"Moon Names"
   
The Names of the Moon
January -- Storm Moon
A storm is said to rage most fiercely just before it ends, and the year usually follows suit.
February -- Chaste Moon
The antiquated word for pure reflects the custom of greeting the new year with a clear soul.
March -- Seed Moon
Sowing season and symbol of the start of the new year.
April -- Hare Moon
The sacred animal was associated in Roman legends with springtime and fertility.
May -- Dyad Moon
The Latin word for a pair refers to the twin stars of the constellation of Castor and Pollux.
June -- Mead Moon
During late June and most of July the meadows, or meads, were mowed for hay.
July -- Wort Moon
When the sun was in Leo, the worts (from the Anglo-Saxon wyrt plant) were gathered to be dried and stored.
August -- Barley Moon
Persephone, virgin Goddess of rebirth, carries a sheaf of barley as a symbol of the harvest.
September -- Blood Moon
Marking the season when domestic animals were sacrificed for winter provisions. Libra's full moon occasionally became the Wine Moon when a
grape harvest was expected to produce a superior vintage.
October -- Snow Moon
Scorpio heralds the dark season when the sun is at its lowest and the first snows fly.
November -- Oak Moon
The sacred tree of the Druids and the Roman God Jupiter is most noble as it withstands winter storms.
December -- Wolf Moon
The fearsome nocturnal animal represents the "night" of the year.
The Blue Moon -- Variable
A Blue Moon occurs when the moon with its 29.5 day cycle appears twice within the same calendar month, due to that month's 31 day duration.
Many consider the Blue Moon to be a goal moon where you set specific goals for yourself.
The Black Moon -- Variable
A Black Moon occurs when there are two dark cycles of the moon in any given calendar month. It is believed that the second dark moon of a time
of great power within the spiritual world and any magick worked during this time is especially powerful.
Alternative Moon Names.
This list of moon names is something I have been working on, basing my ideas on the changes in the seasons and emphasising the most dominant
aspect of that moon or month.
Fall Moon - October
Marks the end of summer, nature has slowed down, the last of the harvest's have been brought in, and the first hints of winter are showing.
The trees, once crowned in golden leaves, start to shed their golden canopy. Nature's final explosion of activity, as plants and trees spread
their seeds. It is a time for looking back, at the year gone by, for putting things no longer needed behind you and for preparing for the
coming year. A time for finishing projects, cleaning out the debris of the past year, whether emotional or physical, and contemplating the
personal targets and goals you have achieved.
Frost Moon - November.
The beginning of winter, when days grow shorter, and the nights longer. The time when the hints of winter to come are showing, chill winds
blow and frost forms, while the pale golden sun's presence wanes. Nature is in regression, the summers visitors have left, squirrels have
gathered their winter stores and the first of winters visitors are arriving. A time of inner reflection and growth, for divination and developing
psychic talents.
Long Nights Moon - December.
This is the time of the long nights of winter, for until the Winter Solstice, the hours of daylight grow shorter. It is also a time of celebration,
at Yule, one of the fire festivals of old. Unlike the Summer Solstice, Yule is a time of quiet celebration of the home and hearth and of friends
and families. Although winter is upon us, the evergreen of holly symbolises rebirth and new beginnings. It is a good time to start new projects.
Storm Moon - January.
This is the time of the year when the worst of winter's storms take place. A storm is said to rage most fiercely just before it ends, and the year
usually follows suit. It is a time to appreciate the warmth and contentment of the hearth. It is a time to explore yourself and plan the changes
you will make in the spring.
Dead Moon - February.
The worst of winter has passed, here nature appears dead, grey, lifeless and beaten. Yet this is an illusion, beneath the ground new life lies
buried, waiting to burst forth. Just as nature is awaiting the warmth of the sun to return, ready to burst forth, so now is a time to put into
action things conceived during winter.
Moon of Transformation - March.
The seasons are fickle, one moment warm, the next cold, but nature is slowly transforming, renewing itself. Winter is fading and the hopes for
the future months grew expectantly. New shoots, on springs early risers, can be seen, the first of springs flowers show themselves. The tingle of
life, is growing, all is growing anew, with all this feverish activity, now is an excellent time for spring cleaning, for getting out and
experiencing this zest for life.
Growing Moon - April.
The days are growing longer, sunny warm days, provide a welcome relief from the previous months cold and harshness. All of nature is constantly
growing, each day hold new surprises. On each tree and flower, insects are starting to appear, hidden during the long months of winter, already
some plants have seeded spreading next years life to the winds. It is a good time for planning ahead, things planted now will bear fruition in
the months ahead.
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