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Traditional Full Moon Names

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Many aspects of yoga have long been associated with the lunar cycle. Whether you regularly adapt your practice to incorporate the phases of the moon, or believe that the moon has no connection to yoga at all, read on for an explanation of the names given to each full moon during the year.

January – Wolf Moon. The first full moon of the year named after wolves, as they howl more during their breeding season in January and February. In some cultures, it is also known as Old Moon, Ice Moon, Snow Moon and the Moon after Yule.

February – Snow Moon. In the northern hemisphere, the typically cold, snowy weather contributes towards this name given. Also known as Storm Moon and Hunger Moon.

March – Worm Moon. Native Americans named the last full moon of winter after the worm trails that would appear in the newly thawed ground. Also called Chaste Moon, Death Moon, Crust Moon and Sap Moon.

April – Pink Moon. Named by Northern Native Americans after a species of early blooming wildflower. Other cultures have given it names including Sprouting Grass Moon, Egg Moon and Fish Moon.

May – Flower Moon. An abundance of flowers provide the name for this full moon. Alternative names include Hare Moon, Corn Planting Moon and Milk Moon.

June – Strawberry Moon. The harvesting of strawberries provides this name, although it is also known in other parts of the world as Rose Moon and Hot Moon.

July – Buck Moon.  Male deer begin to regrow their antlers during this time. Also called Thunder Moon and Hay Moon.

August – Sturgeon Moon. A bountiful species of fish found at this time of year. Other names include Green Corn Moon, Grain Moon and Red Moon.

September – Harvest Moon. When crops are gathered after the autumn equinox. The bright appearance and early rise of this Moon also allows farmers to continue harvesting into the night. Also known as Corn Moon and Barley Moon.

October – Hunter’s Moon. The preferred month to hunt summer-fattened deer. Another particularly bright moon, allowing hunters to stalk prey at night. Alternative names include Travel Moon and Dying Grass Moon.

November – Beaver Moon. Possible comes from Native Americans setting beaver traps or the heavy activity of beavers building winter dams. Also called Frost Moon.

December – Cold Moon. (Winter is coming!) This name was given due to the onset of winter. Other names include Long Night Moon and Oak Moon.

The above information is taken from https://www.nationalgeographic.co.uk/2019/02/full-moon-names-explained where a more comprehensive explanation can be found.

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