Each of the monthyl full moons has its own
associations with magic and folklore. Use this list of the different
full moon phases to get mation on how to celebrate them appropriately.
There's even a special section just for our Southern Hemisphere reader,
to help figure out how to celebrate below the Equator!
Moon Phase Names in the Southern Hemisphere
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If
you're one of our Southern Hemisphere readers, your seasons are
directly the opposite of those in the northern hemisphere. This means
that the traditional moon phases will fall slightly differently for you.
Here's an important bit of information on how you can calculate which
moon is being celebrated in your part of the world, based on
agricultural markers and local traditions. Moon Phases in the Southern Hemisphere
January: The Cold Moon
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January's
Cold Moon is one that falls when the nights are still dark and long.
It's a time of year when many people feel a bit off-kilter, as we adjust
our bodies to the chillier temperatures. In some magical traditions,
it's a good month to work on developing the inner self, connecting with
the deities of our paths, and focusing on self-discovery and awareness. January's Cold Moon
February: The Quickening Moon
Image (c) Patti Wigington 2008
February
is a season of bone-chilling cold in many areas, yet because of its
proximity to the coming spring, it's also a season of quickening. New
life and conception are taking place, in anticipation of the warming of
the earth, and magical rituals this month often focus on new beginnings
and plans for the future. February's Quickening Moon
March: The Storm Moon
Image (c) Patti Wigington 2008
March
comes in like a lion, and in many areas, we never know what it's going
to do. We could have bright sunshine one afternoon, and be snowed in by
the next morning. Use this month to celebrate balance, rebirth, and
renewal. March's Storm Moon
April: The Wind Moon
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Sometimes
called the Seed Moon, April is a month of pending rebirth. As the earth
and soil prepare for new life to sprout, watch as the natural world
around you begins to change. Look for buds and blossoms to start
appearing. This is the season to stop talking about what you want to do
some day, and just go ahead and make it happen. April's Wind Moon
May: The Flower Moon
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May
is a time of fertility, passion and lust. It's the month to sow that
which you hope to reap later on. In May, focus on magic related to
careers and jobs - if you've thought about changing jobs, or even
entering a new career field, this is a good time to do it. Expand your
horizons this month. May's Flower Moon
June: The Strong Sun Moon
Image © Ghislain and Marie David De Lossy/Getty Images
June
is full of long, light-filled days, and the nights are short and warm.
This month's magical workings are perfect for maintaining and enhancing
things you already have. Let your garden and your heart blossom and
bloom this month, and focus on things that will improve your spirit and
nurture your relationships. June's Strong Sun Moon
July: The Blessing Moon
Image © Patti Wigington 2009
July's moon, also known as the Meadow Moon, is a time to work on divination, dreamwork and meditation. Count your blessings this month, and think about what you can do to bring more of them into your life. July's Blessing Moon
August: The Corn Moon
Image © Patti Wigington 2010
Thanks
to kicking off the month with Lammas, August is a month associated with
the grain harvest. It's no surprise, then that the Corn Moon is a time
to focus on harvesting that which you have already planted - but don't
forget, it's important to set some of your harvest aside for the coming
winter months. August's Corn Moon
September: The Harvest Moon
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In
September, the fields are full of bounty and abundance - and it's a
season to celebrate hearth and home. Brew up some comfort food, begin
storing your harvest for the winter, and settle in for a month of
thanksgiving. September's Harvest Moon
October: The Blood Moon
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Coming
right before Samhain, the Blood Moon of October reminds us that the
winter is coming, and the nights are cold. It's the dark half of the
year, and the veil between our world and the spirit world is thin. Focus
on divination, communication with departed ancestors, and psychic
messages this month. October's Blood Moon
November: The Mourning Moon
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In
some of the early Celtic societies, November was considered the
beginning of the new year, since it followed Samhain. Why not use this
month to shed your bad habits and toxic relationships, and get a fresh
start? Work on developing and strengthening your connection with the
Divine as well. November's Mourning Moon
December: The Long Nights Moon
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As
the days get shorter in December, we force ourselves to get through the
darkness. Now is a good season for spiritual alchemy -- time to
evaluate your life, and know that you'll survive the dark times. If
you've already put the darkness behind you, take your good fortune and
share it with others. December's Long Nights Moon
What is a Blue Moon?
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We've
all heard the phrase "once in a blue moon," but believe it or not, it's
more than just an expression - a blue moon is the name given to an
actual phenomenon. Here's what it is, how it works, and what you can do
with it magically. What is a Blue Moon?
