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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 Monday, March 25, 2024, at 3:00 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:
- The 12 Full Moons: Their Names, Meaning, and Magical Influence
- All About The Full Wolf Moon: The First of the Year’s 13 Moons
- 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
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 2024
In 2024, there will be 12 full moons. Mark your calendars accordingly! Here are the dates for the 2024 full moons:
January 25, 2024 (The Full Wolf Moon)
On Thursday, January 25, 2024, at 12:54 PM EST, witness the Full Wolf Moon, marking the second full moon of winter. It’s also known as the Ice Moon, Old Moon, Moon After Yule, and Snow Moon.
February 24, 2024 (Full Snow Moon)
The Full Snow Moon graces the sky on Saturday, February 24, 2024, at 7:30 AM EST, signaling the end of winter. It’s alternatively called the Hunger Moon, Chaste Moon, and Storm Moon.
March 25, 2024 (Full Worm Moon)
Catch the Full Worm Moon on Monday, March 25, 2024, at 3:00 AM EDT, ushering in the first full moon of spring. This moon is also referred to as the Sap Moon, Crow Moon, Chaste Moon, Sugar Moon, and Lenten Moon. A Penumbral Lunar Eclipse coincides with this full moon.
April 23, 2024 (Full Pink Moon)
The Full Pink Moon appears on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at 7:49 PM EDT, marking spring’s second full moon. It’s also known as the Egg Moon, Full Sprouting Grass Moon, and Full Fish Moon, the latter commonly used by coastal indigenous tribes.
May 23, 2024 (Full Flower Moon)
On Thursday, May 23, 2024, at 9:53 AM EDT, the Full Flower Moon emerges as the last full moon of spring. It’s also called the Corn Planting Moon and Milk Moon.
June 21, 2024 (Full Strawberry Moon)
The Full Strawberry Moon, the first full moon of summer, will be visible on Friday, June 21, 2024, at 9:08 PM EDT. Other names include the Rose Moon, Mead Moon, and Honey Moon.
July 21, 2024 (Full Buck Moon)
Sunday, July 21, 2024, at 6:17 AM EDT, brings the Full Buck Moon, the second full moon of summer. It’s also known as the Thunder Moon and Hay Moon.
August 19, 2024 (Full Sturgeon Moon)
The Super Sturgeon Moon, a seasonal blue moon and the third full moon of summer, occurs on Monday, August 19, 2024, at 2:26 PM EDT. It’s the first of four 2024 supermoons. Other names include the Barley Moon, Corn Moon, Dog Moon, Fruit Moon, Grain Moon, Green Corn Moon, Herb Moon, Red Moon, and Wyrt Moon.
September 17, 2024 (Full Harvest Moon)
Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at 10:34 PM EDT, features the Super Harvest Moon, the last full moon of summer and the second of four supermoons in 2024. A Penumbral Lunar Eclipse coincides with this moon. It’s also known as the Full Corn Moon in other years.
October 17, 2024 (Full Hunter’s Moon)
The Super Hunter’s Moon, the closest full moon of 2024 and the first of autumn, will be on Thursday, October 17, 2024, at 7:26 AM EDT.
November 15, 2024 (Full Beaver Moon)
On Friday, November 15, 2024, at 4:28 PM EST, the Super Beaver Moon, the second full moon of autumn and the last of the 2024 supermoons, will be visible. It’s also known as the Frosty Moon.
December 15, 2024 (Full Cold Moon)
The year concludes with the Full Cold Moon on Sunday, December 15, 2024, at 4:02 AM EST, the final full moon of autumn. Other names are the Long Nights Moon and the Oak 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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