The Magical Energy Of The Moon

The Moon has a powerful influence on our lives. Not only does it determine the tides of the ocean and how plants grow, but you may have noticed it also affects our mood! Connecting to the powerful phases of the Moon can bring enlightenment to your life by way of the moon’s cycles and movement. It can shape our lives and the choices we make. Being in tune with the Moon’s powerful energy can bring you greater awareness of body, mind and soul.

Depending how the Sun, Moon and Earth align on a particular day, only a part of the Moon is usually visible to us. The tracking of the Moon’s phases goes back thousands of year in various spiritual traditions and cultural customs. Traditionally, the New Moon is considered to be the start of the month and a good time to start anew. And the Full Moon is seen as a time of celebration, delight, and mystery.

A Full Moon occurs every 29.5 days, when the Earth is situated directly between the Sun and the Moon, making it appear to us on Earth as a complete circle… illuminated and breathtaking! Native Americans relied on the Moon to guide them in daily life. They gave symbolic names for each of the Full Moons, based on the unique events of each particular month of the year.

January – Wolf Moon

The January Moon is thus named due to the cold, snowy winters, when wolves would howl hungrily outside tribal villages, looking for food. January’s Full Moon is also known as ‘Old Moon’ and ‘Ice Moon.’

February – Snow Moon

February’s Full Moon is named for the abundant snow that usually occurs during the month. The snow made it hard to hunt, and food in the winter was scarce. Therefore it is also known as the ‘Hunger Moon.’

The moon puts on an elegant show, different every time in shape, colour and nuance ~ Arthur Smith

March – Worm Moon

The final Full Moon of the winter season, when the snow melts and the earthworms come out. The March Moon is also called ‘Crow Moon’ and ‘Sap Moon.’

April – Pink Moon

The April Full Moon represents the first spring flowers blooming in the New Year. The April Full Moon is often used to calculate the date for Easter. After the first day of Spring, we watch for the next Full Moon; Easter that year then lands on the Sunday following this Full Moon.

May – Flower Moon

A name that indicates the blooming of flowers that occur during the month of May. Other known names include ‘Corn Planting Moon’ and ‘Milk Moon.’

June – Strawberry Moon

The June Moon’s name honors the sweet berries that ripen in the June sunshine. Other June Full Moon names are ‘Hot Moon’ and ‘Mead (Honey) Moon.’

July – Buck Moon

Important in Native American life, July’s Full Moon is named for the new antlers that appear on elk and deer at this time. Also called ‘Thunder Moon,’ after the storms that are likely during this period.

Every day it’s a different version of itself. Sometimes weak and wan, sometimes strong and full of light. The moon understands what it means to be human ~ Tahereh Mafi

August – Sturgeon Moon

Named in appreciation of the mass amount of fish in the lakes during this month, providing nourishment and the ability to prepare for the colder weather ahead.

September – Harvest Moon

September’s Full Moon is still referenced today by farmers as it indicated the time during the Fall when abundant crops are gathered before the winter arrives.

October – Hunter’s Moon

Every year, the October Full Moon indicated to the ancient peoples in the Northern Hemisphere that it was time to prepare for the winter by hunting and preserving food.

November – Frosty Moon

The Full Moon in November is named for the first frost that often appears during this month. Also known as the ‘Beaver Moon’ after the beavers who begin to prepare for the winter at this time.

December – Cold Moon

December’s Full Moon welcomes the winter season. It is also known as the ‘Moon Before Yule.’

With every Full Moon you can tap into the magical energy of the Moon to create change for the better in your life. Use the Full Moon to remind you of your journey, and to set powerful new intentions. Take time to look up at the night sky and gain new perspective.

The Moon empowers us to connect with the Universe and recognize how magically our life is connected to others. One can feel so small when you think about it in this way, but recall this sweet lullaby as you take in this moment: “I see the Moon and the Moon sees me, God bless the Moon and God bless me.”