As spring unfurls across the Northern Hemisphere, April brings a full Moon known as the Pink Moon. This lunar event is steeped in history and folklore, with many cultures assigning special significance to it. Whether you’re an astronomy enthusiast or simply appreciate the beauty of the natural world, the Pink Moon is a sight to behold. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at April’s full moon, exploring its origins, significance, symbolism, folklore and how you can best experience and honor it.
When Will we see April's Full Moon?
April’s full moon is unique in that it marks the first full moon of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. As the weather warms and flowers begin to bloom, the Pink Moon serves as a celestial reminder that the earth is coming back to life after a long winter. In 2023, the Pink Moon reaches peak illumination at 12:37 A.M. Eastern Time on Thursday, April 6, which means it will be at its brightest on the night of April 5 in more westerly time zones, and will be illuminating the night sky with a golden glow.
April’s full Moon this year is also known as the Paschal full Moon. To see it at its biggest and brightest, find an open area and watch as the Moon rises just above the horizon, at which point it will appear golden! Whether you’re a seasoned moon watcher or simply enjoy the beauty of the natural world, the Pink Moon is a sight to behold and a reminder of the ever-changing cycles of life.
What is a Paschal Full Moon
The Paschal Full Moon is the first full moon that occurs on or after the vernal equinox, and it is used to determine the date of Easter in the Christian calendar.
What is a Full Moon?
When the Moon is full, we see it as a complete circle in the sky. This is because the whole of the side of the Moon facing the Earth is lit up by the Sun’s rays. The Moon produces no visible light of its own, so we can only see the parts of the Moon that are lit up by other objects. A small amount of light comes from distant stars and the reflection of light from the Earth (known as ‘Earthshine’). However, the main source of light for the Moon is the Sun.
Full Moon Energy
Ancient peoples used the Full Moon and the Lunar calendar to track the seasons. They named each Full Moon for an entire month, not just for the night of its fullest phase. Each Full Moon has its own energy, and this energy is magnified during a Full Moon. The Full Moon does not just affect us humans; it also affects animals and the Earth itself. A Full Moon causes bigger ocean tides and even extreme meteorological conditions.
Full moon – Two weeks after the new moon, it becomes wholly illuminated by the sun. Hence, we have a full moon, and its orbit is halfway completed.
How do I harness its energy? — During a Full Moon, our emotions are amplified and dreams are intensified. For some people, it is a time of balanced energies. The light of the full moon illuminates our world, allowing us to see the situations in our lives and in our relationships with other people more clearly. It allows us to see things we have ignored or repressed, but also allows us to let go of things or people we have outgrown. Full Moons are a good time to start a new ritual or project.
Why is it Named the Pink Moon?
April’s Full Moon is called the Pink Moon because it coincides with the blooming of pink phlox flowers in North America. This moon can also be called the Sprouting Grass Moon, Egg Moon, or Fish Moon, as it marks the time when fish begin to swim upstream to spawn, and when new plants begin to sprout.
The name “Egg Moon” is related to Easter, which often takes place around the same time as the Pink Moon. In some Native American cultures, it is called the Wind Moon, as April marks the beginning of the windy season. The Pink Moon is a symbol of renewal, growth, and fertility, and is celebrated in many cultures around the world.
If you’re looking to learn more about the moons of the year, their names, and their meaning, here are a few articles to get you going:
- March’s Full Moon: Celebrating a Full Worm Moon
- The 12 Full Moons: Their Names, Meaning, and Magical Influence
- All About The Full Wolf Moon: The First of the Year’s 13 Moons
- Exploring February’s Full Moon: A Night Under a Glowing Snow Moon
- Living By The Moon for Amazing Benefits and Nature Connection
- 6 Full Moon Rituals to Restore Your Sacred Femininity and Connect with Nature
Is April's Full Moon Actually Pink?
Sadly, no, the “pink moon” doesn’t actually look pink. It’s the nickname of the full moon that occurs every April and is named after the pink phlox springtime flower.
Spiritual Significance of April's Full Moon
In terms of spiritual significance, April’s full moon is often associated with rebirth, renewal, and growth. It represents a time of new beginnings, as the earth awakens from its winter slumber and new life begins to emerge.
In many spiritual traditions, the full moon is considered a powerful time for meditation, reflection, and setting intentions. During April’s full Moon, some people may focus their intentions on letting go of old patterns or habits that no longer serve them, and cultivating new practices and beliefs that align with their highest self.
Additionally, the April’s full moon is frequently seen as a reminder of the interconnectedness of all things, and a time to honor and celebrate the beauty and abundance of the natural world around us.
The Folklore of the Pink Moon
In some Native American traditions, the Pink Moon is associated with the arrival of spring and the start of the planting season. It is said to be a time of fertility, growth, and abundance.
According to some European folklore, April’s full moon is a time of transformation and metamorphosis. It is said that during this time, witches, and other magical creatures are able to shape-shift and take on new forms.
In some cultures, the Pink Moon is associated with love and romance. It is said that couples who gaze upon the full moon together will have a long and happy relationship.
Some legends say that the Pink Moon is a time of heightened intuition and psychic ability. It is believed that during this time, people are more attuned to their spiritual side and may experience vivid dreams or visions.
Finally, some believe that the Pink Moon has a connection to the divine feminine. It is seen as a time to honor and celebrate the power and wisdom of women, and to connect with the nurturing and creative energy of the universe. To explore more on this theme, read: Sacred Moon Tea Recipe: Celebrate the Divine Feminine and the Realization of Desires.
Full Moon Calendar 2023
January 6, 2023 (The Full Wolf Moon)
The January 2023 Full Moon will be on Friday, January 6, 2023 at 6:08 PM EST or 11:08 PM UTC. The January Full Moon will be the full moon in Cancer.
February 5, 2023 (Full Snow Moon)
The February 2023 Full Moon will be on Sunday, February 5, 2023 at 1:29 PM EST or 6:29 PM UTC. The February Full Moon will be the full moon in Leo.
March 7, 2023 (Full Worm Moon)
The March 2023 Full Moon will be on Tuesday, March 7, 2023 at 7:40 AM EST or 12:40 PM UTC. This will be the last full moon of the Winter 2023 season, and occurs before the spring equinox 2023. The March Full Moon will be the full moon in Virgo.
April 6, 2023 (Full Pink Moon)
The April 2023 Full Moon will be on Thursday, April 6, 2023 at 12:34 AM EDT or 5:34 AM UTC. This will be the first full moon of the Spring 2023 season and the first full moon after the spring equinox 2023. The April’s Full Moon will be the full moon in Libra.
May 5, 2023 (Full Flower Moon)
The May 2023 Full Moon will be on Friday, May 5, 2023 at 1:34 PM EDT or 6:34 PM UTC. It will be the second full moon of the Spring 2023 season and the second full moon after the spring equinox. The May Full Moon will be the full moon in Scorpio.
June 3, 2023 (Full Strawberry Moon)
The June 2023 Full Moon will be on June 3, 2023 at 11:42 PM EDT or June 4, 2023 at 4:42 AM UTC. This will be the third full moon of the Spring 2023 season, as it occurs about two weeks before the Summer Solstice. The June Full Moon will be the full moon in Sagittarius.
July 3, 2023 (Full Buck Moon)
The July 2023 Full Moon will be on Monday, July 3, 2023 at 7:39 AM EDT or 12:39 PM UTC. This will be the first full moon of the Summer 2023 season, as the first full moon after the Summer Solstice. The July Full Moon will be the full moon in Capricorn.
August 1, 2023 (Full Sturgeon Moon)
The August 2023 Full Moon will be on Tuesday, August 1, 2023 at 2:31 PM EDT or 7:31 PM UTC. This will be the second full moon of the Summer 2023 season, and the second full moon after the Summer Solstice. It will be one of two supermoons in 2023. The first August Full Moon will be the full moon in Aquarius.
August 30, 2023 (Full Blue Moon)
There will be a full blue moon in August 2023 on Wednesday, August 30, 2023 at 9:35 PM EDT or August 31, 2023 at 2:35 AM UTC. This will be the third and last full moon of the Summer 2023 season. It will be the second of two supermoons in 2023. The second August Full Moon will be the full moon in Pisces.
This moon is called a full blue moon because it’s the second full moon in a calendar month. It could also be referred to as a super blue moon because it is the second August Full Moon will also be a supermoon.
September 29, 2023 (Full Harvest Moon)
The September 2023 Full Moon will be on Friday, September 29, 2023 at 5:57 AM EDT or 10:57 AM UTC. This will be the first full moon of the Autumn 2023 season. The September Full Moon will be the full moon in Aries.
October 28, 2023 (Full Hunter’s Moon)
The October 2023 Full Moon will be on Saturday, October 28, 2023 at 4:24 PM EDT or 9:24 PM UTC. It will be the second full moon of the Autumn 2023 season. It is the second full moon after the Autumnal Equinox. The October Full Moon will be the full moon in Taurus.
November 27, 2023 (Full Beaver Moon)
The November 2023 Full Moon will be on Monday, November 27, 2023 at 4:16 AM EST or 9:16 AM UTC. It will be the third full moon of the Autumn 2023 season. The November Full Moon will be the full moon in Gemini.
December 26, 2023 (Full Cold Moon)
The December 2023 Full Moon will be on Tuesday, December 26, 2023 at 7:33 PM EST or December 27, 2023 at12:33 AM UTC. It will be the first full moon of the Winter 2023-2024 season and the first full moon after the Winter Solstice. The December Full Moon will be the full moon in Cancer.
Ways to Honor April's Full Moon
Meditate under the full moon: Find a quiet spot outside where you can sit and soak in the moon’s energy. Take some deep breaths and let your mind quiet down, focusing on the moon and its beauty.
Create an altar: Set up a special altar with items that represent the Pink Moon, such as pink flowers, crystals, or candles. Use this space for meditation or reflection.
Practice gratitude: Take some time to reflect on all the things you are grateful for in your life. Write them down or say them out loud, expressing your appreciation for the abundance that surrounds you.
Perform a ritual: Create a special ritual to honor the Pink Moon, such as lighting candles, burning incense, or performing a symbolic gesture that represents letting go of the old and embracing the new.
Connect with nature: Spend time outdoors and connect with the natural world around you. Take a walk in a park, hike in the woods, or simply sit and watch the stars.
Cleanse your space: Use sage or other cleansing herbs to clear negative energy from your home or workspace. This can help create a fresh start and prepare for new growth and abundance.
Work with crystals: Use crystals that are associated with the Pink Moon, such as rose quartz or moonstone. Meditate with them, carry them with you, or place them on your altar.
Perform a releasing ceremony: Write down any negative thoughts, emotions, or habits that you want to let go of, and burn the paper as a symbol of release and transformation.
Connect with others: Spend time with friends or loved ones, sharing your gratitude and celebrating the Pink Moon together.
Set intentions: Write down your goals and intentions for the coming months, focusing on growth, abundance, and positive change. Keep them in a visible place and refer to them often as a reminder of your vision.
A Ritual to Honor April’s Full Moon
One beautiful ritual that honors nature and celebrates April’s full moon and the start of Spring is creating a flower mandala. A mandala is a circular design that is frequently used as a symbol of wholeness and balance, and creating one with flowers is a way to honor the beauty and abundance of nature.
Materials needed:
- A large piece of flat ground (such as a lawn or park)
- Flower petals, leaves, or other natural materials (such as twigs, rocks, or shells)
- Optional: crystals, candles, or other items that represent the Pink Moon or Spring
Steps:
Find a flat area of ground where you can create your mandala. If possible, choose a spot that is surrounded by trees or other natural elements.
Collect flowers, petals, and other natural materials, selecting colors that represent the Pink Moon and Spring (such as pink, white, yellow, and green).
Start by creating a circle on the ground with flowers or other materials. This will be the base of your mandala.
Begin to build your mandala by placing flowers and other materials in a symmetrical pattern around the circle. You can create patterns or designs that are meaningful to you, or simply let your creativity guide you.
As you build your mandala, take time to connect with the energy of nature and the Pink Moon. Set intentions for the coming months, focusing on growth, abundance, and positive change.
When you’re finished, step back and admire your creation. You can sit or meditate in the center of the mandala, allowing its energy to surround and support you.
When you’re ready, you can take pictures or simply leave the mandala as an offering to nature. If you choose to leave it, make sure to respect the environment and clean up any debris before you leave.
This ritual is a beautiful way to connect with the energy of April’s full moon and the natural world, and to honor the start of Spring and the abundance of new growth and renewal.
Get the Free 2023 Lunar Calendar
IN CONCLUSION
I hope you enjoyed learning some meaning, folklore, and history surrounding April’s full moon. Keep in mind that there are many other full moons throughout the year, each one with its own unique history, meaning, and folklore.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
