Native American Moons

Native American Indians typically gave a name to each full moon of the year in order to keep track of the changing seasons. The names of these full moons are often listed in farmer’s almanacs as follows:

January - full wolf moon - this is the time of year when the howling of wolves can be heard as they search for prey in the dead of winter.

February - full snow moon - this is the time of year when blizzards and an abundance of snow fall is most common.

March - full worm moon - as the ground begins to thaw out with the return of warmer weather earthworms can be seen making their way to the surface of the soil.

April - full pink moon - the pink flowers of wild ground phlox are blooming in abundance at this time of year.

May - full flower moon - a myriad of flowers are blooming in abundance at this time of year.

June - full strawberry moon - this is the time of year in which strawberries become ripe and are ready to be harvested.

July - full thunder moon - thunder storms are very common during this time of year.

August - full sturgeon moon - these fish are in abundance and readily captured at this time of year.

September - full harvest moon - the time of year in which the majority of the fall crops are harvested. The harvest moon is the name given to the full moon closest to the autumnal equinox. If the harvest moon occurs in October then the September full moon is called the corn moon.

October - full hunter’s moon - after the fields have been harvested this is the time of year in which to go hunting.

November - full beaver moon - beavers are very active at this time of year getting ready for the cold winter months.

December - full cold moon - this is the coldest time of year and the month with the shortest day and thus longest night (winter solstice).

Esbats correspond to a particular phase of the moon such as the new moon or full moon. Witches’ covens and other pagan groups often plan their esbat rituals to concur with the full moon of every month. You could use the names of the full moons as a guide to hosting your monthly esbat celebrations. For example your esbat celebration for May could include recipes which incorporate a variety of edible flowers.

Take care,
The Backyard Diva