As we step into the container of February 2018, we find ourselves in a unique energetic corridor. The echoes of the powerful Super Blue Blood Moon eclipse at the very end of January are still vibrating through our luminous energy fields. In the shamanic tradition, February is often seen as the month of the “Quickening”—a time when the life force begins to stir deep within the earth, even if the surface remains frozen. This particular February is distinct because it lacks a full moon, a phenomenon known in some circles as a Black Moon month. This absence of a lunar peak creates a profound space of stillness, a cosmic “void” that invites us to look inward with unprecedented clarity.
The shamanic perspective on February 2018 focuses on the transition from the chaotic, fiery energies of the previous year into a more grounded, structural, and loyal vibration. With the Chinese New Year ushering in the Year of the Earth Dog mid-month, the spirits of the land are calling for integrity, protection, and the fortification of our foundations. This article explores the deep spiritual currents of this month, offering guidance on how to navigate the void, honor the quickening of the earth, and align with the emerging medicine of the Earth Dog.
The Medicine of the Black Moon: Navigating the Cosmic Void
In the shamanic journey, the void is not a place of nothingness, but a place of pure potentiality. Because February 2018 does not host a full moon, we are spared the usual emotional peaking and outward intensity that the full lunar cycle brings. Instead, we are being held in a month-long “New Moon” energy—a dark room where the seeds of our future intentions can germinate without the interference of external light. This is a rare gift for the spiritual seeker.
To work with this energy, one must embrace the silence. Shamanic practitioners often use this time for “Soul Retrieval” preparation—identifying the gaps in their own energy where power has been lost. Without the full moon to illuminate our shadows from the outside, we must light our own internal torches. This is a month for deep meditation, long periods of silence, and avoiding the urge to rush into new projects. The void asks: “Who are you when no one is watching, and what do you desire when the world is quiet?”
Practical guidance for this period involves creating a “darkness ritual.” Spend one evening a week with no artificial light, using only a single candle. Sit in the silence and observe the thoughts that arise. In shamanic terms, you are sitting in the womb of the Great Mother, allowing your next iteration to take shape in the holy dark.
The Transition to the Year of the Earth Dog
On February 16, 2018, the energetic guard changes. We move from the sharp, often aggressive energy of the Fire Rooster into the stable, protective, and ethical vibration of the Earth Dog. From a shamanic standpoint, the Dog is a powerful ally. It represents the guardian of the threshold, the loyal companion who guides us through the underworld and protects the hearth.
The element of Earth brings a much-needed grounding. If 2017 felt like a whirlwind of unpredictable changes, February 2018 marks the moment where the dust begins to settle. The Earth Dog demands honesty. It asks us to look at our tribe and our community: Who can we trust? To whom are we loyal? This energy is about building fences—not to exclude others, but to define sacred space and protect what is precious.
During this transition, you may feel a strong urge to organize your physical environment. This is a shamanic act of “mending the net.” By cleaning your home, repairing broken items, and tending to your physical body, you are signaling to the spirit of the Earth Dog that you are a responsible steward of your life. This is a month to prioritize reliability over brilliance and consistency over speed.
Imbolc and the Quickening of the Spirit
At the start of February, we celebrate Imbolc, the midpoint between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox. In the Northern Hemisphere, this is the festival of Brigid, the goddess of the forge, poetry, and healing. Shamanically, this is the time of the “Quickening.” Just as a pregnant mother first feels the movement of the child within, we begin to feel the first stirrings of the intentions we planted during the winter darkness.
The predictions for February 2018 suggest that many will feel a sudden burst of creative inspiration around the first week of the month. However, the shamanic warning is not to manifest these ideas too quickly. The earth is still cold. These are delicate sprouts that need protection. Use this time to write down your visions, draw them, or speak them into a recording, but wait for the ground to thaw before you take massive action.
A simple Imbolc ritual involves milk and honey—traditional offerings for the land spirits. Pouring a small amount of milk onto the earth (or a potted plant) symbolizes the nourishment of the hidden life within. It is an act of reciprocity, thanking the spirits of the land for their endurance through the winter and asking for their blessing on your upcoming endeavors.
Ancestral Healing: Clearing the Lineage
February 2018 presents a unique window for ancestral work. The combination of the post-eclipse energy and the Earth Dog’s focus on heritage makes this a potent time for clearing generational trauma. In shamanic belief, we carry the unhealed wounds of our ancestors in our DNA and our energetic bodies. When we heal ourselves, we heal seven generations back and seven generations forward.
You may find that themes of family secrets, inherited illnesses, or repetitive family patterns come to the surface this month. Rather than viewing these as burdens, see them as “medicine stories” waiting to be resolved. The Earth Dog provides the courage to face these shadows with loyalty to the self.
To engage in ancestral healing this month, create a small altar with photos of your ancestors. Light a candle and offer them words of gratitude for the life they passed down, but also clearly state: “I carry the love, but I release the burden that is not mine.” This act of “unbinding” is particularly supported by the energetic void of this month, as there is less cosmic resistance to restructuring your personal history.
Grounding Techniques for the Post-Eclipse Hangover
Many people entered February 2018 feeling “fried” or ungrounded due to the intense celestial activity of January. Shamanic practitioners call this being “split”—where the spirit is hovering above the body rather than fully inhabiting it. Symptoms include forgetfulness, anxiety, insomnia, and a feeling of being disconnected from reality.
The prediction for the second week of February is a collective “landing.” To facilitate this, shamanic grounding is essential. This goes beyond just walking barefoot. It involves “Heavy Energy Combustion” (known as Hucha Micuy in the Andean tradition). Visualize the heavy, chaotic energy from the eclipses flowing down through your feet and into the Earth. The Earth, being a great transformer, takes this heavy energy (Hucha) and turns it into compost for new growth.
Another practical technique is the use of stones. Carrying a piece of Black Tourmaline or Smoky Quartz in your pocket helps to anchor your frequency. In your meditations, visualize yourself as a great oak tree with roots extending deep into the molten core of the planet. The more you ground this month, the more you will be able to receive the subtle insights offered by the Black Moon void.
The Element of Earth: Physical Health and Vitality
With the Earth Dog taking center stage, our shamanic focus shifts heavily toward the physical vessel. In many spiritual traditions, the body is seen as the “temple,” but in shamanism, the body is the “altar” itself. February 2018 is a time to listen to the wisdom of the cells. The predictions indicate that many will find traditional medical approaches more effective when paired with earth-based remedies this month.
The Earth Dog energy favors “slow medicine”—root vegetables, herbal infusions, and rhythmic movement. If you have been neglecting your physical health, the spirits may provide a “nudge” in the form of fatigue or minor ailments to force a slower pace. This is not a punishment, but a recalibration.
Actionable guidance: Incorporate more root medicines into your diet, such as ginger, turmeric, and ashwagandha. These plants carry the signature of the earth and help to stabilize the nervous system. Additionally, prioritize sleep. The shamanic dreamtime is exceptionally active during a Black Moon month, and much of your healing will occur while you are in the delta state of deep rest.
Navigating Relationships: Loyalty and Boundaries
The social landscape of February 2018 is governed by the Dog’s sense of justice and pack loyalty. Shamanically, this translates to an evaluation of our “Ayllu” or sacred community. You may find yourself naturally drifting away from superficial connections and feeling a deeper pull toward those who share your core values. This is a month where the “lone wolf” energy is less effective than the “pack” energy.
However, the shadow side of the Earth Dog can be defensiveness or unnecessary conflict over territory. If you find yourself in a disagreement, ask: “Am I protecting something sacred, or am I just being stubborn?” The shamanic path teaches us that true power comes from vulnerability and transparency, not from building walls.
In your relationships, practice the “Council Way.” This is a shamanic communication technique where each person speaks from the heart without interruption, holding a sacred object (like a stone or feather). This practice honors the Dog’s energy of mutual respect and ensures that the foundations of your partnerships are built on truth rather than assumptions.
Rituals for Integration and Manifestation
As we approach the end of February, the energy begins to shift toward the coming spring. The final week of the month is the time to take the insights gained in the void and begin to weave them into a plan. In shamanic practice, we use “Despacho” ceremonies or prayer bundles to align our intentions with the universe.
To perform a simple integration ritual at home, gather items that represent your intentions (seeds for growth, a coin for abundance, a heart for love). Place them on a piece of biodegradable paper. Breathe your prayers into each item, feeling the breath as the bridge between the spirit world and the physical world. Fold the paper into a bundle and bury it in the earth or a large pot of soil. By doing this, you are literally planting your prayers in the element of the year—Earth—and asking the Earth Dog to guard and nurture them.
This month is not about the grand gesture; it is about the small, consistent acts of devotion. By honoring the stillness of the Black Moon and the stability of the Earth Dog, you set a trajectory for the rest of 2018 that is rooted in power, integrity, and deep spiritual connection.
The Alchemy of Cooling: Transitioning from Fire Rooster to Earth Dog
As we navigate the opening weeks of February 2018, we are witnessing a profound elemental shift that requires a specific type of shamanic recalibration. The year 2017 was dominated by the Fire Rooster—an energy characterized by visibility, sharp critiques, and a relentless, often exhausting, pace. In shamanic terms, many of us are still carrying the “heat” of that period: a sense of being perpetually “on,” a tendency toward reactive communication, and a frayed nervous system. The arrival of the Earth Dog mid-month acts as a cooling balm, but the transition can feel jarring, like plunging hot metal into cold water. This is the alchemy of cooling.
To successfully navigate this transition, one must engage in the practice of “dousing the embers.” If you find yourself still caught in the combative or performative cycles of the previous year, the Earth Dog’s energy may manifest as a heavy, lethargic weight rather than a stabilizing force. Shamanic practitioners suggest a “Water and Stone” ritual during the first two weeks of February. Find a smooth river stone and place it in a bowl of cool water overnight. In the morning, hold the stone to your solar plexus—the seat of the fire—and visualize the residual heat of 2017 being absorbed by the cool density of the rock. This helps signal to your energetic body that the time for “crowing” is over and the time for “guarding” has begun.
This cooling process also affects our decision-making. While the Rooster favored the bold and the theatrical, the Earth Dog favors the quiet and the discerning. If a project or relationship feels like it requires constant “stoking” to stay alive, February is the month to let it cool. In the shamanic view, if something cannot survive the transition into the Earth Dog’s grounded reality, it was likely fueled by ego rather than essence. Use this time to distinguish between what is truly sustainable and what was merely a flash in the pan.
Dreamweaving in the Black Moon Void: The Art of Silent Visioning
The absence of a full moon in February 2018 creates a unique atmospheric condition for those who practice shamanic dreaming. Usually, the full moon acts as a psychic mirror, reflecting our subconscious back to us in vivid, often chaotic, imagery. Without this external reflection, the “void” of the Black Moon acts as a sensory deprivation chamber for the soul. This is not a time for the loud, prophetic dreams of the Upper World, but for the deep, structural “Dreamweaving” of the Middle World. You are not just observing dreams this month; you are laying the tracks for the reality you will inhabit for the rest of the year.
During this Black Moon corridor, the “Silver Cord”—the energetic tether between the physical body and the astral body—is particularly flexible. This allows for deeper travel into the “In-Between” spaces. To work with this, keep a dream journal specifically for “sensations” rather than “stories.” In the Black Moon void, the spirit speaks through feelings of density, temperature, and direction rather than literal symbols. If you dream of walking through a dark forest, don’t worry about what the trees look like; focus on the feeling of the earth beneath your feet. This is the Earth Dog teaching you how to “scent” your way through the darkness.
A specific edge case for this month involves “recurrent void dreams”—dreams where you are simply standing in darkness or floating in a vacuum. In shamanism, this is a sign of high-level initiation. It means your spirit has cleared enough clutter to stand in the presence of the Great Mystery without needing to fill it with distractions. If you experience this, do not be afraid. Simply breathe in the darkness of the dream and say, “I am present in the potential.” This practice builds the capacity to hold power without being consumed by it, a vital skill for the stabilizing year ahead.
The Guardian’s Path: Fortifying the Sacred Hearth
With the Earth Dog as our primary archetype starting February 16, the shamanic focus shifts to the concept of the “Sentinel.” In many indigenous traditions, the Dog is the spirit that sits at the threshold, deciding what is allowed to enter the village and what must stay outside. In February 2018, your “village” is your home, your family, and your inner peace. This month is about the shamanic art of “Warding”—creating energetic boundaries that are both firm and intelligent.
Warding differs from mere protection; it is a conscious agreement with the spirits of the land. To ward your home this month, walk the perimeter of your living space with a handful of coarse salt and crushed dried sage. As you drop small pinches at every corner and doorway, speak to the spirit of the Earth Dog. Define your boundaries: “Only that which comes in love and truth may pass. That which is chaotic or parasitic must remain at the gate.” This is particularly important because the “post-eclipse hangover” can leave people feeling energetically porous, making them susceptible to the moods and anxieties of others.
The Earth Dog also emphasizes the “Spirit of the Stove” or the “Hearth Fire.” This is the internal flame of the home that provides warmth and nourishment. In shamanic practice, if the hearth is neglected, the family unit becomes fragmented. Spend time in your kitchen this month. Cooking intentional, slow-simmered meals is a form of practical shamanism that anchors the Earth Dog’s loyalty into the physical bodies of your loved ones. Each stir of the pot can be a prayer for stability and mutual support. By tending the physical hearth, you are feeding the spiritual guardian of your home.
Mending the Luminous Web: Advanced Soul Retrieval Preparation
While the existing article mentions the importance of Soul Retrieval preparation, the specific energetic climate of February 2018 allows for a more granular approach known as “Mending the Luminous Web.” Our luminous energy field (LEF) is like a spider’s web that surrounds the body. Traumas from the previous year, particularly the intense solar and lunar activity we’ve just exited, can create “frays” or “thin spots” in this web. Before a full soul retrieval can take place, these frays must be identified and reinforced.
To do this, use a technique called “Scanning the Field.” In a quiet, dark room (honoring the Black Moon), use your non-dominant hand to slowly pass over the space a few inches away from your skin. Start at the top of your head and move downward. You are looking for changes in temperature, a feeling of “stickiness,” or a sudden drop in pressure. These are the areas where your vital energy is leaking out. In the month of the Earth Dog, these leaks often correspond to places where we have compromised our integrity or allowed our loyalty to be misplaced.
Once a fray is found, use a “weaving” motion with your fingers to symbolically pull the threads of light back together. This is not the final healing, but it is the essential “triage” that prevents further power loss. The Earth Dog demands that we be “whole” in our presence; we cannot be loyal to others if we are leaking our own essence into the past. This preparation phase is about becoming a “closed system” so that when the quickening of spring arrives, your energy is concentrated and ready to fuel your growth rather than being dissipated through old wounds.
The Spirits of the Middle World: Tending the Hidden Seeds
In shamanic cosmology, the Middle World is the spiritual dimension that exists parallel to our physical reality. During the “Quickening” of February, the Middle World is a hive of activity, even if the physical world looks dormant. This is the time when the “Devas” (nature spirits) and the elementals are working the “inner soil.” In February 2018, because of the heavy Earth influence, these spirits are closer to the surface than usual, and they are looking for human partners who are willing to act as stewards.
Communication with these spirits this month doesn’t require complex ritual; it requires “Presence in the Pause.” When you go outside, even in a city, find a patch of earth or a single tree. Stand in silence and acknowledge the “Hidden Workers.” In shamanism, this is called *Ayni* (reciprocity). By acknowledging the work the spirits are doing to prepare the earth for spring, you align your own internal “seeds” with the natural cycle. You might say, “I see the work you are doing in the dark; I too am tending my hidden visions.”
A practical edge case for this month involves “houseplants as anchors.” If you are in a climate where you cannot access the earth due to snow or ice, your houseplants become vital ambassadors for the Middle World. They are the “lungs” of your sacred space. During the transition to the Earth Dog, repotting a plant or simply cleaning its leaves with water and a drop of essential oil is a powerful shamanic act. It signals to the spirits that you are ready to care for the life that is emerging. This act of stewardship often results in a “quickening” of your own creative projects, as the spirits of the plants begin to share their vitality with your environment.
Ethical Sovereignty and the Shamanic Code of the Dog
The Earth Dog year is not just about being “nice”; it is about a fierce, uncompromising ethical sovereignty. In shamanism, this is known as “walking with a straight spine.” February 2018 is the month where we are tested on our word. The Dog archetype does not understand nuance or “white lies”; it understands truth and frequency. If your words do not match your energetic frequency this month, you will likely experience “feedback” in the form of misunderstandings or physical tension in the throat and jaw.
To align with this, practice the “Shamanic Code of the Dog” for the last two weeks of the month. This involves three pillars: Reliability, Transparency, and Protection. Reliability means doing exactly what you said you would do, no matter how small the task. Transparency means being honest about your intentions, even if they are unpopular. Protection means standing up for those in your “pack” who cannot stand up for themselves. This is not about being a martyr; it is about building the “spiritual muscle” that a shaman needs to command the elements.
A useful exercise for this is the “Audit of Allegiances.” Sit with a piece of paper and list your primary commitments—to your work, your partner, your path, and yourself. For each one, ask: “Is my loyalty here based on fear of change, or is it based on the resonance of truth?” The Earth Dog will help you prune away the loyalties that are based on old, Fire Rooster-era obligations. By the end of February, your list should be shorter, but the remaining items should feel as solid as stone. This ethical clearing is what allows you to move into the rest of the year with the “clean scent” of a true guardian.
Animal Allies of the February Frost: The Bear and the Raven
While the Dog is the overarching spirit of the year, two other animal allies are particularly active in the shamanic landscape of February 2018: the Bear and the Raven. The Bear represents the “Great Stillness.” In the Northern Hemisphere, the bear is still in the depths of hibernation, but it is during this time that she gives birth to her cubs. This is a perfect metaphor for the Black Moon void: the most significant creations are happening in the total dark and the total quiet. If you feel a need for excessive sleep or solitude this month, you are likely working with Bear medicine. Do not fight it; your “cubs” (your new ideas) need this period of undisturbed warmth to survive.
The Raven, on the other hand, is the “Messenger of the Void.” Raven is one of the few birds that remains active and vocal in the deep winter. In shamanic lore, Raven is the only one who can fly into the darkness of the Great Mystery and bring back the light of insight. If you see or hear ravens this month, pay close attention to your immediate thoughts. Raven is often confirming a subtle truth that you were afraid to acknowledge. Raven medicine helps us find the “shiny objects” (the hidden opportunities) in what otherwise looks like a barren or frozen landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is a “Black Moon” month, and why does it matter?
A Black Moon month occurs when February, the shortest month, does not have a full moon. From a shamanic perspective, the full moon represents a time of outward expression and the “harvesting” of energy. Without it, the entire month remains in a “New Moon” or “Dark Moon” phase. This creates an elongated period of introspection and internal growth. It is a powerful time for shadow work, dreaming, and planning, as there is less external lunar pressure to manifest or perform. It allows for a deeper, more authentic gestation of ideas.
How does the Year of the Earth Dog affect my personal shamanic practice?
The Year of the Earth Dog (starting Feb 16, 2018) shifts the focus from the individualistic and often erratic energy of the previous year to a more collective, grounded, and ethical focus. In your practice, this means you might feel more drawn to “Earth Medicine”—working with plants, stones, and the physical body. It also emphasizes the importance of the “Guardian” archetype. You may find yourself called to protect the environment, your family, or those who cannot protect themselves. It is a year to be “dogged” in your pursuit of spiritual integrity.
Is February 2018 a good time for a Shamanic Journey?
Yes, but the nature of the journeys may be different. Because of the “void” energy, journeys to the Lower World (the place of power animals and the subconscious) may be more vivid and accessible than journeys to the Upper World (the realm of celestial guides). The spirits are currently very close to the Earth. If you journey this month, focus on questions regarding your foundation, your health, and your ancestral roots. Be prepared for messages that are practical and direct rather than abstract or metaphorical.
What should I do if I feel overwhelmed by the “Quickening” energy?
The Quickening can feel like a surge of restless energy or anxiety as the life force begins to move. If you feel overwhelmed, the best shamanic remedy is “Stone Sitting.” Find a large rock or a patch of bare earth. Sit or lie down and consciously offer your excess energy to the stone or the ground. Stones have a much slower vibration than humans and can act as a “heat sink” for our emotional or energetic overstimulation. Deep, rhythmic drumming at a slow tempo (about 60 beats per minute) can also help to synchronize your heartbeat with the Earth’s pulse.
How can I honor the spirits of the land during a month when the earth is frozen?
Shamanism is about relationship, not just physical action. Even if the ground is frozen, the spirits of the land are awake and listening. You can honor them by making offerings of scent (burning cedar, sage, or sweetgrass) or sound (singing or rattling). You can also make “spirit plates”—small portions of your meals set aside on a dedicated altar to show gratitude for the sustenance the Earth provides. The intention and the consistency of the gesture are more important to the spirits than the size of the offering.
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