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March’s full moon, the third full moon of the calendar year, is known as the Full Worm Moon. This is a special moon, as it happens to be the first full moon of Spring. Catch the Full Worm Moon on Friday, March 14, 2025, at 2:55 AM EDT.
As the last whispers of winter fade and the first hints of spring begin to unfold, the Full Moon of March rises, casting a soft glow over the awakening earth. This moon, rich in folklore and steeped in tradition, is more than just a celestial body in the sky; it’s a marker of change, a symbol of the earth’s renewal.
In this article, we’re going to explore the enchanting tales and traditions that surround March’s Full Moon. We’ll look at its various names, each with its own story, and delve into the spiritual meanings that have been passed down through generations. This is a time when nature starts to stir from its slumber, and we, too, feel the pull of new beginnings. So, let’s journey together under the light of March’s Full Moon, a glowing guide through the transition from the quiet of winter to the promise of spring.
WHAT IS A FULL MOON?
When the Moon is full, we see it as a complete circle in the sky. This is because the whole of the side of the Moon facing the Earth is lit up by the Sun’s rays. The Moon produces no visible light of its own, so we can only see the parts of the Moon that are lit up by other objects. A small amount of light comes from distant stars and the reflection of light from the Earth (known as ‘Earthshine’). However, the main source of light for the Moon is the Sun.
FULL MOON ENERGY
Ancient peoples used the Full Moon and the Lunar calendar to track the seasons. They named each Full Moon for an entire month, not just for the night of its fullest phase. Each Full Moon has its own energy, and this energy is magnified during a Full Moon. The Full Moon does not just affect us humans; it also affects animals and the Earth itself. A Full Moon causes bigger ocean tides and even extreme meteorological conditions.
Full moon – Two weeks after the new moon, it becomes wholly illuminated by the sun. Hence, we have a full moon, and its orbit is halfway completed.
How do I harness its energy? — During a Full Moon, our emotions are amplified and dreams are intensified. For some people, it is a time of balanced energies. The light of the full moon illuminates our world, allowing us to see the situations in our lives and in our relationships with other people more clearly. It allows us to see things we have ignored or repressed, but also allows us to let go of things or people we have outgrown. Full Moons are a good time to start a new ritual or project.
WHY IS IT CALLED THE Worm MOON?
The traditional name for the March’s full moon is the Worm Moon. There are a few theories circulating as to the origins of this name. One theory says that Native Americans called this last full moon of winter the worm moon after the worm trails that would appear in the newly thawed ground. This invites robins and other birds to feed—a true sign of spring!
Another theory points to Captain Jonathan Carver, who visited Native American tribes in the 1760s. He wrote that the name Worm Moon actually refers to beetle larvae—which emerges from the thawing bark of trees and other winter hideouts at this time.
Either way, March’s Full Moon serves as a reminder that winter is nearly over and Spring is almost here…finally! While this month is often still cold and sometimes even snowy, you might also get days that have a hint of spring to them. Let this moon remind you that warmer days are soon to come!
If you’re looking to learn more about the moons of the year, their names, and their meaning, here are a few articles to get you going:
- All About The Full Wolf Moon: The First of the Year’s Moons
- March’s Full Moon: Celebrating a Full Worm Moon
- April’s Full Moon: Celebrating the Beauty and Magic of the Pink Moon
- The 12 Full Moons: Their Names, Meaning, and Magical Influence
- Exploring February’s Full Moon: A Night Under a Glowing Snow Moon
- Living By The Moon for Amazing Benefits and Nature Connection
- 6 Full Moon Rituals to Restore Your Sacred Femininity and Connect with Nature
- Strawberry Moon Magic: Exploring the Folklore and Significance of June’s Full Moon
- July’s Full Moon: Exploring the Folklore and Significance of a Buck Moon
- August’s Full Moon: Exploring the Folklore and Significance of a Sturgeon Moon
- September’s Full Moon: Exploring the Folklore and Significance of a Harvest Moon
- October’s Full Moon: Delving into the Traditions and Magic of the Hunter’s Moon
- November’s Full Moon: The Traditions, Magic, and Significance of a Beaver moon
- December’s Full Moon: The Significance, Symbolism, and Folklore of the Cold Moon
OTHER NAMES FOR March's FULL MOON
March’s Full Moon is known by a variety of names, which are associated with the animals or signs of springtime.
- Eagle Moon
- Goose Moon (Algonquin, Cree)
- Crow Moon (Mohican & Algonquian)
- Sugar Moon (Ojibwe)
- Sap Moon marks the time of year when the sap of sugar maples starts to flow.
- Full Crust Moon, because the snow cover becomes crusted from falling by day and freezing at night
- Wind Strong Moon (Pueblo) refers to strong winds that occur at this time of year.
- Sore Eyes Moon (Dakota, Lakota, Assiniboine) highlights blinding rays of sunlight reflected from melting snow late in winter.
- Melting Moon (Nipmuck, Algonquian)
- Lenten Moon (Old English word meaning Spring or longer days)
- Warming Moon (yu’a-mea’) Shoshone Native American origins referring to the days getting warmer.
- Wind Moon and Plough Moon (Celtic)
- Stormy Month (Hlyd-monath) or Rugged Month (hraed-monath) Anglo-Saxon origins
- Death Moon more recent Neo-Pagan origins, referring to the death of Winter
- Chaste Moon (Old English) referring to the purity of spring.
SPIRITUAL MEANING OF THE FULL Worm MOON
March’s full moon has been celebrated by many Indigenous tribes since long before the arrival of Europeans to North America. Many Eastern Woodland tribes called it the Melting Moon, because it’s the time of year when the snow finally starts melting for good. Other tribes call it the Worm Moon because it’s when the earthworms start to appear out of the ground.
The spiritual meaning behind the Full Worm Moon is a signifier for life, as the earth thaws, softens, and life emerges in the Northern Hemisphere. The bustling energy of newness that nature promises as it anticipates spring is also confirmation our lives will begin to warm up with more liveliness, hope, and direction.
Since March’s full moon marks the transition from winter to spring, you can prepare to feel motivated to clean out your closet and rearrange your room while focusing on creating a roadmap of success. March is a great time to do some early Spring cleaning and encourages you to bring order to your life by breaking up with bad habits such as procrastination or unhealthy eating patterns.
March's Full Moon & The Spring Equinox
The Spring Equinox, which often occurs in March, is also often associated with the Full Worm Moon. The days are getting gradually warmer and the bitter cold of winter is coming to an end. The Spring Equinox is about honoring balance, self-improvement, and new adventures.
Full Moon Calendar 2025
In 2025, we’ll be treated to 12 full moons, each with its own unique name and significance. Here’s a handy guide to help you mark your calendar and prepare for these lunar events:
January 13, 2025 – Full Wolf Moon
On Monday, January 13, 2025, at 5:27 PM EST, the Full Wolf Moon will illuminate the night sky. This moon is traditionally associated with the howling of wolves during the cold winter nights.
👉 Read more about the Full Wolf Moon.
February 12, 2025 – Full Snow Moon
The Full Snow Moon will occur on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at 8:53 AM EST. This moon signifies the heavy snowfall that typically occurs during this month.
👉 Read more about February’s Full Snow Moon
March 14, 2025 – Full Worm Moon
Witness the Full Worm Moon on Friday, March 14, 2025, at 2:55 AM EDT. This moon marks the time when the ground begins to thaw, and earthworms reappear, signaling the approach of spring.
👉 Read More about March’s Full Moon
April 12, 2025 – Full Pink Moon
The Full Pink Moon will rise on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at 8:22 PM EDT. Named after the early springtime blooms of the moss pink, or wild ground phlox, this moon heralds the arrival of warmer days.
👉 Read more about April’s Full Moon
May 12, 2025 – Full Flower Moon
On Monday, May 12, 2025, at 12:56 PM EDT, the Full Flower Moon will reach its peak. This moon is named for the abundant blooming flowers during this time of year.
👉 Read more about May’s Full Moon
June 11, 2025 – Full Strawberry Moon
The Full Strawberry Moon will occur on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at 3:44 AM EDT. This moon signifies the ripening of strawberries, ready for harvesting.
👉Read more about June’s Full Moon
July 10, 2025 – Full Buck Moon
On Thursday, July 10, 2025, at 4:37 PM EDT, the Full Buck Moon will be visible. This moon is named for the time when male deer, known as bucks, begin to grow their new antlers.
👉 Read more about July’s Full Moon
August 9, 2025 – Full Sturgeon Moon
The Full Sturgeon Moon will rise on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at 3:55 AM EDT. This moon is named after the large sturgeon fish that were more easily caught during this time of year.
👉 Read more about August’s Full Moon
September 7, 2025 – Full Corn Moon
On Sunday, September 7, 2025, at 2:09 PM EDT, the Full Corn Moon will occur. This moon signifies the time of harvesting corn.
👉 Read more about September’s Full Moon
October 6, 2025 – Full Harvest Moon
The Full Harvest Moon will be on Monday, October 6, 2025, at 11:48 PM EDT. This moon is closest to the autumnal equinox and traditionally allowed farmers to work late into the night by its light.
👉 Read more about October’s Full Moon
November 5, 2025 – Full Beaver Moon
The Full Beaver Moon will occur on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at 8:19 AM EST. This moon is named for the time when beavers begin to prepare for winter.
👉 Explore the folklore of November’s full moon
December 4, 2025 – Full Cold Moon
On Thursday, December 4, 2025, at 6:14 PM EST, the Full Cold Moon will rise. This moon signifies the onset of the cold winter months.
👉 Read more about December’s Full Moon
HONOR March's FULL MOON WITH A RITUAL
As we approach the full moon in March, I am reminded that we are not separate from these celestial wonders, but a part of them.
For centuries among every culture there have been full moon rituals, and yet they seem to be dying out. Herbalists, however, are great keepers of rituals, and most of us have our own celebrations to honor another month around the sun.
Developing and practicing a full moon ritual is one way to reconnect with the natural rhythms of the universe. Here is a wonderful full moon ritual that I have used to embrace the many gifts of this blessed time and restore my connection to Mother Earth.
According to renowned American herbalist Rosemary Gladstar, “Our inner balance comes to us from our relationship to the moon,” so developing a full moon ritual can help you center and care for yourself during each new or full moon cycle.
Spring Cleaning Ritual
Spring Cleaning Rituals can help you create space and renewal in your home, workplace, and life. By cleaning, decluttering and making space we transition from winter to spring. Your Spring Cleaning Ritual should be as personal as possible, so do what aligns with you and really make it your own.
1. Set Intentions:
To start a spring-cleaning ritual, set intentions for what you want to release from your life and make a plan to get organized, clear out the clutter, and embrace renewal in different areas of your life. Take a few moments to close your eyes and envision what renewal would look and feel like for you.
2. Organize & Clean Your Physical Space:
Think about how grateful you are for your home and everything in it. Think about cleaning and organizing as a way to show appreciation for your space by taking care of it. You may find that the energy you put into cleaning rituals are reflected in your home long after they’re complete.
3. Organize & Declutter Your Digital Life:
Take time to organize and declutter your digital space. Organize the apps on your phone, close open browsing tabs, unfollow social media accounts that don’t inspire or educate you, and maybe even delete social media apps that are no longer serving you. Remove old contacts that you’re never going to get in touch with again. Organize your computer desktop and downloads folder. Sort through your email inbox and unsubscribe from email lists that are cluttering up your inbox. Organize your notes by creating folders for them, if needed.
4. Address Emotional & Mental Clutter:
OTHER IDEAS FOR HONORING March's FULL MOON
Here are a few other ways to honor March’s full moon:
- Begin planning your herb garden for the year. What herbs do you want to grow? Consider whether you want specific plants for their healing properties or if you’re going for a variety of purposes.
- If you are thinking about making a change in your career, start by updating your resume. Research the companies you would like to work for and determine the steps necessary to land an interview. Contact people who work there and send in applications. Take control of your career reinvention.
- Light a candle, burn incense, or make a simmer pot out of sliced lemon and rosemary (both have spiritual cleansing properties) to make your home smell as fresh as it feels.
- Take a nighttime walk and use the full moon’s light as your guide.
- Spend some time journaling and reflecting on how the full moon’s energy affects you.
- Make some sacred moon tea.
In Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed learning some meaning, folklore, and tales surrounding March’s full moon. Keep in mind that there are many other full moons throughout the year, each one with its own unique history, meaning, and folklore. Check out some that may be of interest to you now!
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