This is the month to give thanks. Not only to the Great Spirit, but to yourself too. According to The Old Farmer’s Almanac, the name “Full Sturgeon Moon” was given to this month’s moon by Native American tribes of the Great Lakes region. In this area of the country, they were hunters and fishermen, and they knew that Sturgeon fish were most easily caught at this time of year.
Different tribes had different Moon name preferences. Other examples for August are: “Wheat Cut Moon” (San Ildefonso, and San Juan), or “Moon When All Things Ripen” (Dakotah Sioux) or “Blueberry Moon” (Ojibway) & the “Full Green Corn Moon”. Since every Full moon is different you can view a list of all the Full Moon names and their meanings as well as see the Full Moon Dates chart .
The Old Farmer’s Almanac teamed up with Slooh again for a 30-minute broadcast to explore the depths of our latest monthly visitor, the “Full Sturgeon Moon.” Astronomy editor for The Old Farmer’s Almanac, Bob Berman, discussed what causes the Full Moon, point out some of its interesting features, and preview the upcoming series of Supermoons which start their arrival this fall. Janice Stillman, editor of The Old Farmer’s Almanac, shared some of the legend and folklore surrounding this Moon, which you can watch here.
Almost every full moon comes with Folklore passed down over time:
- Clothes washed for the first time in the full Moon will not last long.
- If you glimpse the new Moon over your right shoulder, you will have good luck. - To have a project prosper, start it during the new Moon.
- Babies born a day after the full Moon enjoy success and endurance.
Many people also partake in a Full Moon Cleansing or release which allows you to take one solid step, with a symbolic action. It can be a powerful time to release, cast out, unburden yourself, purge, etc. You celebrate your emergence by stepping out of an old skin, identity, behavior, attitude, relationship. A full moon cleansing ritual helps you by marking this inner transformation in a formal way.
Full Moon Release
Items you’ll need: Floating candles, a large bowl, water, matches, Your Beaded Aura Mala or piece, a pen & paper.
Cleanse your sacred area with an opening prayer with your Beaded Aura Mala or Piece, a sage smudging, and/or by burning some incense.
Place the large bowl in front of you, or in the middle of your gathering on a table.
Light one or more candles inside the bowl. Look to the skies. Breathe in the night air.
Write down on separate slips of paper the things you want to release or change.
One by one, read out loud the words you have written on each slip of paper ( If these things are too personal to read out loud in a group setting, read them silently to yourself. Just remember… our words have power. Set your intention to release.
As you place the paper into the bowl, declare what you’re releasing. (If you have a campsite barbecue or bonfire going that’s cool, just toss the slips of paper into the fire one by one.
Allow yourself to feel the transfer of what you’re releasing to the candle. Also allow the candle to keep burning in the bowl as a symbol of the letting go process. The flame is a purifier, and symbolizes the sparks of inspiration as well.
Above all, give yourself kudos for honoring your own growth. Celebrate this release by sharing a feast under the full Moon!
