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A full Moon is important in many traditions and cultures in one way or another. In fact, some cultures have even given each full Moon a specific name, often reflecting the natural and seasonal changes during that time. From the Cold Moon to the Strawberry Moon, each name offers a fascinating glimpse into the folklore and traditions of different societies. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of them.
What Causes the Phases of the Moon?
Moon phases are caused by the changing angles of the sun, Earth, and Moon. As the Moon orbits the Earth, different portions of its surface are illuminated by the sun, leading to the various phases we observe from Earth. The full Moon occurs when the Moon is on the opposite side of the Earth from the sun, with its entire face illuminated as seen from our perspective.
The lunar cycle has several distinct phases in addition to the full Moon. When the Moon is less than half illuminated, it is known as a crescent moon. As the illuminated portion of the Moon gradually decreases, it enters the waning phases, such as the third quarter and the waning crescent. These phases occur as the Moon transitions from fully illuminated to utterly dark before the cycle begins again with the new Moon.
Names and Meanings of Full Moons
There are many names for the full Moon across cultures and traditions. In many cases, this tradition has roots in ancient history. Many of the names that modern occult traditions use originate from Native American sources. Here are some well-known names and their meanings.
January: Wolf Moon
In many European cultures, the full Moon of January is known as the Wolf Moon, a name inspired by the sound of wolves howling as they hunt for food during the harsh winter months. Other names for the January full Moon include Moon After Yule, Old Moon, and Ice Moon. The haunting and captivating calls of wolves in the wintry landscape will leave a lasting impression on anyone who hears them. It’s fascinating that medieval Europeans and some Native American tribes shared the name “Wolf Moon,” which is a nice little coincidence.
February: Snow Moon
February’s full Moon is traditionally known as the snow moon due to North America’s typically cold and snowy weather during this time of year. This name originates from the Native American tribes, who used lunar phases to track the changing seasons. The snow moon served as a reminder of the heavy snowfall and cold temperatures during February.
In addition to the snow moon, other traditional names for February’s full Moon include Storm Moon and Hunger Moon. The Storm Moon comes from the turbulent weather patterns often experienced during this month, while the name Hunger Moon signifies the scarcity of food that historically accompanied the harsh winter conditions.
March: Worm Moon
The last full Moon of winter is traditionally known as the Worm Moon by Native Americans due to the worm trails that would appear in the newly thawed ground. Some northern Native American tribes called it the “Crow Moon” because the cawing of crows signals the end of winter. Many northern cultures have end-of-winter names for the March full Moon, such as the “Snow Crust Moon” or “Hard Crust on the Snow Moon.”
April: Pink Moon
The full Moon in April is known as the “Pink Moon” because of the early blooming wildflower often seen in the northeastern United States and eastern Canada during this time of year. The name “Pink Moon” comes from the pink flowers of the wild ground phlox, also known as “moss pink,” one of spring’s earliest widespread flowers. Northern Native American tribes primarily use the term “Pink Moon.”
In different cultures and traditions, the April full Moon has other names. In the Algonquin language, it is called the “Sprouting Grass Moon,” symbolising the beginning of the growth of new plants. It is also known as the “Egg Moon” in some cultures, representing the significance of eggs during this period, possibly due to their association with rebirth and new life. Moreover, the Cree people traditionally refer to it as the “Fish Moon,” indicating when fish become more active.
May: Flower Moon
The May full moon is often called the “Flower Moon” because of the abundance of blooming during spring. This marks the natural world’s transition into full bloom this time of year. Other names for the May full moon are the “Hare Moon,” the “Corn Planting Moon,” and the “Milk Moon.” Some tribes named the Moon based on the arrival of spring, with some referring to it as the “Budding Moon” or “Leaf Budding Moon” to celebrate the new blooms of spring.
June: Strawberry Moon
In North America, indigenous tribes originally named this Moon in connection with harvesting strawberries in June. The European name “Rose Moon”, on the other hand, may come from the pinkish hue of the Moon during this time or its association with roses. In some cultures, it’s also called the “Hot Moon,” marking the beginning of summer heat.
July: Buck Moon
Male deer shed and regrow their antlers every year. In Native American culture, this annual regrowth is closely associated with the full Moon in July, which is why it is called the “Buck Moon.” The July full Moon is also known by other names, such as the “Thunder Moon”, due to the frequent occurrence of summer storms during this month. Additionally, some Native American tribes refer to the July full Moon as the “Hay Moon,” a reference to the hay harvest that typically occurs during this month.
August: Sturgeon Moon
In North American fishing tribes, the full Moon in August is called the “Sturgeon Moon” because sturgeon fish are most abundant during August. In addition to the Sturgeon Moon, this full Moon has also been referred to as the “Green Corn Moon”, the “Grain Moon”, and the “Red Moon.” The last one comes from the reddish hue the Moon often takes on in August.
September: Full Corn Moon
In many agricultural societies, the harvest moon marked a crucial time of year when planting and tending to crops culminated in the harvest gathering. This is why September’s full Moon is called the “Harvest Moon.” The bright and early rising of the full Moon during the harvest season also allowed farmers to extend their working hours well into the night, maximising the time available for harvesting. This extra light was precious before the advent of modern lighting technologies.
October: Hunter’s Moon
The term “Hunter’s Moon,” also known as the “Blood Moon,” refers to a time when hunters can easily spot and track animals as they prepare for winter. The Hunter’s Moon is associated with different cultures’ harvest festivals, ceremonies, and rituals, symbolising the transition from summer’s warmth to winter’s cold.
November: Beaver Moon
In November, the full Moon is known as the “Beaver Moon,” which is believed to have originated from Native American traditions. One theory suggests that it comes from when beavers were actively setting traps in November. Another theory suggests that the name derives from the heavy activity of beavers building their winter dams this month. In addition to being called the Beaver Moon, November’s full Moon is also known as the “Frost Moon,” reflecting the onset of frosty weather as winter approaches.
December: Cold Moon
The full Moon of December is often referred to as the “Cold Moon” because it coincides with the arrival of winter. It is also known as the “Long Night Moon” and the “Oak Moon” in different traditions. The term “Long Night Moon” reflects the longer hours of darkness during this time of year, while “Oak Moon” signifies the importance of the oak tree in specific belief systems.
What is a Blue Moon?
A blue moon is an extra full moon within a specific period, making it a relatively rare and intriguing event. It can refer to either the second full Moon in a calendar month or the third full Moon in a season that has four full moons. This phenomenon occurs roughly every two and a half years. A blue moon causes the year to have 13 full moons instead of the usual 12. The origin of the term “Blue Moon” is uncertain. Still, it has come to signify this extraordinary lunar event, sparking fascination and intrigue among skywatchers and astronomers.
In pagan traditions, the Blue Moon is not just a celestial event but a time of heightened spiritual energy. It is often associated with magical energies and rituals, serving as a powerful time for spiritual practices, manifestation, and setting intentions. In some pagan beliefs, the Blue Moon is a time of heightened intuition and connection to the natural world. It is often viewed as a rare and potent opportunity for conducting ceremonies, spells, or personal reflection. The mystical and spiritual connotations surrounding the blue Moon have contributed to its enduring allure in various cultural and religious practices, evoking a sense of wonder and respect for these beliefs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the diverse origins of the names of the full Moon offer a unique lens through which we can observe and appreciate the natural world. They testify how various cultures have observed and celebrated the celestial bodies that adorn our night skies. Whether the names come from Native American traditions, ancient folklore, or modern interpretations, they enrich our understanding of the natural world and our place within it. They remind us of the wisdom and knowledge passed down through generations.
