Moons and Totems 7

Everybody knows their western astrological profile and most people also know their eastern, or Chinese, astrological sign as well, but few know their moon profile from the Native American culture and the totems for each moon. As with the two more mainstream belief systems, the moon totem profiles are not only a very accurate read of an individual's personality, but they also add a rich dimension to who we are and where our weaknesses and powers come from.

Hot Winds Moon
July 11-August 10

People of the Hot Winds Moon are very versatile people, able to move effortlessly from one circumstance to another and in the process blend seamlessly with all sorts of different people. Introspective and wise with a degree of maturity to them, they can be very hot tempered and lose their cool very quickly (much like the weather at this time of year). No matter how joyous they may appear, the wheels are always turning in the Hot Moon person's head, searching into the depths of every situation. Adversely, they can easily become quitters when things get tough or ironically, refuse to let something go that has long run its course. Stubborn, arrogant and sometimes carrying a sense of superiority about them, these can be very tricky people.

The element for this moon sign is fire and the animal totem is the trout. A fish that can be a tenacious fighter when hooked, the trout is known for its wiliness and strength. The Hot Winds Moon plant totem is the thistle, a medicinally powerful plant that is able to thrive in very difficult conditions and this moon's mineral totem is jade. Jade is a strong and spiritually powerful stone long used as a token of male potency as well as for luck, long life and prosperity. The Hot Winds Moon color is green, the color of nature at its full maturity and vitality. People of this moon should wear the healing color of green to calm their hearts when they're feeling very angry and emotionally out of control.

Everyone is most compatible with those people born under the moon opposite to their own and the opposite moon of the Hot Winds Moon is the Deep Snows Moon (January 11-February 10).

Photo courtesy of arwriterphotog on flickr.

Moons and Totems 6

Everybody knows their western astrological profile and most people also know their eastern, or Chinese, astrological sign as well, but few know their moon profile from the Native American culture and the totems for each moon. As with the two more mainstream belief systems, the moon totem profiles are not only a very accurate read of an individual's personality, but they also add a rich dimension to who we are and where our weaknesses and powers come from.

Planting Moon

April 11-May 10

People of the Planting Moon are very hard workers who excel at preparing for each task and the start of new projects, working out every detail in advance and knowing exactly where they are going every step of the way. They're methodical and reliable and put a great deal of effort and enthusiasm into anything they put their mind to. Planting Moon people are people of the light, of new ideas and fresh starts but they can be stymied by their own abilities. They often tend to become overwhelmed by the task at hand, and no matter how carefully they prepare for it, can become lost in the details and confused about their ultimate goal. They aren't lazy, but without clarity they'll prefer to simply do nothing rather than forge ahead.

The element for this moon is air and the animal totem is the beaver. Like the beaver, the people of this moon can keep themselves very busy all day long and often well into the night, yet somehow never seem to finish the job they've begun. They're great at beginning new projects and working long hours, but being able to bring it all to a conclusion on their own is not their forte. The Planting Moon's plant totem is the dandelion, a strong and easily adaptable plant that's used for both culinary and medicinal purposes and its mineral totem is citrine. Citrine is a powerful stone used to channel the willpower needed to achieve one's goals, as well as granting courage and confidence and eliminating self-destructive tendencies. The color for this moon, vividly orange- yellow like its plant and mineral, is saffron. Worn by holy men the world over, this is the color of the rising sun and of a fresh spring day.

Everyone is most compatible with those people born under the moon opposite to their own and the opposite moon of the Planting Moon is the Harvest Moon (October 11-November 10).

Photo courtesy of Dan Newcomb Photography.

Moons and Totems 5

Everybody knows their western astrological profile and most people also know their eastern, or Chinese, astrological sign as well, but few know their moon profile from the Native American culture and the totems for each moon. As with the two more mainstream belief systems, the moon totem profiles are not only a very accurate read of an individual's personality, but they also add a rich dimension to who we are and where our weaknesses and powers come from.

Strong Winds Moon

February 11-March 10

This is the time of winter when the winds blow at their hardest and their coldest, thus the name given to this moon, and the night skies are at their most vivid. People born under this moon are very bright and intelligent, with unique minds and a quick wit. Often these people are light years ahead of everyone else, thus giving them the label of "odd" or "quirky." Strong Winds folks tend to be easily distracted from their tasks and need to learn to be more consistent and steadfast rather than jump rapidly from one thing to another. Being on such a vastly different wavelength from others often leads them to feel lonely and isolated, something finding a kindred spirit or two can easily solve. This sense of loneliness frequently comes across as an intense neediness, something Strong Winds people need to acknowledge and address.

The element for this moon is air and the animal totem is the goose, a bird who returns to the north at this time of year, thus heralding the return of spring and the earth's new birth. The Strong Winds Moon's plant totem is the willow, a tree whose bark is at its most vivid color this time of year; a tree that is easily bent this way and that way. The willow is a medicinal, healing plant (aspirin originates from its bark). This moon's mineral totem is moonstone which is symbolic of the great mother goddess. Moonstone balances the emotions, brings clarity to one's thinking and is very potent when working with the moon. The color for the Strong Winds Moon is dove gray, the color of dawn and of purity. This is a soft color and is symbolic of the awakening of spirit.

Everyone is most compatible with those people born under the moon opposite to their own and the opposite moon of the Strong Winds Moon is the Hunters Moon (August 11-September 10).

Photo courtesy of ER Post on flickr.

Moons and Totems 4

Everybody knows their western astrological profile and most people also know their eastern, or Chinese, astrological sign as well, but few know their moon profile from the Native American culture and the totems for each moon. As with the two more mainstream belief systems, the moon totem profiles are not only a very accurate read of an individual's personality, but they also add a rich dimension to who we are and where our weaknesses and powers come from.

Deep Snows Moon

January 11-February 10

This is the moon in the deepest dark of winter and as such, the people of the Deep Snows Moon tend to be introverted and often depressed, as well as very rigid in their thinking. While they like to do everything in a very controlled manner and can at times be difficult to deal with, they are very honest, forthright and reliable folk who can always be counted on when we need them most.

The element for this moon is earth and the animal totem is the blue jay. The blue jay will tell you exactly what you need to know when you need to know it. While the jay is a wise and honest bird, it can often be a little too vocal, not always knowing when to stop sermonizing, a behavior that people of the Deep Snows Moon need to guard against despite their only wanting what is best for the rest of us. Curiosity and carelessness in regards to personal safety (a frequently dangerous combination) is another thing that both the jay and the folks of this moon share in common. The Deep Snows Moon's plant totem is the poplar, a tree that is able to withstand a great deal of hardship before it falls under the weight, and its mineral totem is the amethyst. Amethyst is the stone of wisdom, purity of thought and the light before the dawn. Lastly, the color for this moon is violet. Violet is the highest vibration of light on the spectrum, increasing mental activity, intuition and raising one's spirituality. Like the amethyst whose color is the same, violet is the color of the sky just before the dawning of the full light of day (and spring).

Everyone is most compatible with those people born under the moon opposite to their own and the opposite moon of the Deep Snows Moon is the Hot Winds Moon (July 11-August 10).

Photo courtesy of Aegolius on flickr.

Moons and Totems 3

Everybody knows their western astrological profile and most people also know their eastern, or Chinese, astrological sign as well, but few know their moon profile from the Native American culture and the totems for each moon. As with the two more mainstream belief systems, the moon totem profiles are not only a very accurate read of an individual's personality, but they also add a rich dimension to who we are and where our weaknesses and powers come from.

Popping Trees Moon

November 11-December 10

Those born under this moon tend to prefer to periodically isolate themselves from the larger group, taking time to withdraw from society while they explore their inner selves, emerging with greater self-knowledge and understanding. The people of the Popping Trees Moon are wise, patient folks who know when to act and when to wait. These are mysterious, deep people who prefer to keep their feelings and ideas to themselves; a very spiritual people.

The element for this moon is earth and the animal totem is the owl, a wise creature who appears to hear and see all. The Popping Trees Moon's plant totem is the dandelion, a tenacious plant not easily disposed of, and its mineral totem is aquamarine. Aquamarine is a feminine, ethereal stone which brings to its user the ability to express themselves clearly. A stone that produces inspiration and inspired thoughts, it also confers upon its bearer a sense of peace and calmness, as well as the ability to know how and when to act in any given situation. Aquamarine brings courage without swagger. Lastly, the color of this moon is indigo, a color that can change appearance before your eyes. Is it blue? purple? black? Indigo is the color of one's third eye, that part of our subconscious that gives birth to intuition and our sixth sense. It is the color of spiritual understanding.

Everyone is most compatible with those people born under the moon opposite to their own and the opposite moon of the Popping Trees Moon is the Flowering Moon (May 11-June 10).

Photo courtesy of Foto Martien on flickr.

Moons and Totems 2

Everybody knows their western astrological profile and most people also know their eastern, or Chinese, astrological sign as well, but few know their moon profile from the Native American culture and the totems for each moon. As with the two more mainstream belief systems, the moon totem profiles are not only a very accurate read of an individual's personality, but they also add a rich dimension to who we are and where our weaknesses and powers come from.

Ripening Moon

September 11-October 10

Those who are born under this moon tend to be very giving and gregarious, yet ironically, are also highly solitary, introverted creatures. This craving for solitude is especially strong during the late summer, early fall months when the Ripening Moon person wishes to hide themselves away from people and busy places, preferring instead to nurture their inner selves. These are some very mysterious, dark people with emotions that run very deep.

The element for this moon is water and the animal totem is the black bear, a creature who can be friendly and playful, yet powerful, solitary and intimidating as well. The bear is greatly respected by all Native American tribes. The Ripening Moon's plant totem is bearberry, a plant that produces very tart fruits, but which are medicinally very potent. Bearberry tea is a strong curative for breaking fevers and healing upset stomachs. The mineral totem for this moon is obsidian, a powerful stone used for divination. Gaze into a piece of polished obsidian to receive desired information. This stone can take you into yourself and show you what is needed to move forward on your path. Obsidian is also a very powerful protective stone that will draw harmful energy away from you, absorbing it into itself and eliminating it. Lastly, the color of this moon is dark blue, the color of the deepest rivers and oceans where it is impossible to see completely to their depths, just as it is impossible to fathom completely those people of the Ripening Moon.

Everyone is most compatible with those people born under the moon opposite to their own and the opposite moon of the Ripening Moon is the Fast Waterflow Moon (March 11-April 10).

Photo courtesy of Roy Mac on flickr.

Full Rose Moon

Tomorrow's full moon is a potent one as it also brings with it a spectacular lunar eclipse. As an eclipse amplifies the energy of a full moon, this one will, in theory, be felt for weeks or even months after the event. Being in Capricorn, this moon represents responsibility, stability and reliability, which is a good thing if we're going to be carrying this energy around with us for a time. I'd hate to think how much more difficult things could become if this eclipse fell within a far flakier sign. And to amplify the astral energy, there will be a solar eclipse (visible only from the southern part of the Pacific Ocean and the southernmost parts of South America) on July 11. Be prepared to feel all this powerful activity on a personal level.

The June full moon goes by many names in addition to the Rose Moon. These include the Strawberry Moon, the Lotus Moon, the Windy Moon, the Honey Moon and the Full Hot Moon.

This would be the perfect moon under which to Draw Down the Moon tomorrow night but if your weather is less than perfect for outdoor ritual, work some magick indoors and take advantage of this beautifully powerful lunar event.

Full Planting Moon

Today's full moon is in Gemini and Sagittarius, which means that this is a period of learning and knowledge. Gemini, with virtually no filters, takes in any and all information with little regard for what is important and what is fluff, but Sagittarius is a seeker of greater understanding, keen focus and the desire to get to the truth of any matter. So be prepared to be bombarded with a lot of information right now and be sure to take a moment to weed out all that is unnecessary. This is a powerful moon for moving you closer to achieving your goals and dreams.

In Colonial America, this moon was known as the Milk Moon and the Chinese refer to it as the Dragon Moon. It is also known as the Bright Moon, the Hare Moon, and the Panther Moon. The very eloquent (and often wordy) Dakota Sioux had two names for this moon: the Moon to Plant and the Moon When Leaves are Green. Its neo-pagan name is the Grass Moon.

Enjoy the beauty of the last spring full moon of 2010.

Moons and Totems 1

Everybody knows their western astrological profile and most people also know their eastern, or Chinese, astrological sign as well, but few know their moon profile from the Native American culture and the totems for each moon. As with the two more mainstream belief systems, the moon totem profiles are not only a very accurate read of an individual's personality, but they also add a rich dimension to who we are and where our weaknesses and powers come from. From time to time I'll be writing about these moon totems, beginning with the first of the thirteen moons. Each moon goes by many names (see each full moon post to learn some of the different names) but for simplicity's sake, I will be using only one for each entry.

Fast Waterflow Moon

March 11-April 10

Those who are born between these dates are children of the Fast Waterflow Moon. They are sensitive and insightful, alert to new beginnings and tend to exude a sense of innocence and naivete and as such they like to be nurtured and taken care of by others. They are better at beginning things than seeing them to fruition and this includes relationships as well as projects.

The animal totem for this moon is the hawk, an animal that is very methodical, focused, and able to meet its own needs effectively and efficiently. The children of this moon would be wise to learn the lessons the hawk teaches. The fast Waterflow Moon's plant totem is red clover, one of the first plants to bloom in the spring. Red clover is a protective plant that keeps one safe from evil and danger. The mineral totem for this moon is quartz crystal, a clear and sparkling stone that reflects light (like the earth that is bright and newly reborn at this time of year). Quartz crystal enhances psychic ability, empowers magick, heals illness, and is one of the stones of the Great Goddess who, during this moon, is bringing forth new life across the earth. The color of this moon is yellow, the color of light and the returning sun.

Everyone is most compatible with those people born under the moon opposite to their own and the opposite moon of the Fast Waterflow Moon is the Ripening Moon (September 11-November 10) whose people are consistent, insistent and generously giving. They balance out the Fast Waterflow peoples' neediness and tendency to be overly dependent and often self-absorbed.

Photo courtesy of Steve aka Crispin Swan on flickr.

Full Planter's Moon

Tomorrow's full moon is in Scorpio, bringing with it emotional jolts but also passionate desires. Scorpio is a very powerful and controlling sign, and coupled with Mercury currently in retrograde, be prepared for a pretty wild ride. This is a very high energy moon, so if you're working any spells that will require a serious power boost to launch them, tomorrow is the perfect time to do so. This is the perfect moon for reassessing your goals and ideals and working to overcome any obstacles that have kept you from realizing your dreams.

This moon is known as the Planter's Moon which is pretty self-explanatory, given that it's now the time of year when we plant our crops and flowers for the coming season. In this same vein, it is also called the Flower Moon, the Growing Moon and the Seed Moon. The Choctaw Indians called it the Wildcat Moon and the Dakota Sioux referred to the April moon as the Moon When Geese Return in Scattered Formation. It's neo-pagan name is the Awakening Moon.

Harness the power of tomorrow night's energy and work some amazing magick!

Full Worm Moon

Tonight's full moon is called the Full Worm Moon because this is the time of year when the ground begins to soften and thaw after the long frozen winter and earthworms begin to reappear, providing food for the recently returned robins. This moon is also known as the Full Sap Moon as this is the time when the sap begins to flow and the annual tapping of maple trees begins.

This full moon is in Libra, and as such we'll find ourselves working on our relationships, embracing love and acceptance and becoming aware of our own needs within the relationships in our lives. Libra is the sign of love, balance and acceptance.

Other names for this moon are the Full Fish Moon, the Sleepy Moon, the Chaste Moon, and the Moon of Winds. Various Native American tribal names for it are the Full Windy Moon, the Big Famine Moon, and from the Dakota Sioux, the Moon When Eyes Are Sore From Bright Snow. Its neo-pagan name is the rather ominously named Death Moon.

Full Snow Moon

Today's full moon is known as the Full Snow Moon or the Full Hunger Moon, both for rather obvious reasons given that it falls in the month of February! This moon is in Virgo, and that will enable us to make order out of the chaos inevitable in our lives, thus allowing us to simplify our daily routines. Organization is key, as is the feeling of wanting to heal and to find a higher purpose for our existence. With this moon our sense of compassion for the well-being of others and for the desire to deepen our sense of spirituality will be paramount.

As do all the full moons, this one has many different names. The Micmac tribe of Eastern Canada called this the Snow-blinding moon, while the Kutenai tribe of the Northwest referred to it as the Black Bear Moon. In Colonial America it was known as the Trapper's Moon. The Native American Tribes of the United States called it, variously, the Full Bony Moon, the Moon of the Raccoon, the Moon When Trees Pop, and once again referring to the difficulty in finding food at this time of year, the Full Famine Moon. Old English and Celtic peoples named this moon the Storm Moon and the Moon of Ice respectively.

This is a time to not only think of others and to nurture the inner you, but to embrace your creativity and freedom of expression. Go with it all, and feel your heart and soul expand exponentially! This is a truly beautiful moon that begs for all to embrace and utilize the incredible power she has to offer.

Full Wolf Moon

Today is the Full Wolf Moon, so named by our Native American forebears for the wolves that howled beneath the moonlight on these cold, bright winter nights. And tonight will be the brightest of all the full moon nights for the whole year yet to come, for tonight's moon is going to be 14% wider and 30% brighter than all the lesser moons of 2010. This is because the moon is in perigee, which is when the moon is physically closest in its orbit to us here on earth, and when that coincides with a full moon it gives the impression of being far bigger and brighter to the naked eye. Not only does this cause higher tides in our oceans, but tides within the earth's crust as well, thus shaking up our energy fields a bit.

Tonight's moon is also known as the Winter Moon, the Quiet Moon, and in China it's called the Holiday Moon for Lunar New Year. Native American tribes had several different names for it, such as the Cold Moon, the Cooking Moon, and the especially unpleasant Moon of the Terrible. Its neo-pagan name is the Ice Moon, which is more than apt in many locations right now.

Like last month's rare Blue Moon, tonight's moon is powerful and special (Mars will also be visible just to the left of her) making this a wonderful time to both honor the Goddess and draw potent energy from this moon for whatever ritual you may have planned.

Full Cold Moon

Today is the Full Cold Moon, so named by the Native American tribes of the northern and northeastern lands for the biting cold that begins this month. Another Indian name for this moon is the Long Nights Moon (which is also its neo-pagan name as well). Some other names for today's moon are the Christmas Moon, the Bitter Moon, Snow Moon, Oak Moon and rather inexplicably given this time of year, the Peach Moon.

Given that today's moon is in Gemini, which is the sign of communication, take a moment to tell those around you how much you love and value them. Have a tender talk with someone you care about. Listen and learn and feel the peace, light and love of this Yule season. And in case this season wasn't special enough, keep in mind that on December 31 we will be blessed with a rare Blue Moon whose powers will be felt intensely by all.

Blessed Be.

Full Beaver Moon

Today is the Full Beaver Moon, so named because this was the moon that the Native Americans in the northern part of the country used to tell them when it was time to place the last beaver traps before the swamps froze for the winter. Another traditional Native American name for this moon is the Full Frost Moon, obviously named for the thin coating of frost seen on most mornings at this time of year. More specifically from a tribal perspective, the Choctaw referred to this moon as the Sassafras Moon, the Cherokee called it the Trading Moon and the Dakota Sioux called this (and this is by far the most descriptive name) the Moon When Horns are Broken Off. The English Medieval and Celtic names for this moon are the Snow Moon and Dark Moon, respectively. The Chinese referred to it as the White Moon. And lastly the neo-pagans call this the Tree Moon.

Personally, I think it should be called the Moon With More Names Than Any Other Moon of the Year.

Full Harvest Moon

Tonight's moon, that which falls closest to Mabon and the autumnal equinox, was named as such because it's frequently bright enough to work by, thus allowing farmers to continue their harvesting even after the sun goes down. Crops now ready for gathering are the last corn of the season, squashes and wild rice (which I have to admit I'm not such a big fan of!).

Due to the seasonal tilt of the earth at this time of year, the Harvest Moon often looks more colorful and unique than any other full moon during the year. I love to look up and see my beloved moon sporting shades of golden red or orange. Not only is it beautiful to look at on its own, but it's in perfect keeping with all the colors the earth is wearing at this time of year and to me it lends an even more fall feel to this season.

Sometimes this moon is known as the Hunter's Moon, but that isn't completely accurate. The Harvest Moon is always the moon closest to the equinox, but only up until October 13 and no later. If the full moon falls later than that, it's then called the Full Hunter's Moon, which is always the moon after the Harvest Moon. Today's moon is also known as the Kindly Moon, the Blackberry Moon, and courtesy of the Sioux Nation, The Moon When Quilling and Beading is Done. The neo-pagan name for this moon is the Blood Moon.

If you're out tonight Drawing Down the Moon or even just taking a moment to enjoy the crisp night air, be sure to first bathe yourself in the beauty of autumn's splendor above your head and enjoy one of the most beautiful moon's of the lunar year.

Peace.

Full Corn Moon

Today is the first full moon of just a handful of my favorite moons of the year. While it technically isn't autumn yet, with the cooler night air and the change of season imminent, the moon is taking on that lovely fall look I adore so much. Its size and color are different from any other time of the year and I simply adore the way it looks in the fall.

Tonight's moon is known as the Full Corn Moon or the Barley Moon, the Fruit Moon (courtesy of it being apple picking season), the Nut Moon, and the Mulberry Moon. The Native American name for this moon is the Harvest Moon, although the English gave that name to October's moon as it falls closer to the actual harvest. The Harvest Moon is also the neo-pagan name for tonight's moon. My personal favorite would have to be the Singing Moon, the Celtic name for September's moon.

If you hold a moonstone in your mouth at the full moon it will reveal the future, but keep in mind that it's unlucky to look at any moon over your shoulder.

Full Sturgeon Moon

Today is the full moon (again!) and this one, as are all the moons, is known by many names depending on who bestowed its name on it. The fishing tribes named this moon the Full Sturgeon Moon as it's at this time of year that this fish is in great abundance, especially in the Great Lakes region. It is also known as the Full Red Moon because of the reddish hue the moon appears to have as it rises in the evening, due to haze caused by the heat and humidity this time of year. The Green Corn Moon, the Corn Moon, the Thunder Moon, the Black Cherries Moon and the Grain Moon are more names this moon is known by. My absolute favorite name for this month's moon is the Geese Shed Feathers Moon. How cute is that? The neo-pagan name for August's full moon is the Lightning Moon.

Tonight there is a penumbral eclipse of the moon which will be visible in both eastern and central North America. The moon will enter penumbra at 7:01 PM EDT and will leave it at 10:17 PM EDT.

Full Blackberry Moon

Today is the Full Blackberry Moon, the name I personally prefer to some of the other names this moon goes by, as I adore the process of wandering among fruit bushes both in the wild and those cultivated on berry farms. There is nothing quite so musical as the sound of those first few berries hitting the bottom of the empty little metal bucket. In my family, we call it "the sound of berry rain."

Today's moon is also known as the Full Buck Moon, as this is the time of the year when bucks begin to grow antlers, and the neo-pagan name for this moon is the Hay Moon.

Today also brings a penumbral eclipse of the moon, though I doubt that I'll be able to see it as it's dark and cloudy here with thundershowers and it isn't supposed to clear for several days. It will be visible on the west coast and in the central US, as well as Alaska and Hawaii in the early evening and here on the east coast as the moon sets for those lucky enough to have clear weather and good visibility.

Full Strawberry Moon

Today is the Full Strawberry Moon, a name used by all the Algonquin tribes, and so (obviously) named because June is the month when strawberries are ripe for picking. The Lakota called this moon the Drying Up Moon as June is the month of the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year, and when it first begins to get hotter, thus drying up any residual spring flooding. In Europe it is known among their indigenous peoples as the Rose Moon and many tribes refer to it as the Hot Moon because it heralds the summer season and the hot days ahead. It's neo-pagan name is the Mead Moon.

Even though this is the Strawberry Moon, now is a great time to plant any berry bushes, such as raspberries or blueberries. I saw some lovely ones this afternoon, lush with soon-to-be ripened berries and I contemplated buying a few, but alas I have no place to put them (I guess I'll have to be satisfied with picking them at the small, local farm we've been picking them at for years now). By the next full moon, or shortly thereafter, these fruits will be ready for the picking, just as the days grow hotter and the coolness of tart and juicy fruits would be a welcome snack.

What better way to honor the moon and the Goddess than to plant a fruit-bearing plant on the day of the first full moon that symbolically heralds the season of growth and abundance?