Ancient Mesopotamian farmers, Celtic druids, Roman philosophers, Aztec priests, and you. No matter where you are in the world, or even in history, we all see the same moon.
The full moon has been important to many cultures throughout history and around the world, and it’s still important to many today. Whether you’re tracking the full moon in 2025 for gardening, stargazing, wellness, or something else, our guide has you covered with everything you need to know — including insights into ancient moon gods, astrology, and ways to celebrate the full moon!
Full moon dates and times in 2025
Here’s the complete lunar calendar 2025 for full moons, including dates, times (GMT/BST), and their traditional names:
January 13, 2025 – Wolf Moon (22:27 GMT)
February 12, 2025 – Snow Moon (13:53 GMT)
March 14, 2025 – Worm Moon (06:55 GMT)
April 13, 2025 – Pink Moon (01:22 BST) — supermoon!
May 12, 2025 – Flower Moon (17:56 BST) — supermoon!
June 11, 2025 – Strawberry Moon (08:44 BST)
July 10, 2025 – Buck Moon (21:37 BST)
August 9, 2025 – Sturgeon Moon (08:55 BST)
September 7, 2025 – Harvest Moon (19:09 BST)
October 7, 2025 – Hunter's Moon (04:48 BST)
November 5, 2025 – Beaver Moon (13:19 GMT)
December 5, 2025 – Cold Moon (23:14 GMT)
Special moons in 2025
Supermoons 2025
Supermoons occur when the moon is at its closest point to Earth in its orbit, and they appear larger and brighter than regular full moons. In astronomical terms, this time when the moon is closest is called the perigee, and as well as making the moon appear larger than normal it also affects the tides!
Although the perigee happens around every 28 days it has to coincide with the moon being full for us to get a supermoon, so they’re pretty rare. In 2025, we’ll see two supermoons: the April Pink Moon and the May Flower Moon.
Blue moons 2025
While the moon can sometimes appear blue due to atmospheric affects, when we say ‘blue moon’ we usually mean the second full moon in a calendar month. This is called an astronomical blue moon and only happens every two to three years, so it really is ‘once in a blue moon’!
The next astronomical blue moon won’t happen until May 31 2026, so unfortunately we’ve got a bit of a wait.
Traditional full moon names
Throughout history, people have named the moons to reflect the changing seasons. Many ancient cultures likely used one name for both the moon and the month, making these some of the earliest calendars. Unfortunately a lot of the early names and origins, especially Celtic, are poorly sourced and vulnerable to misinformation, so always bear that in mind when looking at moon names.
Here are the common names for the moon in use today, as well as some different names used by others:
January – Wolf Moon
Named for the howling wolves of midwinter, this name reflects themes of survival and connection. The name was first recorded in North America but is often attributed to Europe, possibly with a Celtic or Anglo-Saxon origin.
Other names for this moon include Cold Moon (Cree), Hard Moon (Dakota), and Spirit Moon (Ojibwe), Quiet Moon (Celtic), and Moon After Yule (Anglo-Saxon).
February – Snow Moon
This name is attributed to both Native American and Anglo-Saxon traditions, and is often thought to symbolise resilience and endurance. Other names include Storm Moon (Celtic), Hungry Moon (Cherokee), Bear Moon (Ojibwe and Tlingit), Eagle Moon (Cree), and Bone Moon (Cherokee). Depending on the date of Easter, this moon may have been called Lenten Moon in Anglo-Saxon traditions.
March – Worm Moon
This moon symbolises renewal and fertility, and the name is reflects the thawing of the ground and emergence of worms from the earth and tree bark. Anglo-Saxon names for this moon apparently range from Lenten Moon to Egg Moon, depending on the date of Easter, and the Celts may have called it Wind Moon or Plough Moon. Meanwhile, Native American names include Crow Comes Back Moon (Northern Ojibwe), Sore Eyes Moon (Dakota, Lakota, Assiniboine), and Wind Strong Moon (Pueblo).
April – Pink Moon
Named after a North American pink windflower that blooms around this time, this moon symbolises growth and heralds the beginning of spring. These themes are common among its other names, including Breaking Ice Moon (Algonquin), Moon When Ducks Come Back (Lakota), and Budding Moon of Plants and Shrubs (Tlingit), as well as the Celtic Seed Moon and Anglo-Saxon Egg Moon – or Milk Moon if Easter has already passed.
May – Flower Moon
Celebrating the blossoming of flowers in spring, this moon name represents growth and abundance, and is attributed to Algonquin, Ojibwe, and possibly even Anglo-Saxon or Celtic tradition. Other Native American names include Leaf Budding Moon (Cree) and Planting Moon (Dakota, Lakota), while some suggested Anglo-Saxon or Celtic names include Milk Moon, Bright Moon, Hare Moon, Grass Moon, or Mothers’ Moon.
June – Strawberry Moon
Although strawberries as we know them originate in Europe, this name comes from Native American traditions among the Algonquin, Ojibwe, Dakota, and Lakota peoples, and reflects the ripening of berries and abundance of early harvest. The month of the summer solstice, this may have been known to Celts as Mead Moon or Horse Moon, and in Anglo-Saxon tradition as Flower Moon or Hay Moon. Other Native American names include Berries Ripen Moon (Haida), Birth Moon (Tlingit), and Hatching Moon (Cree).
July – Buck Moon
The name of this moon is attributed to Native American tradition and refers to deer growing in their antlers at this time, symbolising strength and renewal. Other names include Herb Moon (Celtic), Hay Moon (Anglo-Saxon), Feather Moulting Moon (Cree), Salmon Moon (Tlingit), Raspberry Moon (Algonquin, Ojibwe), and Thunder Moon (Abenaki).
August – Sturgeon Moon
Named for the large migratory fish in North America’s Great Lakes and rivers, this moon represents prosperity. An Anglo-Saxon name for this moon may have been Grain Moon or Fruit Moon, and other Native American names include Flying Up Moon (Cree), Mountain Shadows Moon (Tlingit), and Ricing Moon (Ashinaabe).
September – Corn Moon or Harvest Moon
The moon in September can have one of two names, depending on how close it is to the autumn equinox. Traditionally the moon closest to the equinox is called the Harvest Moon, following Anglo-Saxon tradition; if that moon falls in October instead, the September moon becomes the Corn Moon. Associated with harvest and winter preparations, this moon is also called Falling leaves Moon (Ojibwe), Child Moon (Tlingit), Mating Moon (Cree), and Wine Moon (Celtic).
October – Hunter’s Moon or Harvest Moon
If the closest moon to the equinox doesn’t fall in October, then this moon is called the Hunter’s Moon – an Anglo-Saxon name. The Anglo-Saxons had another name for this moon, though: Blood Moon. But whether people were hunting animals or slaughtering livestock, this moon reflects the process of fattening up and preserving food for winter. Other names include Drying Rice Moon (Dakota), Freezing Moon (Ojibwe), and Migrating Moon (Cree).
November – Beaver Moon
Similar to the Hunter’s Moon, Beaver Moon’s name refers to the laying of traps before winter. Meanwhile, in Anglo-Saxon tradition this moon could be named Moon Before Yule, and other names include Dark Moon (Celtic), Frost Moon (Cree, Assiniboine), Deer Rutting Moon (Dakota, Lakota), Digging Moon (Tlingit), and Oak Moon (Celtic).
December – Cold Moon
Marking the arrival of winter, the name of this moon has been attributed to the Mohawk people, although some neopagans claim it as part of the Celtic tradition. Other names include Long Night Moon (Mohican), Little Spirit Moon (Anishinaabe), Frost Exploding Trees Moon (Cree), and Moon Before Yule (Old English).
The full moon in the ancient world
We all know Stonehenge aligns with the sun, but ancient cultures were just as interested in the moon. Here’s just a few of the associations with the moon made by ancient cultures:
Time
It’s natural that the moon has long been associated with time, and many calendars in both the ancient world and today follow the lunar cycles. Many moon deities are associated with time: the ibis-headed ancient Egyptian moon god Thoth was believed to be the creator of the 365-day year, Norse moon god Máni was described as ‘year-counter’, and Shinto moon god Tsukuyomi-no-Mikoto’s name means ‘moon/month counting’ in Old Japanese.
Knowledge & wisdom
In many cultures throughout history, the moon as been linked to divine wisdom and learning. Ancient Egyptian moon god Thoth was credited with inventing hieroglyphs and inspiring all discoveries, Hindu moon god Chandra symbolises mental clarity and intuition, and Greek Artemis was associated with both intelligence and the moon.
Life & death
The moon’s phases of waxing and waning mirror themes of birth, death, and rebirth, and we can see this connection in some moon gods too. Moon deities associated with death include Coyolxāuhqui, an Aztec goddess of the moon and sacrifice, as well as Mesopotamian moon god Sin and Egyptian Thoth, who were both involved in judging the dead.
On the other hand, many moon deities are associated with life: Thoth helped the slain god Osiris to be reborn; Khonsu, another Egyptian moon god, created new life in all living creatures; Hindu Chandra and Mesopotamian Sin are connected with plant growth and abundance; and many moon godesses are associated with fertility, from Mayan Ix Chel to Roman Luna.
Feminine energy
One of the moon’s strongest associations throughout history is with the feminine. The Greek and Roman pantheons both saw moon goddess Selene/Luna as the counterpoint to the male sun god Helios/Sol, and in Chinese philosophy the feminine and intuitive Yin energy is associated with the moon, while the masculine and forceful Yang energy is associated with the sun.
Does the full moon affect humans?
The full moon has many effects on the world, strengthening tides, increasing the birth rate of cows, and possibly even making animals more aggressive, and it’s long been believed that it can affect human behaviour too, from sleepwalking to increased murder rates. It’s where we get our word ‘lunatic’ from, after all – but is there any truth to it?
Science says yes – the full moon actually affects our sleep, which can have consequences on our mood and mental health. According to a study from 2021, humans typically go to bed later, take longer to get to sleep, and get less deep sleep during the full moon — and a study in 2022 suggested that men are more affected than women. Then again, there’s been a lot of contradictory evidence about the full moon and sleep, so it’s still a matter of debate in the science world.
Astrological insights for full moons in 2025
When people talk about their zodiac signs, they often mean their sun sign – but the moon moves through the zodiac constellations too. Where sun signs are thought to represent the conscious, active, front-facing parts of your personality, your moon sign is thought to represent your emotional, inner mind – similar to the Yin and Yang associations with the sun and moon.
The moon moves through each zodiac sign through the year, and astrologists believe that the moon’s energy is affected by the sign it’s in. Even if this isn’t something you believe, if you use the full moon as a tool for self-reflection, meditation, and grounding, these monthly themes may be helpful in guiding your thoughts and practice.
Here are the signs and meanings of each full moon in 2025:
January – Cancer: Emotional depth, focus on home and nurturing relationships.
February – Leo: Creativity, self-expression, and confidence.
March – Virgo: Organisation, health, and attention to detail.
April – Libra: Harmony, balance, and partnerships.
May – Scorpio: Intensity, transformation, and emotional release.
June – Sagittarius: Adventure, optimism, and exploration.
July – Capricorn: Structure, discipline, and long-term goals.
August – Aquarius: Innovation, independence, and humanitarian causes.
September – Pisces: Spirituality, intuition, and emotional healing.
October – Aries: Boldness, action, and new beginnings.
November – Taurus: Grounding, stability, and sensuality.
December – Gemini: Communication, adaptability, and curiosity.
How to use full moon energy in 2025
Whether you’re using the full moon for practical, personal, or spiritual reasons, here are some ways you can mark the strongest point in the lunar cycle:
Practice mindfulness. We can all be better at checking in with ourselves every now and again, and the full moon is the perfect time for this. Try journaling, meditating, or practicing self care, and use the full moon as a time to let go of negativity and set intentions for growth.
Create a lunar garden. Many farmers and gardeners plan planting and harvesting by lunar cycles, as it’s believed the phases of the moon can affect moisture levels in soil and promote root growth. Moisture levels are highest at the full moon, so it’s a great time to plant new seeds!
Try a moon bath. Connect with nature and the moon by spending time outdoors under the moonlight. Some people bathe outside or go wild swimming, but you can also use this as an opportunity to stargaze, meditate, or simply enjoy a relaxing experience in the nighttime world without artificial light.
Final thoughts on the 2025 lunar calendar
The full moon means many things to many people, and has been a time of significance and symbolism for thousands of years. From supermoons to seasonal rituals, mindfulness to gardening, these lunar phases can provide inspiration for everyone, whether you’re a casual observer or deeply connected to lunar cycles.
Mark your calendars with 2025’s full moons and prepare to bask in the moonlight as we journey through the year!