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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 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.
When will we see May's Full Moon?
On Thursday, May 23rd, 2024, at 9:53 A.M. (EDT), the Full Flower Moon will reach its peak, casting a spellbinding glow across the night sky. However, it will be below the horizon at this time, so I recommend planning to venture outdoors on the nights of the 22nd and the 23rd to get the best view of the bright, full Flower Moon.
To ensure you don’t miss this celestial spectacle, use a Moonrise and Moonset Calculator to find the optimal viewing times in your area.
For a truly magical experience, find a peaceful spot under the starlit sky. Let yourself be fully present, soaking in the moon’s radiance and allowing its tranquil energy to wash over you.
Whether you choose a quiet night of reflection or a joyful gathering with friends and family, May’s Full Flower Moon is a powerful symbol of the beauty and magic that nature bestows upon us. Mark your calendars for the evenings of May 22nd and 23rd, 2024, and prepare to be enchanted by the luminous allure 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 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.
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 cleansing herbs like these herb bundles 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. Read more here: Creating a Sacred Space: A Guide to Finding Peace and Harmony
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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