The Full "Flower" Moon

Last week I created a post in which I shared my passion for astrology since I was a very young child, an endless fascination and curiosity with the cosmic dance of stars and planets.

I received so much positive feedback and questions that I've decided to start a Moon Series here only for those interested - something separate from my professional lane. It is a facet of me however, if this is not for you, you can opt out right about now and no offence taken :)

I will also include some content on individual zodiac signs for those who are curious as I've had an overwhelming amount of DM's asking if I can do a read.

Take note: anything that I have BOLDED is for you to pay extra attention to :)

Now, with that being said, let us dive into the upcoming full moon known as the "flower" moon.

WHAT IS A FULL MOON?

I should start by explaining what a full moon is for those who have no idea or are new here. A full moon occurs when the moon appears as a fully illuminated circle from our perspective on Earth. This happens when the entire side of the moon facing us is bathed in sunlight. Interesting fact: despite its glowing appearance, the moon doesn't emit any visible light of its own, the light we see is a reflection of light from other celestial bodies. Pretty amazing no?

While a minuscule amount of light originates from distant stars and the reflection of light from Earth—referred to as 'Earthshine'—the principal source of the moon's light is the sun.

The full moon phase is one of the four key lunar phases, along with the new moon, the first quarter, and the third quarter. This phase holds significant spiritual significance and is the most visually striking of all four stages. It's during the full moon phase that the moon appears at its brightest and largest, creating the most noticeable spectacle in the lunar cycle. This is when I bust out my camera!

Furthermore, the full moon has been associated with various cultural beliefs, rituals, and folklore across the globe. It's seen as a time of heightened energy and potential, making it a popular time for ceremonies and celebrations. Some cultures even attribute certain characteristics or meanings to each monthly full moon, reflective of the season or time of year. From a scientific perspective, the full moon phase also provides a unique opportunity for lunar observation and study, revealing the moon's detailed surface features and geographical attributes in full light, something I have been enthralled in since I was young.

THE FULL MOON – THE FLOWER MOON

As we enter May, nature is vibrant and lush, with the downpours of the rainy season receding and warmth permeating the environment, unless you live in Canada where I am and its super dreary and cold however, I know that beneath it all, the plants are basking in their prime, the land is filled with fertility, and a surfeit of energy pervades. The momentum gathered over the past months is now reaching its zenith, fostering high spirits, motivation, and enthusiasm. The objectives we've been working towards are nearing realization, and it's an opportune time to elevate our strategies to achieve our aspirations; its a window of opportunity that you will surely miss if you procrastinate too long. This season offers the prospect of introspective growth, helping us to flourish.

The May Full Moon, often called the Flower Moon, signifies the profusion of blooming flowers characteristic of mid-spring. Other monikers include the Corn Planting Moon, the Milk Moon, Mother's Moon, and the Hare Moon, reflecting the late spring period marked by bounty, cultivation, and fertility. Amid the bloom of varied flora, this time also traditionally served as a prime phase for farmers to sow corn and other seeds. It was a favorable period for livestock, particularly cows, to birth offspring and commence milk production, thereby ensuring sustenance and abundance for the months to come.

The Flower Moon symbolizes a season of copious prosperity, YES the time is now! With a wealth of energy and resources at our disposal, we can turn our attention towards other facets of our lives, such as career enhancement. It's an excellent time to seek guidance and undertake actions that will propel us forward. This period is also imbued with the energy of passion and fertility, which can be harnessed to kindle the inner fire that fuels our passions and inspires us to foster new creations. These creations, born of this fertile season, can take on a life of their own. This moon also invites introspection, prompting reflection on our progress and the affluence in our lives. During this reflective period, one can delve within to discern the healing needed for growth. Contemplate the shifts necessary for achieving life's equilibrium, recognize your deepest yearnings, and identify the steps required for growth in the coming months. Use this time to introspect, connect with your innermost desires, and let creativity flow freely. We are all creative, some need to return to what lit us up as children or towards creative endeavors we have always wanted to try - now is the time!

In this season, let's flourish amidst the flowers, sharing our happiness, love, and bounty in honor of the season. It's a time for joy and pleasure, so revel in the warmth, celebrate new beginnings and partake in the feast with others. Let's express gratitude and commemorate our accomplishments.

WHEN WILL WE SEE THE FULL MOON?

The Full Moon of May will reach its peak illumination on Friday, May 5th, at 1:36 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time (put on an alarm), presenting a splendid spectacle of spiritual energy and splendor. Although it might be beneath the horizon at that precise moment, its radiant glow can still be appreciated by stepping outside on the evenings of the 4th and 5th. Seek out a location with clear, panoramic views of the horizon, to fully bask in the luminous spectacle of the Full Flower Moon. I always am sure to set time aside to simply be in the presence of such a spectacle, no phones (except for photos) and no work.

To pinpoint the ideal viewing time for this celestial event in your local area, consider checking a reliable source for moonrise and moonset times on google or search up May 5th Moon time for (fill in your location and/or time zone) - HERE is a great resource!

As I mentioned, experiencing the magic of May's full moon to its fullest requires a serene and peaceful spot under the night sky. Immerse yourself in the moment, absorbing the moon's beauty while allowing its energy to resonate within you. You will feel it.

Whether you choose to spend the night in thoughtful solitude or in joyful gathering with loved ones, the May Full Moon serves as a potent reminder of the daily enchantment and beauty enveloping us. So, earmark the date - May 5th, 2023 - and prepare to be captivated by the mesmerizing energy of May's full moon.

WHY IS MAY'S FULL MOON NAMED THE FLOWER MOON?

May’s full moon is traditionally called the Flower Moon because in many regions of the world, especially in the Northern Hemisphere where spring is in full swing, it is linked to the flowering of plants. Native American cultures gave this moon a name in order to keep track of the seasons by assigning a unique name to each recurring full moon.

Depending on the local natural phenomena that took place at that time of year in each tribe's area, different tribes gave different names to the full moons. The Algonquin tribe is thought to have coined the term "Flower Moon" to designate the period when flowers were in season in their area. The full moon in May is also referred to as the Hare Moon, the Milk Moon, and the Corn Planting Moon. Some more historical literature explains that the Cree titles Leaf Budding Moon and Budding Moon highlight the local flora's rebirth as it starts to truly leaf out now in various regions. Similar to this, the Planting Moon (Dakota, Lakota) designates the beginning of the planting season for crops.

The Cree names Egg Laying Moon and Frog Moon, as well as the Oglala term Moon of the Shedding Ponies, emphasize how animal activity also served as a sign of the advent of spring. The three names all suggest that springtime is approaching! We can learn much from Native American culture and historical facts :)

SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE OF MAY’S FULL MOON

The full moon of May marks a sacred period of rejuvenation and expansion, a time when the planet thrives with fresh energy and vitality. As flora burgeons into full bloom and foliage erupts with new growth, the human spirit too finds itself stirred, awakening to the forthcoming season's potential and possibilities.

The May full moon embodies the enchantment of fresh starts. It presents an ideal opportunity to lay down intentions for the future, sow the seeds of innovative ideas and ventures, and release anything that has outgrown its purpose in our lives.

In numerous cultures, the May full moon holds associations with love and passion, making it a favored period for nuptials and romantic pursuits; is anyone getting married this month? It's widely held that the moon's potent energy can fortify existing bonds and usher in newfound love into our lives. Frequently, this full moon is linked with the goddess of love and fertility, further emphasizing its romantic connotations.

Various spiritual customs perceive the full moon in May as a period of profound spiritual communion and harmony. It's a moment when we can tap into the energy of the natural world and establish a connection with the divine powers that perpetually shape our surroundings.

The May full moon serves as a gentle reminder of the interconnectedness of all elements in the natural world, indicating our place within a broader cosmic fabric. It's a time to honor the earth's beauty and abundance and to express gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon us.

When we look up at the May full moon, we are reminded of our inherent luminosity and our capacity for greatness. It's an opportune time to set intentions, concentrating our energy on instigating positive transformation in our lives and in the world at large.

My deepest wish for those reading this is that the illuminated path of the Flower Moon guides you on your spiritual odyssey, instilling peace, joy, and abundance in all your endeavors!! I'm rooting for you!

THE FOLKLORE OF MAY'S FULL MOON

One captivating myth associated with May's full moon suggests that it serves as a grand awakening for faeries and nature spirits who have been in winter hibernation, as they come out to revel and frolic in the moonlight. On this magical night, it's believed that the barrier separating our physical world and the ethereal realm becomes translucent, granting us an opportunity to commune with the invisible cosmic forces that shape our universe.

Another fascinating folklore tied to May's full moon involves heightened spiritual sensitivity and psychic prowess. The moon's energy during this period is thought to amplify our spiritual consciousness, enabling us to access our inner wisdom and intuition more readily, this is where I dedicate much time to developing and strengthening my own intuition which you have heard me speak of often. Many individuals, including myself, choose to engage in meditation, prayer, or perform sacred rituals to establish a connection with the divine, seeking spiritual enlightenment and insight.

In some cultures, the May full moon is also regarded as a catalyst for personal transformation and growth. It's seen as an ideal time for self-reflection, healing, and releasing any negative energy that may have accumulated. The heightened energy during this time can serve to inspire creativity, motivation, and passion, prompting individuals to pursue new endeavors or projects. The profound spiritual significance of this lunar event underscores the vital interplay between humans and the cosmos, reminding us of the continuous cycle of change and renewal in our lives; how beautiful is that?

FULL MOON ENERGY

I have always believed that we are "pulled" more by the moon than our sun sign, and because of this I personally follow my own moon sign (Scorpio) as guidance rather than my sun sign. Just as the tides of the ocean are pulled by the moon's energy, we as humans, are made up of roughly 60% water, which can vary dramatically from 45% to 78% depending on our age, sex, body fat percentage, and hydration levels.

Historically, the seasons were kept track of by ancient peoples using the full moon and the lunar calendar. They gave each Full Moon a name for the entire month, not simply the night that it was at its most extreme. Each Full Moon has its unique energy, which is amplified when the moon is full. The Earth and animals, in addition to us people, are also impacted by the Full Moon. Larger ocean tides and even extreme meteorological conditions are brought on by a full moon. If you feel some sort of either heavy energy, or feel "off", this is why.

One of the most common questions that I am asked is: How can I use its energy?

First, let me state that our emotions and dreams are heightened when there is a full moon, so pay attention to your dreams, I'd even grab a dedicated journal and start to log them as I believe they are instructions in the form of symbols, allegories and scenes. It's a moment of balanced energy for certain individuals. Our environment is illuminated by the light of the full moon, which helps us to more clearly see the circumstances in our life and in our interpersonal interactions. It not only enables us to let go of things or persons we have outgrown but also enables us to notice what we have suppressed or overlooked. If your emotions are heavy, its a perfect time for release and to find the root cause which the energy of the moon will illuminate. The full moon is a favorable moment to begin a new ritual or undertaking of some sort for those who have an interest in that.

2023 FULL MOON CALENDAR

In 2023, there will be a total of 13 full moons. We have already experienced 4 amazing ones and the next will surely not disappoint! There will be one full moon each month, except for the month of August as we get to experience two full moons, one of which being a rare "blue" moon.

Here below, I've listed the dates for each month's full moon (including the 4 previous ones), feel free to mark them on your calendar going forward for the remainder of 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 23-24 season and the first full moon after the Winter Solstice. The December Full Moon will be the full moon in Cancer.

Well that's it folks! Please feel free to ask me questions, comment and share the article with those you know are astrology enthusiasts like myself!

Remember, this moon on May 5th comes with an immense force which provides us such an amazing opportunity to look deep within and take note; you may need to release old connections, routines, habits and some of your convictions as hard as that may be --- think of it as a chapter that is ending and focus on what's ahead! Its an exciting time for sure!

Signing off,

Tara