The 13 Indigenous Moons
The concept of the "13 moons" refers to the lunar calendar used by the Indigenous cultures across Turtle Island, which often consists of 13 full moons in a year instead of the 12 months found in the Gregorian calendar.
These lunar calendars are closely tied to the natural world, reflecting changes in the environment, animal behavior, and plant life.
The names and stories of the full moons can vary quite a bit across different tribes and regions, influenced by local climates, landscapes, and cultural priorities.
The spiritual significance of the 13 moons also varies among tribes but universally reflects a deep connection to the changes in the world around us. Each moon is often linked to key lessons or spiritual principles that can guide us and our communities in relationship with nature and each other.
The 13 Moons
1. January – Wolf Moon
Alternate Names: Cold Moon (Cree), Snow Moon (Algonquin), Spirit Moon (Ojibwe)
Meaning: This moon is named after the howling of wolves that can often be heard in the deep winter. Wolves are symbolic of survival and perseverance. The cold, stillness of winter signifies a time for reflection and connection with the spirit world. January is often the harshest time of the year, with food and resources being scarce, much like the wolves who rely on their pack for survival. Spiritually, the Wolf Moon invites people to reflect on their own inner strength and how they can draw upon their community for support. In some cultures, this is also a time for spiritual cleansing, where individuals or communities engage in rituals such as smudging or fasting to cleanse the body and mind. These practices allow for the release of negative energy or emotional burdens accumulated in the previous year, making way for new growth in the coming months.
2. February – Snow Moon
Alternate Names: Hunger Moon (Cherokee), Eagle Moon (Cree), Bear Moon (Ojibwe)
Meaning: Heavy snowfalls and scarcity of food mark this time. Some tribes call it the Hunger Moon due to the difficulty of hunting and gathering during this harsh period. This moon is also associated with hibernation, representing introspection and patience. This moon also represents the endurance of nature itself. While the cold and snow create harsh conditions, life continues beneath the surface. Roots remain alive in the earth, animals hibernate, and seeds wait to sprout when the warmth returns. The Snow Moon teaches that nature, though seemingly dormant, is always working towards renewal. In practical terms, the Snow Moon is a time for preparing for the future. People may focus on making repairs to tools, planning for the planting season, or mending clothing. This period is also a time to continue conserving resources and supporting one another through the harshest part of winter. Cooperation and sharing within the community become essential during this time, as survival depends on working together.
3. March – Worm Moon
Alternate Names: Crow Moon (Sioux), Wind Strong Moon (Pueblo), Sap Moon (Ojibwe)
Meaning: As the ground thaws, earthworms begin to reappear, signaling the return of birds and the coming of spring. This moon represents renewal and preparation for growth. Sap starts to flow in maple trees, and animals begin to emerge from hibernation. This moon is a time for setting intentions and beginning new projects. Just as the worms and insects begin to emerge from the thawing ground, the Worm Moon encourages people to plant the seeds of their hopes, dreams, and plans for the year ahead. It’s a moment of transition, moving from reflection and planning into active creation and movement. The sap rising in the trees mirrors the awakening of life energy in all living beings. Just as the earthworms prepare the soil for new growth, the trees and plants prepare to bud and bloom.
4. April – Frog Moon
Alternate Names: Seed Moon (Algonquin), Flower Moon (Dakota)
Meaning: Named for frogs emerging from hibernation, this is a time of fertility and new beginnings. This moon often marks ceremonies for renewal and planting. Early wildflowers, such as phlox, dandelions, and violets, begin to carpet the ground, providing nourishment for bees and other pollinators. Trees and plants start to bud, and animals that have been in hibernation begin to emerge to forage and mate. In agricultural terms, this is an important time for planting. The ground has thawed, and the days are longer and warmer, making it the perfect moment to sow seeds for crops that will be harvested in the coming months. This moon is also associated with rain, which nourishes the newly planted seeds and helps flowers and crops grow. The April showers that are common during this time serve as a reminder that water, an essential element of life, plays a crucial role in the cycles of growth and renewal.
5. May – Flower Moon
Alternate Names: Planting Moon (Dakota), Budding Moon (Anishinaabe), Milk Moon (Algonquin)
Meaning: Flowers are in full bloom, and the landscape is vibrant with new life. This is the time for planting crops and tending to the earth. The moon also represents nurturing and growth, with communities focusing on agricultural work and preparing for the harvest season ahead. Wildflowers, garden blooms, and vibrant green plants cover the landscape, bringing beauty and fragrance to the environment. May is a time when nature is fully alive, with animals mating and nesting, trees fully leafed, and the air filled with the buzzing of bees and other pollinators. The Flower Moon signals a time of rapid plant growth. Many crops that were planted in earlier months begin to flourish, and farmers and gardeners focus on tending to their plants, ensuring they grow strong and healthy. It’s also a time to plant summer crops like corn, beans, and squash, as the warming weather makes it ideal for these plants to take root.
6. June – Strawberry Moon
Alternate Names: Rose Moon (Cherokee), Hot Moon (Pueblo), Blooming Moon (Anishinaabe)
Meaning: The Strawberry Moon marks the peak of the strawberry harvest, a time of abundance and gathering. This moon is often linked to celebrations of fertility, gratitude, and the start of summer’s warmth. It is a time to harvest the first fruits of the season and celebrate the Earth’s gifts. As the strawberry is a fruit that is delicate and perishable, it symbolizes the fleeting nature of life’s sweetest moments, encouraging people to enjoy the present, cherish what is growing in their lives, and appreciate the beauty and sweetness that surrounds them. This moon also signals a time for nurturing relationships and connections. Just as wild strawberries often grow close to the ground in clusters, the Strawberry Moon represents the importance of community, family, and connection with loved ones. Spiritually, it can be a time for strengthening bonds and celebrating the people who bring joy and love into your life.
7. July – Buck Moon
Alternate Names: Thunder Moon (Cheyenne), Salmon Moon (Haida), Ripe Corn Moon (Cherokee)
Meaning: During this moon, male deer (bucks) begin to grow their new antlers, symbolizing strength and growth. Thunderstorms are common in this month, and in some regions, this moon coincides with salmon returning to spawn. The buck represents power, vitality, and the cycles of life. The Buck Moon is a time to embrace your inner strength and take stock of your achievements. It symbolizes the power of nature in its fullest form, when both plants and animals are thriving in the abundance of summer. This moon is a reminder that just as the bucks are growing into their full power, so too can we grow and flourish when we nurture ourselves and embrace our personal strengths. Additionally, the Buck Moon represents the midpoint of the year, offering a chance for reflection and assessment. It’s a time to consider what has been accomplished so far and what goals are still ahead.
8. August – Sturgeon Moon
Alternate Names: Grain Moon (Cherokee), Red Moon (Anishinaabe), Blackberry Moon (Cree)
Meaning: This moon signifies abundance and the preparation for harvest. Some tribes refer to it as the Red Moon due to the reddish hue it often takes on, signaling the heat of late summer. This is a time to gather food and prepare for the fall. The Sturgeon Moon gets its name from the sturgeon fish, which were historically abundant and easier to catch in August, particularly in the Great Lakes and other large bodies of water. Sturgeon are a symbol of longevity and sustenance, as they are long-living fish that provide significant nourishment. The sturgeon’s importance to Indigenous tribes reflects the deep connection between the cycles of nature and the cycles of human life. August is also a time of agricultural abundance. Many fruits, vegetables, and grains are ripe and ready for harvest. Corn, beans, squash, tomatoes, berries, and grains like barley and wheat reach their peak, providing communities with food that will sustain them in the months to come.
9. September – Corn Moon
Alternate Names: Harvest Moon (Algonquin), Barley Moon (Lakota), Wild Rice Moon (Ojibwe)
Meaning: The Corn Moon marks the time for harvesting staple crops such as corn, beans, and squash. This is a time of gratitude for the harvest and preparing for the colder months. In many cultures, September marks the time of year when crops have reached full maturity and are ready to be harvested. Traditionally, the light of the Harvest Moon allowed farmers to continue working late into the night, taking advantage of the extra illumination to gather crops before frost could damage them. The Harvest Moon is unique because of its timing: it rises almost immediately after sunset for several days in a row, providing a bright, long-lasting light in the evening sky.
10. October – Hunter's Moon
Alternate Names: Blood Moon (Dakota), Falling Leaves Moon (Cherokee), Moon of the Changing Seasons (Cree)
Meaning: The Hunter’s Moon follows the Harvest Moon and is named for the hunting season when game animals are fattened and ready for harvest. It’s also a time for storing provisions for winter. The falling leaves and the crisp air represent the natural transition into the colder months and the preparation for survival. The energy of the Hunter’s Moon encourages self-reliance, resourcefulness, and the importance of thinking ahead. It asks us to examine our lives and consider what we need to carry with us through the winter months and what we can release. Just as animals gather food and hunters prepare for the cold, we too are called to make sure that we have what we need to thrive and endure the challenges that lie ahead. This moon is also a time for honoring cycles of life and death, as it aligns with the season of harvest and the fading of summer’s warmth.
11. November – Beaver Moon
Alternate Names: Frost Moon (Algonquin), Tree Moon (Cheyenne), Whitefish Moon (Ojibwe)
Meaning: This moon signifies the time when beavers build their lodges and prepare for winter, and traditionally, it was when traps were set for beaver pelts. The frost appears in many regions, and the land begins to freeze. This moon represents industriousness, preparation, and hard work to get ready for the cold season. At the same time, the Beaver Moon reminds us to find balance. While hard work and preparation are essential during this time, it’s also important to make space for rest and self-care. As the days grow shorter and the nights longer, there is an invitation to slow down, reflect, and take stock of what has been accomplished. This is a time to go inward, think about what needs to be released before the year ends, and find peace in the quiet stillness of the approaching winter.
12. December – Cold Moon
Alternate Names: Long Night Moon (Mohican), Big Winter Moon (Cheyenne), Little Spirit Moon (Ojibwe)
Meaning: The Cold Moon marks the longest nights of the year and the deep chill of winter. It is a time for reflection, rest, and renewal. Some tribes refer to it as the Long Night Moon due to the long, cold nights that characterize this time of year. It signifies the end of the growing season and the need to look inward. Symbolically, the Cold Moon represents the idea of finding light within the darkness, understanding that winter is not just a time of cold and scarcity, but also of deep inner work and rest. It’s a time for healing, renewal, and spiritual regeneration, where individuals are encouraged to turn inward, seek wisdom, and gather strength for the new cycles that will begin in the spring. The Cold Moon also emphasizes the themes of letting go. Just as the trees have shed their leaves and the earth lies dormant under snow, individuals are invited to release anything that no longer serves their growth—whether that’s old emotional patterns, limiting beliefs, or physical clutter
13. Blue Moon
Alternate Names: The Second Moon in a Month or Season
Meaning: The Blue Moon is an extra moon that occurs every two to three years, which is why we say "once in a blue moon" to describe rare events. This moon is often seen as a special time for reflection, heightened intuition, and spiritual awareness. It provides an opportunity to pause and appreciate the cyclical nature of time and existence. Full moons are traditionally associated with the completion of cycles and manifestation, and the Blue Moon amplifies this energy. It’s seen as an especially powerful time for bringing long-term goals and desires into reality. The heightened energy of the Blue Moon is often associated with intuition, making it a good time for divination, reflection, and deep inner work. Those practicing spiritual rituals may use the Blue Moon to focus on significant life changes, releasing what no longer serves them, and creating space for new growth.
There are two main definitions of a Blue Moon:
Seasonal Blue Moon: This occurs when there are four full moons in a single season (spring, summer, fall, or winter) instead of the usual three. The third full moon in such a season is referred to as the Blue Moon. Each season lasts about three months and typically contains only three full moons, so having four full moons is rare.
Calendar Blue Moon: This more modern definition refers to the second full moon in a single calendar month. A full moon occurs roughly every 29.5 days, so most months only have one. However, occasionally, two full moons occur within the same month. When this happens, the second one is called a Blue Moon.