The full moon on May 23rd is known as the flower moon because it aligns with the blooming of many flowers during this time of year. The flower moon, also called the budding and seed moon, represents different aspects of nature and seasonal spring-related activities. As spring reaches its zenith, nature adorns itself with a vibrant palette. And thereby paints landscapes with hues of pink, purple, and white. The celestial event symbolizes fertility, growth and the promise of new beginnings.

For some perspective, you can take a look back in history as to how the naming of the different full moons came to be used. Early Native Americans did not record time by using the months of the Julian or Gregorian calendar but they kept track of time by observing the seasons and lunar months. For some tribes, the year contained 4 seasons and started at a certain season, such as spring or fall. Others counted 5 seasons to a year. Some tribes defined a year as 12 Moons, while others assigned it 13. Certain tribes that used the lunar calendar added an extra Moon every few years, to keep it in sync with the seasons.

Each tribe that did name the full Moons (and/or lunar months) had its own naming preferences. Some would use 12 names for the year while others might use 5, 6, or 7; also, certain names might change the next year. A full Moon name used by one tribe might differ from one used by another tribe for the same time period, or be the same name but represent a different time period. The name itself was often a description relating to a particular activity/event that usually occurred during that time in their location.

Colonial Americans co-opted some of the Native American full Moon names and applied them to their own calendar system (primarily Julian, and later, Gregorian). This is how these full moon names came to be used by non-Native communities and while these names are commonly referenced in sources like the Old Farmer’s Almanac it is always important to bring understanding as to the true originating source of these names and credit to the cultures who have brought this knowledge of the energies of the seasons and the moons to the world. Many cultures other than tribes of North America also have their own names for full moons however the ones that are most commonly used here in the US are those of North American Native tribal origin.

Across cultures, the Full Flower Moon holds diverse significance. In Native American tradition, it is associated with the time for planting corn. Which symbolizes the renewal of life and the cycle of growth. Meanwhile, in European folklore, the moon’s arrival marks the celebration of Beltane. A festival heralding the start of summer and honoring the fertility of the land.

In support of this season for energetic healing we are offering a flower full moon meditation sound bath meditation on May 23rd. This sound bath meditation will be focused on celebrating fertility, rebirth, and the cycles of life. The session will open with a calming Full Moon musical journey from the artist Ajeet and then we will further expand the healing space with the addition of the alto flute to assist in your sound healing with a selection from the artist Sherry Finzer. The session will close with a shamanic sound healing selection composed by Aluna to engage the listener in a sonic sanctuary that offers frequencies and vibrations for attunement and realignment with nature and Mother Earth and to serve as a catalyst and trigger for transformation, activation, and release.