Learning Lunar: Micromoon, May 2025
Image by Ganapathy Kumar, copyright-free via Unsplash
Did you know that we’ve just witnessed a micromoon? While the phrase “supermoon” is undoubtedly more well-known, micromoons are also a semi-regular occurrence. This year’s May full moon lasts for 4 days, if you count any visibility over 97% as full, which many people do. So it’s a great opportunity to witness the micromoon and get your moon magic flowing!
What Does Micromoon Mean?
The moon isn’t always the same distance away from the Earth. Because the moon’s orbit around our planet isn’t a perfect circle (it’s elliptical, which means slightly egg-shaped), sometimes it’s a little closer and sometimes just a bit further away. The point where it is closest to the Earth is called the perigee. When the moon is at its perigee, it appears larger and brighter, earning it the moniker “supermoon.” Conversely, at its apogee, it becomes a “micromoon.”
What Does a Micromoon Look Like?
The full micromoon looks exactly like a normal full moon, except just a little smaller and perhaps a little brighter. This year, in Yorkshire, the moon rose a buttery yellow against a dusky blue sky; one of the benefits of the days getting longer as we move closer to the Summer Solstice in the Northern hemisphere.
What To Do On A Micromoon
Of course, a micromoon is still a full moon. Just because it appears further away doesn’t necessarily mean there’s less magic available! There are so many different types of full moon magic and witchcraft. From actions as simple as making a note of goals that have come to fruition to full-blown rituals, you can use the energy at this time for so many purposes. If you’re particularly sensitive to lunar energy, you may find yourself a little hyperactive or even overwhelmed. Remember to take time for self-care, grounding, and mindful moments. The micromoon can be a great reminder that sometimes subtlety is to key to great changes. A little change here and there can lead to major transformations in the future.
I have been doing a major house clean and my usual disorganisation has given way to an almost primal urge to declutter — a genuine spring clean! I finished a DIY project that’s been waiting literally months for me to get to it, and cleared away the doom bags — clutter sacks that I previously “tidied” — so I can now get to my drum and my electric organ. Music is now in my future, and that makes me joyful indeed. I’m also planning to clean my altars, and this has been the time of the Rite of Her Sacred Fires for those who follow Hekate.
As the moon starts to shrink in the sky, you may want to explore the magic of the waning gibbous phase. Cutting unwanted ties, changing habits, and inner reflection are all common practices as the moon becomes less visible.
Astrology
May’s full moon was in Scorpio at the same time the Sun was in Taurus. People born under these signs may have found themselves more emotional or noticing significant factors changing in their lives. The energies of Scorpio and Taurus are quite polarised, which means finding balance during this time may have been challenging, but important. You may have found yourself dwelling on material wealth and personal possessions, while also contemplating the magical and mysterious.
Moving into the next phase of the moon, waning gibbous, Sagittarius is the primary sign until the 15th, when it changes to Capricorn. During this transition, you may find that setting goals and looking to the future feels very important, and you can move forward with a sense of optimism.
Magic
Traditionally, all types of magic are possible at the full moon, with manifestation magic being particularly powerful. If you set goals and intentions at the last new moon or longer ago, this is a great time to review them and try and bring them to the forefront of your mind and reality. Meditation, spellwork, and ritual are all appropriate at this time.
However, magic isn’t just in formal workings. If you’re able to, get out and about and explore nature locally — or if you’re less able, get someone to take you on a virtual tour of a beauty spot. Take photos or draw, notice what’s growing and blooming, and what animals are thriving in that area. Today I saw a huge crow in the garden, and a blackbird who let me walk right up to him, completely unbothered.
These moments can bring you joy and magic, particularly when you consider the associations linked to these creatures. Crows, for example, are linked strongly to magic and prophecy, and various deities. Blackbirds are keepers of dusk and dawn, liminal times associated with transformation.
The Moon and May
May’s full moon has many traditional names. The most common one, Flower Moon, may come from the Algonquin tribes. The most likely reason for the name is that there are simply so many flowers blooming at this time of year. Discovering which ones are most common in your local area can help you explore more aspects of magic and spirituality, from flower-based witchcraft to the Victorian flower language, also known as floriography.
Other names include Budding Moon which may come from the Cree tradition, which also produced the lovely name Frog Moon. Planting Moon, Corn Moon, and Moon of the Shedding Ponies are other alternative names.
Whatever name you choose, this full moon is very much associated with the burst of life that comes with late spring and the promise of the fertile summer ahead. Consider your own “garden,” whether that’s literal or more metaphysical. What seeds have you planted, and what do you expect to reap later in the year?
