Full Moon Rhythms: Our Celestial Clock
Hmmm, can we find solace in the comforting rhythm of the full moon?
If you gazed out the window trying to beckon sleep on Tuesday or Wednesday night of this week, you might have been transfixed by the full moon suffused with a strawberry hue. Full moons occur roughly once a month or technically every 29.5 days. The full moon cycles are known the synodic month – the time it takes the moon to complete one full cycle of phases.
Did you know that each full moon has a name in The Old Farmer’s Almanac? The names originate in Native American traditions. Full moons were a method of tracking the seasons for native cultures.
January – Full Wolf Moon. Origin: The howling of wolves is often heard at this time of year as they establish territories, locate pack members, reinforce social bonds and gather for hunting.
February – Snow Moon. Origin: Snow commonly falls during this month more than any other in the winter.
March – Worm Moon. Origin: Earthworms begin to appear as the soil warms for spring. In addition, worm larvae of some species emerge from barks of trees and other winter hideouts.
April – Pink Moon. Origin: This moon heralds the appearance of one of the first spring wildflowers known as moss pink or wild ground phlox.
May – Flower Moon. Origin: The appearance of flowers in abundance inspires this name used by Algonquin and Ojibwe peoples.
June – Strawberry Moon: Origin: Ripe strawberries are ready to be gathered at this time.
July – Buck Moon. Origin: The antlers of bucks are in full growth mode in July.
August – Sturgeon Moon. Origin: Lake Sturgeon, a very large migratory fish, are an important food staple for native cultures at this time of year.
September – Corn Moon or Harvest Moon. Origin: Corn, another staple for native cultures, is ready to harvest in September.
October – Hunter’s Moon. Origin: October is a month for hunting and laying in a store of provisions for the long winter months ahead.
November – Beaver Moon. Origin: Beavers finish their preparations for winter and retreat into their lodges.
December – Cold Moon. Origin: A name used by the Mohawks, it refers to the fact that winter cold fastens its grip.
Think of the full moon as an ever-faithful and enduring celestial clock. It marks the passage of time with slow grace, marches in step with the seasons and greets us with comforting regularity twelve times a year. But there is one exception. The 29.5 day cycle means that every few years there are thirteen full moons – hence the expression once in a blue moon.
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