The Snow Moon Rite · Hex and Shadow Chronicles

The Snow Moon Rite

An Old-Way Ritual of Purification, Fortification, and Quiet Power

The Snow Moon is the Moon of endurance. In the old ways, this was not a moon of “manifesting,” but of surviving well, strengthening the spirit, and purifying what must be carried through the last stretch of winter. This rite works with restraint, silence, and intention rather than excess.

This ritual may be performed outdoors beneath the Moon or indoors by a window. Snow is traditional but not required; the Snow Moon is about the season, not the weather.

What You Will Need

• One white or natural beeswax candle

• A small bowl of clean water (spring or rainwater if possible)

• A pinch of salt or crushed eggshell

• One personal token (ring, stone, key, or charm you already own)

• A dark cloth or shawl

• A quiet space where you will not be interrupted

In old-way practice, tools are not “activated” they are recognized. Use what you already have.

Before the ritual, wash your hands in warm water. As you do, say softly or internally:

“What clings may loosen. What burdens may rest.”

This is not banishing it is permission.

Dress simply. Avoid jewelry other than the token you will be working with. Cover your shoulders with the cloth or shawl, symbolizing winter’s mantle and the wisdom of restraint.

Sit or stand facing the Moon if visible. If not, face north the direction of cold, bones, and endurance in many old traditions.

Place the bowl of water before you. Add the salt or eggshell, stirring clockwise three times with your fingers.

Do not rush. Old magic begins in silence.

Take nine slow breaths. With each breath, imagine your weight settling downward, as if your spirit were sinking gently into frozen earth steady, not trapped.

Light the candle and say:

“By winter’s light and hidden fire,

I stand within the quiet hours.

What endures, remain.

What weakens, fall away.”

This candle is not for wishes. It is a witness.

Dip your fingers into the water. Touch your forehead, heart, and palms.

As you do, speak:

“By cold and Moon, I am made clear.

Not emptied sharpened.”

This step reflects old winter rites where cold was believed to strengthen spirit rather than diminish it.

Hold your chosen token between your hands. Bring it close to your breath, but do not breathe upon it directly warmth should be subtle.

Say:

“Through lean nights and long roads,

You will remember who I am.

You will hold what I must carry

Until spring returns.”

This token becomes a winter talisman not for attraction, but for steadiness, protection, and resolve.

Close your eyes. For several moments, do nothing.

In old-way practice, this silence is where the Moon answers not with words, but with sensation, memory, or clarity.

If thoughts arise, let them pass. You are not seeking visions; you are allowing alignment.

To close the rite

Raise your hands briefly toward the Moon or candle and say:

“The work is done, the night is honored.

I walk onward, strengthened.”

Extinguish the candle do not blow it out if possible. Snuff or pinch, as breath was once believed to scatter working energy.

Pour the water onto earth outside if you can, or down the drain with gratitude.

After the Ritual

Carry the token with you for the remainder of the lunar cycle or place it near your bed. This is not a charm to be shown or explained. Old magic keeps its power through privacy.

You may feel quieter after this rite. That is correct. The Snow Moon does not roar, it fortifies.

Blessings

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