The moon

Back To The Index The Blue Moon A "Blue Moon" occurs when two full moons happen in one calendar month. Since the phase period of the moon is 29.5 days, you usually only have one full moon each month. But each month it's a little earlier than the previous month. About every 2.5 years, you get two full moons in the same calendar month, and the second one is called the "blue moon". There is no physical difference in appearance, the second full moon looks like a regular full moon: circular and white with gray patches. According to folklorists, the term "Blue Moon" is at least 400 years old. The earliest known references to a blue moon were intended as examples of improbable events or something that could never happen. As time passed the expression evolved to mean something that rarely or never happened. Hence the expression "Once in a Blue Moon" which is still popular today. In the pagan community, the origins of the meaning of a Blue Moon vary. And the legend or origin of these meanings cannot be substantiated. However, some believe the second full moon holds the knowledge of the Goddess and is therefore contains 3-fold the energy. In other traditions the phases of the moon represent the transition of knowledge within the Goddess. The quarter moons representing the maiden Goddess, the New Moon the Mother Goddess, the Full Moon the Grand Mother Goddess and the Blue Moon the transition of the Grand Mother or Crone to Divine level of existence. Another view is that the Blue Moon represents a time of heightened or clearer communication between our physical being and the Great Grand Mother Goddess or the Crone Goddess. Gardening By Moon Sign Placement of the moon in the heavens through astrology is not the same as it's physical placement through astronomy. In earlier times, farmers used a solar, lunar and astrological calendar to ensure the proper planting period for their gardens and fields. Here in the U.S. Benjamin Franklin published the first horoscopes in his Philadelphia daily, which included a monthly entry concerning gardening. Planting The water signs are the best for planting. When the moon is in Cancer, Scorpio, or Pisces are the best times. But Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn can be follow-up alternatives. Weeding and Plowing When the moon moves into Aries, Gemini, Leo Sagittarius and Aquarius, remove weeds and inspect your plants for pests. Transplanting and Grafting Transplanting and Grafting are best done when the moon enters Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces. Pruning Pruning is best done during Aries, Leo or Sagittarius. Try to schedule your pruning during a waxing moon to encourage growth. Keep it clean and mended Clean out your shed during a Virgo moon to help the work move along smoothly. Mend fences, gardening stakes and beds during a Capricorn moon. Ect. Avoid making decisions when the moon is in Libra. When The Moon Rises Moon rises occur about 50 minutes later each day than the day before. Moon rises can occur at night as well as during the day. But the best way to put it into memory is a good ole time folk tale: The new Moon always rises at sunrise And the first quarter at noon. The full Moon always rises at sunset And the last quarter at midnight. . Naming The Full Moon Each full moon holds a little extra special meaning to those who work with magik. It represents the universe in brilliant glory, wholeness or completeness. A wonderful time to work on your own personal spiritual lessons, growth and enlightenment. But as with each phase of the moon, each cycle of the full moon also contains it's own special energy. Aligning your intentions with these energies can also enhance your magikal work. Ages ago, cultures around the world kept track of the seasons by giving distinctive names to each recurring full moon. Their names were applied to the entire month in which each occurred. Today we have the advantage of aligning our energies with the cultures we're drawn to, or to the perspective our tradition follows. So if you're of a European tradition, or Norse or Native American tradition; you can pick and choose the name set that you feel most connected to. There are many reasons for different name sets. Cultures, regions of the world, differences in weather, the timing of seasonal changes (such as winter arriving earlier in the north than in the south) and so on. While names from the Farmer's Almanac were largely in use in England and the Celtic lands, these are not the only names in use in those areas. Many people think all Native Americans followed the same traditions and implemented the same names and significance across the board to aspects of life. While there is a large similarity between American tribes and nations, they are not all the same. The Cherokee Nation held different names in part because they governed over the lands of the south from what we know as Virginia south to Florida. While you're doing your own research you might find additional name sets. Try to verify the source of those sets, were they used in a specific region or Kingdom, perhaps they were used in the north, while you might find other sets used in the same culture in the south. Were they Druidic vs. Shamanistic? Or were they influenced by pantheons or altered by other religions that invaded a land and began a conversion. All these events will have an affect on cultural names. The following is a list of a few of these cultural name sets. I'll try to add more as I come across them during research. This by no means is meant to be an inclusive list. Thomas's Old Farmers Almanac (founded in 1792). The almanac is largely based on Europeans who came to the Americas and settled in the colonies. These names were widely used in Scotland, Ireland, England, France and most of their territories. The Deborean Clan The Deborean Clan is a combination of Celtic and Cherokee cultures. This name set merged names from these two cultures together either by influence or out of a desire to represent both spiritual perspectives. No one is sure when this name set was established, but it's fair to assume it began around the time the Clan itself was established between 1780 and 1800. The Wiccan Tradition It's fair to say that Gerald Gardner based his name set on a variety of sources. Wicca itself is a culmination of his previous participations with many craft traditions such as the Fellowship of Crotona, Ordo Temli Orientis and even the Golden Dawn had it's influence on his creation. The Algonquin Tribes The Native American nations from New England on west to Lake Superior had their list of full moon names. Thomas's Old Farmers Almanac - circa 1792 January ~ Hunger moon During this month the wolves once roamed the countryside, thus suggesting the name wolf moon. In cold and temperate climates of the Northern Hemisphere, it was difficult to find food during January, thus the name hunger moon. This is a good time for planning your year from a spiritual perspective. What do you want to accomplish this year. What do you "hunger" for? Set some goals and plan how to achieve them. February ~ Snow moon In certain parts of the world, snow is usually the deepest in this month, thus the name snow moon. This is a good time to focus your magik on home, hearth and family. March ~ Sap or worm moon Because sap rises in March, this full moon is called the sap moon. The ground softens during this month, and worms begin to burrow out of the ground, thus the name worm moon. This is a good time for healing magik. Think of the sap as the blood running through your veins carrying health and healing. April ~ Pink moon Many flowers turn pink and bloom in April, thus the name pink moon. This is a good time for working on potential relationships, or heading off problems in an existing one. May ~ Flower moon Because many flowers bloom in May, after the April downpours, May's moon is called the flower moon. This is a good time for working on commitments, both in spirit and love. June ~ Rose moon Because strawberries bloom in June, this month's moon is the strawberry moon. Also, the French call this moon la lune rose, which translates into English as "the rose moon." This is a good time for taking stock of the year. It's the mid-way point, so review what you've accomplished and what's left to do. Hopefully you'll find reasons for a celebration and put those strawberries and roses to good use. July ~ Buck moon Bucks (moose & deer) grow their first antlers during this month, thus the name buck moon. This is a very masculine moon, so it's a good time to work on the physical things in your life. Either physical in body, or things that some physical attention, like fixing the loose handle on the kitchen drawer. August ~ Sturgeon moon Because it is sturgeon season in certain parts of the world in August, its moon is called the sturgeon moon. This is the month to give thanks. Not only to the Great Spirit, but to yourself too. So set this moon aside for pampering yourself and your family. Your magikal night can begin with a relaxing meditation and a personal reading for yourself. September ~ Corn moon Native Americans began to harvest their crops during this month every year (this full moon occurs late in August and is called the harvest moon). If the full moon occurs earlier in September, it is called the corn moon because the corn crop is ready for picking at that time. A good time clean and clear up the issues of life. A ritual for healing old wounds, emotional and physical, forgiving transgressors and yourself. A "letting go" time. Your harvesting the abundance of your soul and your growth, so get rid of that old stuff and make room for the new enlightened you! October ~ Hunter's moon The hunting season begins in October, thus the name hunter's moon. This is a good time to align yourself with nature and conducting magikal rituals concerning animal issues, such as finding your personal animal guide, totem or relating to your birth totem. November ~ Beaver moon Beaver traps were once set in this month to catch enough beaver to make warm clothing for the upcoming winter. A wonderful time for setting protection and protecting yourself from those 'cold' winds that try to interfere with your personal spiritual evolution. December ~ Cold moon The approach of cold weather in the Northern Hemisphere gives this month's full moon its name. Once again a wonderful moon for turning your attention to home, especially ritual space. The Deborean Clan - circa 1780-1800 January ~ Wolf Moon The Wolf is the embodiment of the GreatSpirits to Deboreans. The year starts with the outlook of taking the first step of the year on the right path of spirit and along side the wolf. February ~ Snow Moon In the south eastern portion of the U.S., February is often the snowiest month. It's often seen as a time to snuggle together around the hearth and share stories, enlightenment and togetherness. March ~ Worm Moon The world begins to thaw and the ground is cultivated by the return of the worm in the ground. The birds return and feast the bounty of the early spring. April ~ Rain Moon The early spring rains awaken the plants and trees. And bringing forth the renewed life of nature and spirit. May ~ Flower Moon The world explodes in color, showing the beauty of the GreatSpirits and the natural world around us. June ~ Strawberry Moon The gardens are bursting with berries. Letting us know life is full of sweet flavor. July ~ Deer Moon Moose are extremely rare in the south-eastern U.S. Perhaps for this reason the early Deboreans call this the Deer Moon, instead of the Buck Moon as mentioned in the Almanac. It's the sign of building and repairing one's life, home and spirit. August ~ Fish Moon Another diversion from the Almanac, instead of sturgeon moon this month is called the Fish Moon. Rivers and lakes are filled with schools of fish, providing nourishment to body and soul. September ~ Fruit Moon The early fall is associated with the harvest of orchards in the south-east. Occurring along side Mabon, the 2nd of the harvest festivals it is a time to collect the berries and tree fruits and prepare them for the long cold winter months. It is the sign to prepare life and the soul during the waning year or the end of the cycle of life. October ~ Harvest Moon The harvest of gardens and fields are in full swing under the Harvest Moon. A special orange glow illuminates this moon just as the trees decorate the world with beautiful fall color. Lending a reminder to take stock of one's winter pantry, life and spirit as the cold winter makes it's way into the year. November ~ Hunter's Moon Early Deboreans supplemented their harvest stores with meat from forest animals during this month. Ensuring their families were well prepared for the barren months of winter. December ~ Cold Moon In the south-east, December is the first of the wintry cold months. The fires are blazing day and night, and the warmth of family and friends are kept close at hand. Reminding us all that we are not alone as the year comes to a close. The Wiccan Tradition - circa 1953-1956 January ~ Cold Moon February ~ Quickening Moon March ~ Storm Moon April ~ Wind Moon May ~ Flower Moon June ~ Sun Moon July ~ Blessing Moon August ~ Corn Moon September ~ Harvest Moon October ~ Blood Moon November ~ Mourning Moon December ~ Long Nights Moon The Algonquin Tribes - circa 1400-1450 January ~ Full Wolf Moon Amid the zero cold and deep snows of midwinter, the wolf packs howled hungrily outside Indian villages. It was also known as the Old Moon or the moon after Yule. In some tribes this was the Full Snow Moon; most applied that name to the next moon. February ~ Full Snow Moon Usually the heaviest snows fall in this month. Hunting becomes very difficult, and hence to some tribes this was the Full Hunger Moon. March ~ Full Worm Moon In this month the ground softens and the earthworm casts reappear, inviting the return of the robins. The more northern tribes knew this as the Full Crow Moon, when the cawing of crows signals the end of winter, or the Full Crust Moon because the snow cover becomes crusted from thawing by day and freezing at night. The Full Sap Moon, marking the time of tapping maple trees, is another variation. April ~ Full Pink Moon The grass pink or wild ground phlox is one of the earliest widespread flowers of the spring. Other names were the Full Sprouting Grass Moon, the Egg Moon, and -- among coastal tribes -- the Full Fish Moon, when the shad came upstream to spawn. This is also the Paschal Full Moon; the first full Moon of the spring season. The first Sunday following the Paschal Moon is Easter Sunday. May~ Full Flower Moon Flowers are abundant everywhere. It was also known as the Full Corn Planting Moon or the Milk Moon. June~ Full Strawberry Moon Known to every Algonquin tribe. Europeans called it the Rose Moon. July~ Full Buck Moon, When the new antlers of buck deer push out from their foreheads in coatings of velvety fur. It was also often called the Full Thunder Moon, thunderstorms being now most frequent. Sometimes this is also called the Full Hay Moon. August~ Full Sturgeon Moon. When this large fish of the Great Lakes and other major bodies of water like Lake Champlain is most readily caught. A few tribes knew it as the Full Red Moon because the moon rises looking reddish through sultry haze, or the Green Corn Moon or Grain Moon. September~ Full Corn Moon Sometimes also called the Fruit Moon; such monikers were used for a full moon that occurs during the first week of September, so as to keep the Harvest Moon from coming too early in the calendar. October~ Full Harvest Moon Traditionally, this designation goes to the full moon that occurs closest to the Autumnal (fall) Equinox. At the peak of the harvest, farmers can work into the night by the light of this moon. Usually the full moon rises an average of 50 minutes later each night, but for the few nights around the Harvest Moon, the moon seems to rise at nearly the same time each night: just 25 to 30 minutes later across the U.S., and only 10 to 20 minutes later for much of Canada and Europe. Corn, pumpkins, squash, beans, and wild rice -- the chief Indian staples -- are now ready for gathering. November~ Full Beaver Moon Now it is time to set beaver traps before the swamps freeze to ensure a supply of warm winter furs. Another interpretation suggests that the name Beaver Full Moon come from the fact that the beavers are now active in their preparation for winter. This is also called the Frosty Moon, and as this is also the next full moon after the Harvest Moon, it can also be referred to as the Hunters' Moon. With the leaves falling and the deer fattened, it is time to hunt. Since the fields have been reaped, hunters can ride over the stubble, and can more easily see the fox, also other animals, which have come out to glean and can be caught for a thanksgiving banquet after the harvest. December~ Full Cold Moon December is usually considered the month that the winter cold begins to fasten its grip. A calendar is a method to organize extended periods of time to recognize seasonal changes. The problem with calendars is that there are many ways for ancient cultures to organize their time. Some calendars create their passing of time based on astronomical observations, some are careful to enumerate units of time and some calendars are ambiguous. Ancient calendars were established by one of 2 methods, through oral traditions or through codified written laws. Parowan Gap Lunar CalendarIn ancient times, calendars served as a link between the Divine universe and humankind. Thus calendars were often held as sacred tools or sources of information. These early calendars provided instructions for when to plant, hunt or migrate between cold and warm climates. They were used for divination and prognostication, as well as, for tracking religious cycles to honor the Gods or worship the Divine universe. Possibly the oldest known lunar calendar is the Ishango bone dated at 6500 b.c. The bone was found along the side Lake Edward between the Zaire (Congo) and Uganda. The cycles recorded in this bone regulated the tides and marine activity. Something quite necessary for a fishing village that existed along side a large body of water. The Mayan Calendar is also a well known lunar calendar system based on agriculture requirements. Their cycles had to predict the cycles of life in the rain-forest. And their calendar is based on mapping humanity to the cycles of the universe, which to them functions in a logical, cyclical and predictable way. If a person could align them self with these cycles, they could take advantage of their time in the universe. Because of this, time, order and how to correctly align oneself to the cycles of time became an obsession with their culture. The Mayans developed a number of calendar systems, but at the center of these was the sacred tzolkin calendar. It consisted of 260 days and worked in 2 cycles. A cycle of 13 numbered days and cycle of 20 named days. These two cycles would repeat every 260 days. They also had a ceremonial calendar called a tun which consisted of 360 days, plus 5 unlucky days. These calendars and others they designed made the Mayans the most accurate timekeepers. As one scholar put it: It is not unfair to say that Mayan life was one long continuous cycle of religious ceremonies. Lunar calendars are often measured by the cycles of the moon. A new month occurs on each full moon or new moon phase. Lending a 12 month 28 day calendar year. The problem with lunar calendars is they often exist in a cycle that has no regard to the tropical (solar) year. Thus they fall out of cycle ever so often and a major shift must be accounted for in some fashion. Lunar calenders lose 45 days every four years, making it very difficult to create a long term yearly cycle. In order to keep these calendars in sequence additional days or months are interjected. This is called intercalation. Our own "Leap Year" is a perfect example of intercalation. Some calendar systems utilize the lunar and solar cycles to make up for this. These calendars are often referred to as lunisolar calendars. The Hebrew and Chinese calendars are examples of this type of system. These systems have a sequence of months based on the lunar phase cycles, but every few years an entire month is inserted to bring the calendar back into phase with the tropical year. Many lunar calendars follow the same type of mathematical approach seen in the Chinese calendar. The cycle of the moon is about 29.5 days. A lunar month therefore is either 29 or 30 days long. And there are often 13 months in a lunar calendar year. The Chinese calendar starts it's year between late January and early February. The Hebrew calendar utilizes a 12 month system with a 13 month leap year. Like many pagan lunar calendars, the 'days' begin at sunset. And every month begins approximately on the day of a new moon. A leap year occurs every 4 years. Thus there's 3 years of 12 months, and then 1 year of 13 months. The Islamic calendar has it's starting point when Mohammed escaped from Mecca to Medina. The most widely accepted date for this is July 16, 622 AD. The Islamic calendar is also a lunar system of 12 months. Alternating 29 or 30 days, except for the 12 month which includes additional days on leap year cycle to keep it in synch. The oldest Babylonian calendar as a lunar system of 12 months, that alternated 29 to 30 days. It was eventually replaced by the Egyptian Calendar. The Egyptian calendar system was based on 12 months and 30 days. Adding 5 days to their calendar each year to bring it back into the tropical cycle over time. This 265 calendar was in effect for more than 3000 years during Pharaonic times, lasting until 238 BC. The Roman Calendar started with the vernal equinox and consisted of 10 months totaling 304 days. The months: Martius, Aprilis, Maius, Junius, Quntilis, Sextilis, September, October, November and December are the basis of our modern calendar system. The Roman Numa Pompilius (715-673 BC) introduced two additional months, January and February to increase the length of the year to 354 or 355 days. The Roman Calendar was eventually replaced by the Julian calendar in 46 BC. In 46 B.C. Romans used a 365 day year, but that ended when Julius Caesar took his armies into Egypt. There he learned about the Alexandrian calendar with its leap year cycle, which was more accurate than the current Roman calendar of 365 days. Caesar brought several astronomers to advise a calendar reform, which became the Julian calendar. This system was so accurate that only one day was in error in about every hundred years. In 1582 Pope Gregory XIII established his own commission to advise on calendar reform. By this time the calendar trailed the seasons by 11 days. His commission established the 4 year leap year calendar. As well as, changing New Years Day from March 25th to January 1st. The Gregorian calendar we utilize today was born. It took nearly 200 years for the change to be implemented around the world as it was seen as a ploy enacted by the Catholic Church. But in 1752 Great Britain and her colonies made the change and September 2nd was followed by September 14th. The change was not without protest and widespread riots occurred, with protests demanding "Give us the eleven days back!" Today there is an estimated 40 different calendars in use throughout the world. Although there is a vast array of references about calendars, there are very few complete authoritative references. The Encyclopedia of Religion and Ethics published in 1910, offers some basic information on historical calendars that are still relevant today. But resources are provided based on how the calendar system is being studied. For instance, if you're interested in the mathematical perspective vs. the cultural or regional perspective. Since this article is being written to discuss the recognition of modern pagan celebrations, we'll look at calendars based on a religious perspective. Pagan Lunar Calendars Today's pagan calendars are typically associated with early European pagan calendar systems. And of course there are many of those as well. And as stated up front on this article, calendar systems were either mathematical or oral in nature. The earliest physical example of a Celtic Calendar we have comes from the Coligny tablet. The tablet was found in a field north of Coligny Ain, France. The tablet was inscribed with Roman letters and numbers, but was written in an early language of the Guals. It's thought to have been fabricated in or about 50 A.D. or about 100-years after the Roman invasion. The tablet provides us with some details about the structure their calendar system. A Celtic month started during the full moon, rather than a new moon. Each month alternated 29 to 30 days, making a 354 day calendar year. The calendar took into consideration the tropical cycle as well. Which means it was a lunisolar calendar. The calendar contained 3 years of 12 months and 1 year of 13 months. The extra month was called Mid Samonios. A month was divided into 2 parts; the light half and the dark half. Each half was approximately 2 weeks long. Some scholars believe this confirms the importance of the new moon to Celtic calendar for religious significance. The stone also marks the festivals of Bealtaine and Lughnasadh with small sigils. The festival of Oimelc is also identified and occurs during mid winter. And Samhain marks the Celtic New Year. Month Period Meaning Samonious Oct/Nov Seed-fall Dumannios Nov / Dec The Darkest Depths Riuros Dec / Jan Cold time Anagantios Jan / Feb Stay home time Ogronios Feb / Mar Time of Ice Cutios Mar / Apr Time of Winds Giamonios Apr / May Shoots show Simivisionios May / Jun Time of Brightness Equos Jun / Jul Horse Time Elembiuos Jul / Aug Claim time Edrinios Aug / Sep Arbitration time Cantios Sep / Oct Song time Oral traditions bring us 2 additional Celtic calendar systems. The Celtic Tree Calendar and the Celtic Shamans Calendar. Both of these are spoken of in ancient lore that pre-date the Coligny stone. But once again, because they are oral lore, it's hard to establish evidence to their accuracy or be reliably sure these calendars were utilized by early pagans at all. I'll refer further reading to the Celtic Tree Calendar article. The Celtic Shamans Calendar doesn't really have a name or reference. Some call it the Shamans calendar simply because it has reference for use outside the Druidic order or before the Druids aligned the varying regions of Celtic belief under one roof. The Celtic Shamans Calendar is based on the balance of time. It contains 13 months of 28 days, making a 364 day calendar year. Like the Coligny calendar, the year begins on Samhain and divided each month into 2 halves. But the months began on each New Moon and was know as the dark half. The light have ended the month after the full moon. The days began at sunset and were also divided between dark and light. The festivals were marked on time periods coinciding with an equinox, or solstice to divide the year into fertility or planting and harvest or hunting times. Modern Pagan Calendar Celebrations Today's pagans may recognize the phases of moon for practices and rituals, but the lunar cycles for sabbat celebrations have been left in the past. Not because of a lack of reverence or dedication, but because as a modern culture we rely on modern concepts and advancements. In other words, we have evolved in knowledge and understanding of our universe and how it works. We can define the exact time of a new moon, or the exact time of day that the vernal equinox will occur. Something our ancient ancestors couldn't do. But with modernization comes accommodating schedules and providing convenience. Today sabbats are recognized on specific days to correspond to an equinox, solstice or yearly cycle. But sometimes celebrations are conducted on weekends to allow for people to take time from work, or arrange their schedules so they can attend festivities. This doesn't diminish the reverence a person has for their faith. Typically a practicing pagan may honor the actual day of a festival on that day alone in their own home. And then again on the weekend as part of a coven celebration. What ever calendar you follow to honor your beliefs, try to keep it consistent from year to year and acknowledge that others may follow a different calendar system than you do.