The allure of a full moon is undeniable, whether you plan to embark on a nocturnal hike beneath its gentle radiance or enjoy an evening cookout as it slowly ascends. As the closest celestial body to Earth and the only one humans have physically explored, the moon holds a profound influence over our world. Its impact appears particularly significant when it unveils its fully illuminated face, occurring when it stands opposite the sun in its orbit around Earth, revealing its entire sunlit side.
One notable effect of a full moon is the heightened intensity of tides compared to other lunar phases. The alignment of the sun, moon, and Earth creates exceptionally low low tides and remarkably high high tides, commonly known as spring tides. Additionally, studies have indicated that full moons can impact various aspects of our lives, ranging from sleep patterns and cardiovascular conditions to symptoms of bipolar disorder.
Moreover, the full moon holds a significant place in folklore, popular movies, and music. It has been a central theme in tales of werewolves, a beloved element in classic films like “Moonstruck,” and a muse for musicians such as Neil Young in his beautiful song “Harvest Moon.”
Undoubtedly, la bella luna serves as a profound source of inspiration, as noted by Serafice, an astrologer and psychic based in Philadelphia. Serafice emphasizes the moon’s enduring presence throughout human history, from early cave paintings to the development of cultures and even space exploration. She highlights the moon as our constant companion, exerting a tremendous influence on our psyche.
For those curious about the next full moon, we have provided a comprehensive 2023 full moon calendar below. It includes the distinctive seasonal names associated with each event, explores the different moon phases, and delves into how these lunar occurrences affect us.
When is the next full moon?
According to The Old Farmer’s Almanac, the upcoming full moon, known as the Buck Moon, is scheduled for Monday, July 3, 2023, at 7:39 AM EST. This particular full moon will be a supermoon, which means it will appear larger and brighter than usual as it reaches its closest proximity to Earth in its orbit.
While the moon is technically only full for a brief moment due to its continuous orbit around the Earth, it can appear fully illuminated for up to three days. This extended period can sometimes make it challenging to distinguish between a true full moon, the final phase of a waxing gibbous moon, or the initial stage of a waning gibbous moon.
When is the next supermoon?
According to The Old Farmer’s Almanac, there are four supermoons slated for 2023. The initial one will take place on Monday, July 3, 2023, at 7:39 AM EST. The subsequent supermoons are scheduled for August 1, August 30, and September 29, 2023. A supermoon is characterised by the moon being both full and at its closest distance to Earth in its orbit, resulting in a potentially larger and more radiant appearance compared to regular full moons.
What are the dates and names of the full moons in 2023?
The Old Farmer’s Almanac not only provides the dates of each full moon but also includes their traditional names, which have been passed down through generations in Native American tribes. Some naming customs from European American settlers are also intertwined with these names. These special designations, rooted in natural phenomena, served as a way for people to mark the changing seasons, although the same moon often had different names in various regions. It’s worth noting that all times mentioned are either Eastern Standard Time or Eastern Daylight Time, depending on the season.
Here is the Full Moon calendar for 2023 along with their traditional names and corresponding explanations:
January 6, 2023 (6:08 PM): Wolf Moon
Named for the wolves’ hungry howling during mid-winter nights.
February 5, 2023 (1:29 PM): Snow Moon
Referring to the heavy snowfall that typically occurs in February.
March 7, 2023 (7:40 AM): Worm Moon
This moon marks the beginning of spring thaw when earthworms resurface, followed by the return of robins.
April 6, 2023 (12:34 AM): Pink Moon
Named after the hue of wild ground phlox, one of the first plants to bloom in spring, rather than the moon’s colour.
May 5, 2023 (1:34 PM): Flower Moon
Designated for the profusion of blossoms typically seen in May.
June 3, 2023 (11:42 PM): Strawberry Moon
While the moon itself may not be red, it is named after the fruit that is usually ready for picking around this time.
July 3, 2023 (7:39 AM): Buck Moon
This moon coincides with the period when male deer grow new antlers. It will also be the first supermoon of the year.
August 1, 2023 (2:32 PM): Sturgeon Moon
Indicating good fishing, particularly for sturgeon found in the Great Lakes and other northern bodies of water. This moon will also be a supermoon.
August 30, 2023 (9:36 PM): Blue Moon
When two full moons occur in one month, the second is called a blue moon. This moon will also be a supermoon, making it even more unusual.
September 29, 2023 (5:58 AM): Harvest Moon
The full moon closest to the fall equinox, aiding with the corn harvest. Occasionally, it may occur in October. This will be the last supermoon of the year.
October 28, 2023 (4:24 PM): Hunter’s Moon
Signifying a crucial time for hunters to gather meat before winter. It was also celebrated as a feast day for Native Americans and Western Europeans.
November 27, 2023 (4:16 AM): Beaver Moon
Associated with beaver trapping, as beaver fur was highly valued during this time.
December 26, 2023 (7:33 PM): Cold Moon
Marks the onset of the coldest months of the year.
What does the full moon mean to us astrologically?
According to Serafice, in astrology, the moon symbolises our emotions, instincts, and desires, serving as a reflection of our inner world. When constructing a natal chart, which represents the planetary positions at the time of our birth, the moon signifies our emotional responses to different situations. Our natal moon sign provides insight into how we are likely to navigate and process emotions on an individual level. Therefore, the moon serves as a vital connection to our feelings, intuition, and subconscious.
Service further explains that when the moon is full, it can intensify our emotional state, leading to a sense of being overwhelmed or having less control over our emotions. This may manifest as heightened sensitivity, outbursts, tears, or even a complete emotional breakdown. It’s important to note that astrological events do not directly cause these emotional experiences. However, they can offer descriptions of the prevailing cosmic circumstances and provide tools for managing and coping with our unique emotional processing.
What are the dates of the full moons in 2024?
January 25, 2024 (12:54 PM) Wolf Moon
February 24, 2024 (7:30 AM) Snow Moon
March 25, 2024 (3:00 AM) Worm Moon
April 23, 2024 (7:49 PM) Pink Moon
May 23, 2024 (9:53 AM) Flower Moon
June 21, 2024 (9:08 PM) Strawberry Moon
July 21, 2024 (6:17 AM) Buck Moon
August 19, 2024 (2:26 PM) Sturgeon Moon
September 17, 2024 (10:34 PM) Harvest Moon
October 17, 2024 (7:26 AM) Hunter’s Moon
November 15, 2024 (4:28 PM) Beaver Moon
December 15, 2024 (4:02 AM) Cold Moon
