Who doesn’t love the sight of a full moon? Countless poems, songs, and myths attest to Sister Moon’s power to enchant and inspire romantic notions. On the practical side, the moon’s silvery glow has long been a guiding light for travelers, whether over land or at sea. Tonight, she will not only be full, but will be closest to Earth, earning her “supermoon” status. She will be at her biggest and brightest. Later this month, we’ll be treated to a second full moon, rising on August 31, this one known as a Blue Moon.
Aside from her beautiful glow in the night sky, whether a crescent sliver or perfectly round orb, the moon intrigues in other ways. While the Sun is a constant golden presence when he appears, the moon is changeable as she goes through her phases, waxing and waning. She is associated with goddesses and femininity. That she wields power over mighty oceans is impressive. The moon holds a central place of reverence in many spiritual beliefs and there’s no doubt as to the inspiration she contributes to creatives, lovers, and seekers. She is closely aligned with nature, her presence bearing witness to changing seasons, months, and the cycles of the Earth.
The Moon-Earth Connection
Curious about this Moon-Earth connection, I found there are specific names for each month’s full moon given by various cultures. The names distinguish one moon from another, and in turn, one month from the next. The names also serve as markers associating each month’s specific activity with the full moon that appears during this time. Take for example the traditional European names for the full moons that occur in September and October, Harvest Moon, and Hunter’s Moon, respectively. These names coincide with the harvesting and hunting that normally takes place during these months.
Early Native American tribes used the seasons and moon phases to keep track of time. There was some variability among the tribes as to the number of seasons they counted in a year, or by adding an extra moon to some years. Full moon names also varied from tribe to tribe. In the 1930s, when the Farmer’s Almanac began publishing the names given to each month’s full moon by Native Americans, the almanac printed the moon names used by the Algonquins that lived in the northeastern U.S. Since the sturgeon found in the Great Lakes were more easily caught during the August full moon, it makes sense that this moon would be known as the Sturgeon Moon.
Naming the 11 Other Full Moons
January | Wolf Moon. So named because it appeared when the howling of hungry wolves was heard outside villages. Also known as the Old Moon.
February | Snow Moon. The heaviest snow typically falls during February. Because hunting is difficult during this time, some tribes called this moon the Hunger Moon.
March| Worm Moon. As spring approaches, the ground begins to soften, and earthworms reappear. This brings a return of robins seeking out their meals. Because sap from maple trees begins flowing this month, the March full moon is also known as the Sap Moon.
April | Pink Moon. Wild ground phlox, one of spring’s first flowers starts to appear. It’s easy to see why this full moon would also be called the Sprouting Grass Moon, the Egg Moon, and the Fish Moon.
May | Flower Moon. No surprise here, with the bounty of blooms appearing this month. Other names are Corn Planting Moon and the Milk Moon.
June | Strawberry Moon. When this full moon appeared, tribes knew to gather the ripening strawberry crop. This moon was given the names Rose Moon and Hot Moon as well.
July | Buck Moon. During this month, bucks begin sprouting new antlers. With thunderstorms a frequent occurrence in July, the full moon was also known as the Thunder Moon.
September | Corn Moon. During this month, corn and barley are harvested (Barley Moon is an alternate name). The Harvest Moon can occur in either September or October, as it’s the full moon closest to the Autumnal Equinox. This moon is also very bright, the better to accomplish harvesting chores.
October | Hunter’s Moon. This month is optimal time for hunting to build up a sufficient food store to get through the winter months. The Travel Moon and the Dying Moon are two other names for October’s full moon.
November | Beaver Moon. Before swamps froze, the Algonquin (and early settlers) set beaver traps to supply the fur they wore throughout the coldest months ahead. The Frost Moon is another name for this full moon.
December | Cold Moon. The winter cold has arrived, and because of the accompanying long, dark nights, this moon is also called the Long Nights Moon by some tribes.
There are generally 12 full moons per year, one a month. So, as I gazed upon her brilliant light tonight, I acknowledged her charms and mysteries, her changeability, and gave thanks for her reappearance next month.