The Worm Moon – Why is it important?
A “worm moon” is simply one of the many names dedicated to the full moon in March. The name given to the full moons often differs by region & is often known by several names. The full moon in March has also been called the crow moon and sap moon (as it’s during the maple syrup season).
Why is it Called a Worm Moon?
The name ‘worm moon’ is symbolic of one of the signs of spring; that is when the worms start to emerge from the soil.
When to See the Worm Moon in March 2021?
March’s Worm Moon reaches peak illumination at 2:50 P.M. EDT on Sunday, March 28, 2021. Look for the spectacularly bright full Worm Moon as it rises above the horizon that special evening!
Alternative March Moon Names
There are quite some names for the March full Moon that speak to the transition from winter to spring. Some names refer to the appearance (or reappearance) of certain types of animals, like the Eagle Moon, Goose Moon (also known as Algonquin, Cree), or Crow Comes Back Moon (Northern Ojibwe), while other names refer to signs of the certain season:• The Sugar Moon (Ojibwe) marks the particular time of year when the sap of sugar maples begins to flow.• The Wind Strong Moon (Pueblo) refers to the strong and hard windy days that come at this time of year.• The Sore Eyes Moon (also called Dakota, Lakota, Assiniboine) highlights the blinding sun rays of sunlight that reflect off the melting snow of late winter season.
March’s full Worm Moon often plays a key role in religion, too. Specifically, in the Christianity religion, this full Moon isalso called as the Lenten Moon if it is the last full Worm Moon of the whole of winter season (i.e., if it actually occurs before the spring equinox) or as the Paschal Worm Moon if it is the first full Moon of spring season (i.e., if it occurs after spring equinox).
In 2021, March’s full Worm Moon actually occurs after the date of the spring equinox (March 20), so it is also called the Paschal Full Moon.
Why do the Full Moons have Names?
Each full moon during the year has been given a particular name. These certain names may vary by region but often represent extremely similar ideas.
For different cultures, the full worm moon represents the end of a cycle & the start of a new one. It is the progression onto the next particular phase, even the next season of life.
It was most often the individuals who worked the land. The people with the most intimate connection with beautiful nature that offered these particular names for the worm moon. Some moon names give the idea when to harvest & when to hunt.
For many farmers, the phases of the full moon indicate when to plant & when is the perfect time to sow. For example, many farmers practice planting fruits & vegetables that bear their yield above ground on a waxing moon & those farmers that bear their yield underground planted on a waning full moon.
The Worm Moon and You
As discussed earlier, the worm moon is the last moon for the first quarter of the year. This is simply a transitional period. It is definitely a period of new start. It is the first three months of the new year & a time to be clear on your intentions & goals for the whole year ahead.
It’s typically during this time of year we break into spring. What new seeds will you plant in the spring & what harvest do you intend on having in the autumn? This is really the spring of your life – The question is: How will you take full advantage of it?
Journaling Your Thoughts
As we navigate through this beautiful journey, we call life, it is essential to take time for yourself & take a step back to make sure you are on your correct life path. Journaling is a great mechanism for reflection & contemplation.
The full moon repeats about every 29.5 days & journaling during the full moon is not only one of the life long habits to get into, but actually is the perfect time to take stock of where you exist in your life, your challenges, concerns, & problems.