Let’s imagine a Full Moon is approaching. You know what it looks like. You know there is some kind of message to be had; but what does it all mean?
The Moon moves in cycles every 28 days, and it can be difficult to follow the meaning of each phase.
If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, “What exactly is the deal with the Full Moon?” this article is for you.
This is the ultimate guide to Full Moons and their meanings; so if you’ve ever been curious about what the Full Moon means for you, keep reading!
The Full Moon: An Overview
Life moves in cycles, and the Moon is not exempt.
The Moon follows its unique path in 28 days, cycling through each zodiac sign (or constellation) approximately every 2-3 days. The cycle begins when the Moon is New or invisible to the naked eye. It slowly grows to the bright, Full Moon that we associated with so many erratic emotions and sparkling fantasies. When we encounter a Full Moon, we feel heightened emotions, big, bouncing dreams, and vivid visions of our most-desired future.
In fact, the movements of the Moon are so crucial to our daily lives that our Gregorian calendar is actually based on the Moon’s cycles. Tracking the Moon is a practice that is nearly as old as time.
You’ve probably heard tales about the Full Moon and the seeming havoc it wreaks on our emotional energy. The Latin word luna means moon. Now, think of the word lunatic. Do you see a connection? In other words, don’t get too down on yourself if you feel a little nuts during this time.
Tracking the Moon’s cycles can help us approach our daily lives from a place of wisdom and understanding. If you haven’t been tracking the Moon, this might be the time to start. Understanding the Moon’s current transits and its position can help you understand more about your own emotions.
The New Moon is when we set our intentions and plant the seeds of manifestation. The Full Moon is the time to bring these seeds of manifestation to fruition. This is when life brings us new experiences and circumstances that bring us closer to our goals. The Full Moon can attract all of those things that you’ve been attracting into your life.
Have you been focusing your energy on the positive changes you want to make? The bad habits you want to break? The abundance you want to attract? The Full Moon is the time to dig deep into these abundant vibes.
Make sure to read this next: What to Expect From a Void of Course Moon
Full Moons: Side Effects May Vary!
In the Northern Hemisphere, the Full Moon of each month is given a magical name that connects to the time of year in which it occurs.
- Wolf Moon- This Full Moon occurs in January and is named after howling wolves. North American wolves howl before and during mating season, which occurs in February.
- Snow Moon- The Snow Moon occurs in February and represents the snow that typically accumulates during this time (in the Northern Hemisphere.)
- Worm Moon- The Full Moon of March is named after the movement of worms that typically occurs when the winter ground begins to thaw and make way for spring growth.
- Pink Moon- In April, we experience the Pink Moon, which represents the pink moss of wild ground phlox that begins to appear in certain parts of the world during this time.
- Flower Moon- The Flower Moon occurs in May and points to the flowers that will begin blooming during this month in the Northern Hemisphere.
- Strawberry Moon- This Full Moon takes place in June and connects to Algonquin tribes who used this Moon as a signal to come together and gather the strawberries of the Earth, which were now ripe.
- Buck Moon- The Full Moon of July is known as the Buck Moon, which represents the emergence of the buck’s horns through the thick forest growth of spring.
- Sturgeon Moon- This August Moon is also known as the Green Corn Moon and represents the time of year when fishing by Lakota Native Americans for sturgeon was most plentiful in the Great Lakes.
- Harvest Moon- The Harvest Moon can change each year because it represents the Full Moon that falls closest to the Autumn Equinox, which occurs on September 21st. Therefore, this Full Moon may take place in September or October and represents the harvest of the crops for the year.
- Corn Moon- The Corn Moon may also be the Harvest Moon, depending on the year. This Full Moon represents the harvesting of corn during the autumnal season.
- Hunter’s Moon- This is also known as the Blood Moon, and it happens in October. This is traditionally the time of year when folks would dry meats, preparing them for the cold winter months ahead.
- Beaver Moon- The Beaver Moon occurs in November and represents the time that Algonquin tribes would set beaver traps to make sure that there was plenty of meat and furs for the winter.
- Cold Moon-The Cold Moon is the Full Moon in December, connected to traditionally chilly temperatures in the Northern Hemisphere during this month.
What’s a Blood Moon?
The Blood Moon is traditionally the Full Moon that occurs in October; however, it is also a term used to indicate a Full Moon with a reddish or orange glow.
When you hear someone referring to a Blood Moon, the chances are likely that they are speaking of a large, warm-hued Full Moon.
How Does the Full Moon Affect Our Behavior & Mood?
Full Moon in Aries
A Full Moon in Aries aligns with your mission in life and reveals your purpose. You may feel more in tune with your path and connected to your future successes.
Aries is ruled by the assertive planet Mars, which pushes you toward bold action and standing up for yourself. Courage and instinct are favored under this Full Moon.
Full Moon in Taurus
This is a sensual time when your appreciation for the finer things in life. You may feel attracted to indulgent things, like decadent food and luxurious purchases. It’s important to stay grounded during this time, which is made easier with the help of Earthy Taurus.
Taurus also encourages you to spend time thinking about the future and what you want to get out of life. Most importantly, it shows you practical approaches to taking steps toward your successful future.
Full Moon in Gemini
This Gemini Full Moon encourages a need for mental stimulation. You will feel like expanding your mind at this time, studying new technologies, or learning a new language.
You may pick up a new novel or find an exciting, fresh class to take. Communication is key with Gemini’s ruling planet, Mercury, making the sharing of information important during this transit.
Full Moon in Cancer
This Moon can indicate intense emotions and a desire for domesticity. You may feel like doing little more than hanging out at home, cooking delicious meals, and journaling. This is a great time to get introspective and explore your emotions, learning more about your needs and desires.
While emotions may be overwhelming, there are many things you can do to comfort yourself, like yoga and meditation.
Full Moon in Leo
Leo is ruled by the Sun and brings a nice dynamic to the Full Moon. This transit increases creativity and self-expression, putting your personality front and center.
You will feel more like putting yourself out there during this transit, and bold actions are favored. You may feel more flirtatious when the Full Moon is hanging out in Leo, making this a great time to put yourself out there.
Full Moon in Virgo
Virgo brings a sense of grounding to the watery Moon with its earthy energy. This is a time that brings out organization, decluttering, and the proverbial spring cleaning.
You may feel like tidying up your home or even your emotional sphere. Hands-on work is favored under this Moon, and most projects that you bring your attention to will see productive activity and manifested miracles.
Full Moon in Libra
Libra is ruled by Venus, the planet of beauty, truth, and balance. A Libra Full Moon asks for the centering of emotions and a focus on your ability to handle the things that come your way.
This social transit may encourage you to seek guidance from those around you, turning to your closest friends and trusted family for inspiration and answers.
Full Moon in Scorpio
This transit may indicate an approaching change in your life. You may feel a calling from your higher self, driving you towards activities that help you discover the truth about the world around you. This Scorpio Full Moon is a good time to participate in spiritual and introspective activities, like Tarot reading, astrology, and crystal healing.
Full Moon in Sagittarius
Sagittarius is ruled by the expansive planet Jupiter, who acts almost as the generous uncle of the zodiac. Jupiter wants to shower you with blessings and abundance, making this a very optimistic transit. You may feel more prone to positivity and a jovial demeanor than usual.
This Sagittarius Full Moon might encourage you towards travel and adventure.
Full Moon in Capricorn
The stern, fatherly planet Saturn rules Capricorn and brings with it many of life’s lessons. The Capricorn Full Moon may cause you to think more seriously about life and the steps you need to take to move closer to success.
Saturn also asks us to consider our karma and whether or not it’s on the right track. During this Full Moon, you may feel drawn toward ideas and philosophies that make you feel more responsible or practical.
Full Moon in Aquarius
This Full Moon brings out your eccentricities and your unique personality. Spontaneous Uranus rules over independent Aquarius. You may feel like going up against any oppressive force or system in your way. This influence brings out the rebel in you, and it can lead to some strange choices if you don’t stay grounded. It’s important to connect to Earth energy during a Full Moon in Aquarius.
Full Moon in Pisces
Pisces is ruled by sensitive, empathetic Neptune, increasing your compassion during this time. You’ll feel more emotionally sensitive and attuned to the energies of others during this time. There is a mystical energy to this transit that draws you towards spiritual and magical practices, like astrology and tarot reading. Pay attention to your intuition during the Full Moon in Pisces.
Full Moon Checklist
Full Moons mark the end of the lunar cycle, which means they connect to endings. They represent the end of one cycle and the transition into the next.
The light of the Moon represents the light that it sheds onto the most important areas of your life. When the Moon is full or at its brightest, it’s easiest for us to see issues that need to be addressed. This can feel pain in the moment, but letting go can help you transform.
A Full Moon may help you realize the habits or relationships that need to change in your life; changes that take place under a Full Moon have the potential to be epic or life-altering.
- Full Moons are Revealing
The Full Moon increases your intuition, helping you connect to your own internal wisdom and appreciate the insights from your soul. This transit may give you deeper insight into a relationship or connection that you’re unsure about.
- Full Moons are Cleansing
This is a great time to connect with your body, getting in touch with your roots, and cleanse them.
- Full Moons for Communication
Self-reflection is favored under this influence. You may feel more connected to your communicative center, understanding that open communication is crucial.
This is the time to share your feelings. This is also an excellent time to share your feelings and emotions.
Things to Ask Yourself During a Full Moon:
- What can I do to contribute to this connection?
- How can I give of myself?
- How can I be a better partner?
- What do I need to understand about others?
Crystals for the Full Moon
One of the tools that will quickly connect you to the energy of the Moon is crystals, and crystals that help you connect to the Earth are even more beneficial right now.
Moonstone, specifically, is an incredible crystal that will help you connect more to your spiritual center. Spending time with moonstone will help you feel more connected to the Universe and the world around you.
That said, any crystal you feel particularly attuned with is a good crystal to use on Full Moons.
Full Moon Rituals
Full Moon rituals may be something foreign to you, or they may be exactly what you’ve been looking for. Any Full Moon Ritual is one that extends gratitude and celebration for the Moon’s energy. Meditation, making music, and dancing are easy ways to soak up this energy. The sky is the limit when it comes to the Full Moon.
Moon rituals help you connect more to the forces and energies surrounding you. While Full Moon Rituals exist, it may be your positive attitude that changes everything.
Moon rituals help you connect to Moon energy, allowing you to absorb and appreciate the energy around you.
Creating a Full Moon Ritual
The first step to creating a Full Moon Ritual is understanding the next Full Moon.
Once you know when the next Full Moon is going to occur, it’s easier to make those Lunar Vibes work for you. Look at the sign that it is falling under to understand more about how to approach an upcoming Full Moon.
While hundreds of rituals exist in the world, it’s important that you create a ritual that is important and personal to you. Making a Full Moon ritual relies on who you are and what you want to make. You might choose to paint a picture, write in your journal, light a candle, or write a poem. There is no right answer when it comes to practicing Full Moon rituals. The only thing you should be sure of is that you are being true to yourself.
Enjoy the Full Moon
If you find yourself drawn towards Full Moons, maybe you want to know more about astrology in general! And this is the place to do so!
Related Guide: The Ultimate Guide to Your Moon Sign