As witches, we often look to the cycles of the moon for guidance and inspiration. The full moon, in particular, holds a special place in our hearts and minds. Its powerful energy can be harnessed for everything from casting spells to connecting with our intuition. But did you know that the full moon has different names depending on the time of year and cultural tradition? In this witchy guide, we’ll explore the 12 names of the full moon and their significance for witches.
Wolf Moon (January)
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The first full moon of the year is known as the Wolf Moon, a name that originated with Native American tribes who noticed that wolves were more active during the winter months. For witches, the Wolf Moon is a time to focus on protection and strength, drawing on the energy of the wolf to help us navigate the challenges of the new year.
Snow Moon (February)
As the snow piles up outside, the Snow Moon reminds us to turn inward and focus on our inner worlds. This is a time for meditation, reflection, and self-care, as we prepare for the rebirth and renewal of spring.
Worm Moon (March)
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As the earth begins to thaw and the worms start to emerge from the ground, the Worm Moon is a time to focus on growth and renewal. This is a great time for planting seeds, starting new projects, and embracing change.
Pink Moon (April)
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Contrary to what the name suggests, the Pink Moon does not appear pink in color. Instead, it gets its name from the pink phlox flowers that bloom in North America during April. For witches, the Pink Moon is a time to celebrate the beauty of nature and the abundance of life.
Flower Moon (May)
As springtime progresses, more and more flowers begin to bloom. This is why the full moon in May is known as the Flower Moon. This is a time for celebrating creativity and abundance, and for connecting with the spirits of the natural world.
Strawberry Moon (June)
The full moon in June is associated with the ripening of strawberries in North America, which is why it is known as the Strawberry Moon. For witches, this is a time to focus on matters of the heart, whether that means deepening existing relationships or attracting new love into our lives.
Buck Moon (July)
As deer begin to grow their antlers, they are known as bucks. This is why the full moon in July is called the Buck Moon. This is a time for embracing our wild and primal nature and connecting with the spirit of the hunt.
Sturgeon Moon (August)
The full moon in August is named after the sturgeon, a large fish that was abundant in the Great Lakes and other bodies of water in North America. For witches, this is a time to focus on abundance and prosperity and to connect with the spirit of the water.
Harvest Moon (September)
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The full moon in September is known as the Harvest Moon because it occurs closest to the autumnal equinox, which marks the beginning of the harvest season in North America. This is a time to celebrate the fruits of our labor and to give thanks for the abundance in our lives.
Hunter’s Moon (October)
As the leaves begin to fall and the deer become more active, the full moon in October is known as the Hunter’s Moon. This is a time for embracing the darkness and connecting with the spirit of the hunt, whether that means going on a literal hunt or simply embracing our inner warrior.
Beaver Moon (November)
The Beaver Moon gets its name from the time of year when beavers are busy preparing for winter by building dams and lodges. Other names for the November full moon include the Frost Moon and the Mourning Moon. For witches and other spiritual practitioners, the Beaver Moon is a time for focusing on resourcefulness, perseverance, and hard work. It’s a time for taking stock of the past year and making plans for the future, while also honoring the cycles of nature and the importance of community and collaboration.
Cold Moon (December)
The Cold Moon is the full moon that occurs in December, and it gets its name from the chilly winter weather in many parts of the world during this time of year. The Cold Moon can also be called the Long Night Moon, as it occurs during the longest nights of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. For witches and other spiritual practitioners, the Cold Moon is a time to turn inward and focus on introspection, self-care, and preparing for the new year ahead. It’s also a time for honoring the darkness and celebrating the return of the light, as we move toward the winter solstice and the gradual lengthening of the days.
A Special One: The Blue Moon
A blue full moon is a rare phenomenon that occurs when there are two full moons in the same calendar month. The term “blue moon” does not refer to the color of the moon itself, as the moon doesn’t turn blue. Instead, it’s a colloquial expression that has been used for centuries to describe something rare or unusual. When a blue moon occurs, it can be an exciting time for witches and other spiritual practitioners who work with lunar energy, as it represents a potent time to manifest intentions and connect with the divine.
