As the season of rebirth and renewal spreads its magic throughout the Northern Hemisphere, May unfurls a celestial masterpiece – the Flower Moon. This enchanting lunar event is not only steeped in ancient history and folklore, but also holds mystical significance for many cultures. Whether you are an avid astronomy lover or a humble admirer of Mother Nature’s beauty, May’s Full Moon is an ethereal sight that awakens the soul.
Within this blog post, we shall journey closer to May’s Full Moon, unraveling its mysterious origins, enchanting symbolism, magical folklore, and illuminating ways to honor and experience this divine lunar presence.
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When will we see May's Full Moon?
On Friday, May 5th, at 1:36 P.M. (EDT), May’s Full Moon will reach its peak illumination, offering a magnificent display of spiritual energy and beauty. Though it may be below the horizon at this time, we can still witness its glory by venturing outdoors on the nights of the 4th and 5th. Let us find a location with unobstructed views of the horizon, so that we may bask in the radiant light of the Full Flower Moon.
I recommend consulting a Moonrise and Moonset Calculator to determine the optimal time to observe this sacred event in your area.
To fully experience the magic of May’s full moon, it is best to find a quiet and peaceful spot under the night sky. Allow yourself to be fully present in the moment, taking in the moon’s beauty and allowing its energy to flow through you.
Whether you choose to spend the night in quiet contemplation or gather with loved ones to celebrate, the Full Moon of May is a powerful reminder of the beauty and magic that surrounds us every day. So mark your calendars for May 5th, 2023, and get ready to experience the enchanting energy of May’s full moon.
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
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 May's Full Moon named the Flower Moon?
May’s full moon is traditionally called the Flower Moon because it is associated with the blooming of flowers in many parts of the world, particularly in the Northern Hemisphere where spring is in full swing. This moon was named by Native American tribes, who kept track of the seasons by giving distinctive names to each recurring full moon.
Different tribes had different names for the full moons based on the natural phenomena that occurred during that time of year in their region. The name “Flower Moon” is believed to have originated with the Algonquin tribe, who used this name to mark the time when flowers were abundant in their region. Other names for the May’s full moon include the Corn Planting Moon, the Milk Moon, and the Hare Moon, among others.
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
SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE OF May's FULL MOON
May’s full moon is a sacred time of renewal and growth, a time when the earth comes alive with new energy and vitality. As the flowers bloom and the trees burst forth with new leaves, so too does the human spirit awaken to the possibilities and potential of the coming season.
May’s full moon represents the magic of new beginnings. It is the perfect time to set intentions for the future, to plant the seeds of new ideas and ventures, and to let go of anything that no longer serves us.
In many cultures, the Full Moon of May is also associated with love and romance, making it a popular time for weddings and romantic endeavors. It is believed that the moon’s energy can help to strengthen existing relationships and bring new love into our lives. May’s full moon is often associated with the goddess of love and fertility.
In many spiritual traditions, May’s full moon is seen as a time of deep spiritual connection and alignment. It is a time when we can tap into the energy of the natural world and connect with the divine forces that are at work all around us.
May’s full moon is a reminder that everything in the natural world is interconnected and that we are all part of a larger cosmic tapestry. It is a time to celebrate the beauty and abundance of the earth and to give thanks for the blessings that have been bestowed upon us.
As we gaze up at the full moon in May, we are reminded that we too are beings of light and that we are capable of great things. It is a time to set intentions and to focus our energy on creating positive change in our lives and in the world around us.
May the Flower Moon illuminate your path and guide you on your spiritual journey, bringing you peace, joy, and abundance in all that you do.
The Folklore of May's Full Moon
One popular folklore surrounding May’s full moon is that it marks the time when the faeries and nature spirits emerge from their winter slumber to dance and play in the moonlight. It is said that on this night, the veil between the physical world and the spiritual realm is thin, allowing us to connect with the unseen forces of the universe.
In some Native American cultures, the Flower Moon is also known as the Corn Planting Moon, as it marks the time when crops are traditionally sown. The full moon is believed to have a powerful effect on the growth of crops, and many people still follow planting rituals and ceremonies during this time to ensure a successful harvest.
Another popular folklore surrounding May’s full moon is that it is a time of heightened intuition and psychic ability. It is believed that the moon’s energy can enhance our spiritual awareness and help us to tap into our inner wisdom and intuition. Many people use this time to meditate, pray, or perform rituals to connect with the divine and gain spiritual insights.
FULL MOON CALENDAR 2023
January 6, 2023 (The Full Wolf Moon)
The January 2023 Full Moon will be on Friday, January 6, 2023 at 6:08 PM EST or 11:08 PM UTC. The January Full Moon will be the full moon in Cancer.
February 5, 2023 (Full Snow Moon)
The February 2023 Full Moon will be on Sunday, February 5, 2023 at 1:29 PM EST or 6:29 PM UTC. The February Full Moon will be the full moon in Leo.
March 7, 2023 (Full Worm Moon)
The March 2023 Full Moon will be on Tuesday, March 7, 2023 at 7:40 AM EST or 12:40 PM UTC. This will be the last full moon of the Winter 2023 season, and occurs before the spring equinox 2023. The March Full Moon will be the full moon in Virgo.
April 6, 2023 (Full Pink Moon)
The April 2023 Full Moon will be on Thursday, April 6, 2023 at 12:34 AM EDT or 5:34 AM UTC. This will be the first full moon of the Spring 2023 season and the first full moon after the spring equinox 2023. The April’s Full Moon will be the full moon in Libra.
May 5, 2023 (Full Flower Moon)
The May 2023 Full Moon will be on Friday, May 5, 2023 at 1:34 PM EDT or 6:34 PM UTC. It will be the second full moon of the Spring 2023 season and the second full moon after the spring equinox. The May Full Moon will be the full moon in Scorpio.
June 3, 2023 (Full Strawberry Moon)
The June 2023 Full Moon will be on June 3, 2023 at 11:42 PM EDT or June 4, 2023 at 4:42 AM UTC. This will be the third full moon of the Spring 2023 season, as it occurs about two weeks before the Summer Solstice. The June Full Moon will be the full moon in Sagittarius.
July 3, 2023 (Full Buck Moon)
The July 2023 Full Moon will be on Monday, July 3, 2023 at 7:39 AM EDT or 12:39 PM UTC. This will be the first full moon of the Summer 2023 season, as the first full moon after the Summer Solstice. The July Full Moon will be the full moon in Capricorn.
August 1, 2023 (Full Sturgeon Moon)
The August 2023 Full Moon will be on Tuesday, August 1, 2023 at 2:31 PM EDT or 7:31 PM UTC. This will be the second full moon of the Summer 2023 season, and the second full moon after the Summer Solstice. It will be one of two supermoons in 2023. The first August Full Moon will be the full moon in Aquarius.
August 30, 2023 (Full Blue Moon)
There will be a full blue moon in August 2023 on Wednesday, August 30, 2023 at 9:35 PM EDT or August 31, 2023 at 2:35 AM UTC. This will be the third and last full moon of the Summer 2023 season. It will be the second of two supermoons in 2023. The second August Full Moon will be the full moon in Pisces.
This moon is called a full blue moon because it’s the second full moon in a calendar month. It could also be referred to as a super blue moon because it is the second August Full Moon will also be a supermoon.
September 29, 2023 (Full Harvest Moon)
The September 2023 Full Moon will be on Friday, September 29, 2023 at 5:57 AM EDT or 10:57 AM UTC. This will be the first full moon of the Autumn 2023 season. The September Full Moon will be the full moon in Aries.
October 28, 2023 (Full Hunter’s Moon)
The October 2023 Full Moon will be on Saturday, October 28, 2023 at 4:24 PM EDT or 9:24 PM UTC. It will be the second full moon of the Autumn 2023 season. It is the second full moon after the Autumnal Equinox. The October Full Moon will be the full moon in Taurus.
November 27, 2023 (Full Beaver Moon)
The November 2023 Full Moon will be on Monday, November 27, 2023 at 4:16 AM EST or 9:16 AM UTC. It will be the third full moon of the Autumn 2023 season. The November Full Moon will be the full moon in Gemini.
December 26, 2023 (Full Cold Moon)
The December 2023 Full Moon will be on Tuesday, December 26, 2023 at 7:33 PM EST or December 27, 2023 at12:33 AM UTC. It will be the first full moon of the Winter 2023-2024 season and the first full moon after the Winter Solstice. The December Full Moon will be the full moon in Cancer.
Ways to Honor May's Full Moon
Meditate under the moonlight: Find a quiet place outdoors and sit in silence, focusing on the energy of the moon and allowing yourself to connect with its power.
Create a moon altar: Set up a special altar to honor the Full Moon, and adorn it with flowers, crystals, and other objects that hold spiritual significance for you.
Perform a Full Moon ritual: Create a ritual that reflects your personal beliefs and intentions, such as lighting candles, burning incense, or offering prayers or intentions.
Cleanse your space: Use sage or other cleansing herbs to purify your home or sacred space, and allow the energy of the Full Moon to bring new vitality and positive energy.
Spend time in nature: Take a walk in the woods, visit a park or botanical garden, or simply spend time outdoors, allowing yourself to connect with the natural world and the energy of the Full Moon.
Make Moon Water: Place a glass of water outside in the light of the Full Moon, allowing it to absorb the energy of the Moon, then use the water for rituals, cleansing, or spiritual practices.
Practice gratitude: Take time to reflect on the blessings in your life, and offer thanks to the divine forces that have brought abundance and prosperity into your world.
Perform a divination: Use Tarot cards, runes, or other divination tools to gain insights and guidance from the spiritual energies of the Full Moon.
Connect with others: Join with friends or like-minded individuals to celebrate the Full Moon together, sharing in rituals, prayers, or other spiritual practices.
Set intentions: Use the energy of the Full Moon to set intentions for growth and transformation in your life, focusing on positive change and personal empowerment.
A Ritual to Honor May's Full Moon
As May’s full moon rises in the sky, it is a time of great spiritual power and possibility. A Full Moon ritual can help us to tap into this energy and harness it for our spiritual growth and transformation.
Here is a ritual that can be used to honor May’s Full Moon:
Set up a sacred space: Find a quiet, outdoor location where you can be undisturbed. Create a sacred space by setting up a small altar with candles, crystals, and other objects that hold spiritual significance for you.
Ground and center: Take a few deep breaths and allow yourself to connect with the energy of the earth. Visualize roots growing down from your feet and into the earth, grounding you and centering your energy.
Call upon the spirits: Invite the spirits of the earth, air, fire, and water to join you in your ritual, and offer prayers or offerings to honor them.
Offer gratitude: Take time to reflect on the blessings in your life, and offer thanks to the divine forces that have brought abundance and prosperity into your world.
Set intentions: Use the energy of the Full Moon to set intentions for growth and transformation in your life. Write down your intentions on a piece of paper and offer them to the Moon, or speak them aloud, allowing the energy of the Full Moon to amplify your intentions.
Release negativity: Take a moment to release any negative thoughts or emotions that may be holding you back. Visualize them leaving your body and being absorbed by the earth, allowing yourself to feel lighter and more free.
Dance and celebrate: Move your body in celebration of the Full Moon, allowing yourself to connect with the energy of the universe and express your gratitude and joy.
Close the ritual: Thank the spirits for their presence and guidance, and close your ritual with a prayer or other words of gratitude.
May this Full Moon ritual help you to connect with the energy of the universe and tap into the power of May’s Full Moon for your spiritual growth and transformation.
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IN CONCLUSION
I hope you enjoyed learning some meaning, folklore, and history surrounding Mays’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.
