The names corresponding to the 13 Lunar Year Full Moons are what I have come to call them. I give credit to all those before me for figuring out what seems to work and for passing it on to me. They can be called by many other names in respect to your particular path or tradition. (more moon information)

In the US, the late July / early August full moon is more commonly known by the name of the Full Buck Moon. It's name has come about from American Indians for the time of year when buck deer begin to grow their velvety hair-covered new antlers. Some other names for the July full moon would be the Thunder Moon (for frequent thunderstorms), or the Hay Moon (first cuttings of hay crops can be made).

For myself, I prefer the name of Mystery Moon - A Sacred Time. For those who follow the path of the Wheel of the Year, in July, the seasonal transition in our natural world from life and growth to decline and death begins. Because the world is renewed each spring with a return of life out of the apparent death of winter, this moon calls to mind the mystery of the endless renewal that transcends even death. Early crops begin to be harvested, most varieties of flowers have matured and show off their petaled hats, and everything seems to slow down from the heat of hot, sunny days. To me, life seems to have almost stopped to take a breath and sit a spell before all the business of fall harvesting and making winter stores begins.

ASSOCIATED GEMS:

Ruby, Pearl, Moonstone, or Botswana Agate