. You can go back to the crossroads in the snow and tap into this spirit-filled part of yourself and take a new direction. And as the days grow longer we will wait for the light, and see you at the crossroads.

Acarasara, We love you.
Tuck’ush Man
Two Bears