Learning Lunar
The Full Moon
How exciting to be three issues into our Learning Lunar column and already able to wax lyrical (pun intended) about the full moon! Lúnasa 2023 falls on August 1st which, this year, is also a full moon. Lúnasa, or Lughnasadh, is an Irish festival co-opted by many Pagan traditions as a time of harvest celebration, games, competitions, and other summer festivities. Another popular celebration held at this time is Lammas, the Anglo-Saxon early Christian festival of blessing the first fruits and loaves of the seasons. Having the full moon to add to these blessings can only add to their fruitfulness!
What Does the Phrase “A Full Moon” Really Mean?
Almost unbelievably, the definition of a full moon is somewhat up for debate. Some state that it’s when the moon is at its maximum visibility. Others state the moon can be classed as full during the two days surrounding this event. The Google dictionary defines it as, “The phase of the moon in which its whole disc is illuminated,” which is pretty clear. If the moon is a big, glowing circle, rather than egg or crescent shape, it’s full.
What Causes a Full Moon?
The moon appears to wax and wane due to the Earth coming between the moon and the sun and casting shadow on the surface of the moon. During a full moon, one entire side of our satellite is completely lit by the sun, creating the gorgeous glow associated with bright, moonlit nights. Full moons occur every 29 and a half days, which is why lunar months don’t match calendar months, and why there are often 13 “moons” in a year.
Traditional Full Moon Names for August
There are many traditional names or folk names for the different full moons throughout the year. Some of these come from European roots, such as the Wolf Moon in January. Others have their origins with the indigenous people of America, such as August’s Sturgeon Moon.
NASA states that it’s the Algonquin tribe that gave this moon its name, referring to the ease with which they could catch sturgeon in the Great Lakes at this time of year. This information first came to us in a 1930s Maine Farmers’ Almanac, and has been oft-repeated since. That means its accuracy can’t be confirmed without a better understanding of the history of Algonquian traditions. However, it’s certainly an evocative name. Alternatives include:
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- Green Corn Moon
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- Barley Moon
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- Grain Moon
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- Fruit Moon
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- Lynx Moon
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- Dispute Moon
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- Corn Moon (also used in September)
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- Lightning Moon
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- Black Cherries Moon (specific to the Assiniboine)
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- Mountain Shadows Moon (specific to the Tlingit)
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- Flying Up Moon (specific to the Cree)
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- Ricing Moon (specific to the Anishinaabe)
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- Harvest Moon (specific to the Dakota in August but widely used in September or as a name for the Full Moon closest to the Autumn Equinox)
You can see that food plays a major influence on many of these August full moon names. August is a lush, fruitful month in many parts of the world, and that abundance has encouraged humans over the centuries to connect the cycles of the moon to the seasons they see changing and flourishing around them.
What To Do On A Full Moon
With that in mind, it’s no surprise that August’s full moon is a time for bringing things to fruition, collecting the “fruits” of your labours, or taking some time to shout about your achievements. In fact, this applies at nearly every full moon. The fullness of the moon is associated with completion, the end of one cycle and the beginning of another, or perhaps a halfway point for rest and rejuvenation.
The full moon can be a great time to release things and let things go. Consider getting rid of household items you no longer need, reorganising your working space, or focusing on letting go of an argument or resentment you’ve been harbouring.
The energy of the moon has been building all month and now it’s time to expend that energy and get things moving. This is a great time to set intentions for the rest of the month ahead, just don’t forget to take time to reward yourself for the work you’ve done or anything you’re proud of.
Astronomy and Astrology
August is fairly unusual in 2023 in that it will have what is widely referred to as a Blue Moon later in the month. This means there will be two full moons in August: lunar energy double whammy!
August’s first full moon at Lúnasa will be a supermoon, which means the moon is a little close to the Earth. This is called the perigee, and on a clear night, the moon appears brighter and larger than normal.
This super full moon is in Aquarius, making it closely linked to feelings and the ability to understand those feelings, but also the need to cast emotional shackles off and seek freedom. It’s a good time to assess if what you’re feeling is temporary or if you need to make extra efforts to preserve those relationships that are important to you.
Astrological experts suggest areas of the body that can become more sensitive during the super full moon in Aquarius include the lower legs and ankles, the forearms, and the thyroid.
This could be a great time to take part in activist activity or social projects, perhaps working with community groups or finding kindred spirits that understand your need to take action on a cause you’re passionate about. If you do this, ensure your groups are diverse, and you’re not just hearing the same voices over and over. Be proud of your achievements as showcasing them may encourage others to flock to your cause.
Magic
In Rachel Patterson’s book, Moon Magic, she states that the full moon is an excellent time to practice tarot or scrying. She suggests reflecting on goals, emotional matters, or relationships.
Regular practitioners of moon magic of any kind know that the energy of the moon at this time is unequalled. If actual moonlight charges your spell work, tools, or visualisation, then the full moon is the prime time to practice this. Charging water, crystals, and other tools by leaving them out in the moonlight at this time is also a possibility.
Making Moon Water
Moon water is simply water that you’ve “charged” under the light of the moon phase of your choice, with the full moon often considered the most powerful phase for this. You can use plain water, or you can make it as fancy and unique to your needs as you like. Here’s a very simple recipe.
You will need:
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- A plain jar that you can confidently seal without any leaks!
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- Some water, preferably rainwater, water from a local spring or stream, or filtered water from your tap
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- Herbs or oils that relate to your current intent
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- A rock, crystal, or another tool that you can place in the water without risk of damage (optional)
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- Paper and pen/pencil
Find a space where you won’t be disturbed. Gather your ingredients. Centre yourself or find the headspace that you work in best. You may use music, chanting, or meditation for this. Some lunar-inspired incense may help. Do what works for you.
When you feel ready to begin spiritual work, write down on the paper what your moon water is for. This could be to carry the energy of the moon to rituals, to utilise full moon associations throughout the month, or to fuel a specific spell or type of healing.
When you are happy with what you have written, narrow that intention down to a single, easy-to-say sentence. Repeat this sentence either in your mind or out loud as you pour your water into the jar. Note: If you chose to use a physical item in your water, place this in the jar first to avoid splashes! Add your herbs or oils. Don’t use too much as it will cloud the water. Herbs will degrade after some time so be prepared to discard this water at the next full moon. This is only a temporary tool.
Keep repeating your sentence of intent as you seal the jar. Place it outside where the light of the full moon can reach it. If this is not possible, a moonlit windowsill is sufficient. Leave the jar in this position until the moon starts to wane, if possible. You now have a charged jar of moon water to use as you see fit. You can even pop it in a spray bottle if you like! Just remember some herbs and oils can irritate the skin, so always take care when handling these.
The Moon And Lúnasa
Lúnasa is a complex festival, both a funerary celebration held for the God Lugh’s foster mother, Tailtiu, and a continuously celebrated Irish harvest festival. According to the Irish Pagan School, rituals around this time may be focused around plans from the previous Samhain, and there is a ton of folklore about what you should or shouldn’t do before this festival. Plenty of Pagans will honour Lugh at this time, perhaps embracing his “Many skilled” epitaph of Samíldanach.
In Ireland, there is a public holiday on the first Monday of August, signifying how the importance of Lúnasa has lasted into the modern day throughout Irish society. If you do practice ritual at this time, it’s a great idea to get some insight from a native Irish source as to what’s appropriate and even maybe include some Gaeilge (modern Irish language) in your words.
However you celebrate, the full moon at this time adds potency to your work. The festival is highly centred on abundance, full bellies after a fallow period, or the wait for something awesome after a dull or tiring time. The harvest is hard work but we gain so much from it, and that’s a positive and motivating thought to take you through to the Blue Moon and the Harvest Moon beyond.
*Image credits
Full moon photo by Syed Ahmad on Unsplash.
Jar with flowers and herbs in photo by Lily Li on Unsplash.
Wheatfield Photo by Polina Rytova on Unsplash
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About the Author:
Mabh Savage is a Pagan author, poet and musician, as well as a freelance journalist and content creator. She’s a nature-based witch, obsessed with Irish and British Paganism and Folklore, plus she’s a massive plant nerd. She’s also a long-time Hekate devotee and a newbie Lokean. She works extensively with the UK Pagan Federation, including editing their bi-annual children’s magazine. Mabh is a passionate environmentalist and an advocate for inclusiveness and positive social transformation.
Mabh is the author of A Modern Celt: Seeking the Ancestors, Pagan Portals – Celtic Witchcraft: Modern Witchcraft Meets Celtic Ways, and most recently, Practically Pagan: An Alternative Guide to Planet Friendly Living. Search “Mabh Savage” on Spotify and @Mabherick on all socials.