The Snow Moon of August in the Southern Hemisphere
The Snow Moon is the name given to the Full Moon of August, in the Southern Hemisphere. Also known as the Hungry, Ice or Storm Moon. It is time to reemerge from Winter hibernation mode and go and play in the snow with your loved ones.
This particular Full Moon in 2026 is also a Penumbral Lunar Eclipse! This occurs when the Moon passes through the faint outer part of Earth's shadow known as the penumbra. We will only catch a glimpse of this in most parts of New Zealand as it will reach its maximum just as the Moon is coming over the horizon around 6pm NZST.
After the Winter Solstice which is the shortest day of the year in June, we celebrate the return of the Sun and the days get lighter and longer but it ironically gets even colder here in New Zealand. The best time for skiing is actually at the beginning of Spring!
I always remember this because technically my first date with my husband was a ski trip he invited me on - I did not know how to ski or snowboard! I just wanted to hang out with him, but I did my best at learning and we had lots of fun. On our way home he asked me to be his girlfriend. Our anniversary is the 21st of August and it has now been 10 years! Married for 6 years, with 2 kids. I don't know if you needed a sign to get out of your comfort zone and go find your closest ski-field but this is it!
In most parts of New Zealand, unless you live far down south (I live in the top of the South island, so basically in the centre of New Zealand) we don't have snow falling right outside our houses, it is only visible up on the mountains. Hence why I made my Snow Moon Candle blue with a snowy white peak inspired by the snow capped mountains we can see in the distance. We have to drive quite far to actually touch the snow.
I invite you to focus your Full Moon rituals around embracing change, releasing whatever is holding you back and getting out of your comfort zone. Spring is here, a time of growth and new beginnings!
Try cleansing your home with Moon water or smoke and renewing your seasonal altar. I decorated my Full Moon altar plate with ice gathered from my freezer to be honest - because I couldn't make it to the actual snow in time for this lunar cycle.
If you are lucky enough to be able to find real snow close to where you live - go and enjoy it!