The 12 Pagan Moons

Over the ages, the twelve lunar cycles of the year were given their
own titles by the pagan religions. Here is a breakdown of what
these moons still signify to this day.
The Cold Moon is the first lunar cycle after midwinter and usually
occurs in January. It corresponds to the Rowan moon from Celtic
traditions and its main theme is introspection. The Cold Moon was
named so because it occurs when the weather is cold and long nights
of darkness. For many people it meant a life lived indoors and
warmed only by fire. Psychologically it symbolizes the fermentation
of new ideas in the subconscious, fertilized by dreams and the
tears that are the result of lessons learned.
The second lunar cycle, usually occurring in February is called the
Quickening Moon. It symbolizes sleep, dormancy and healing. It
causes us to look deep inside of us to find the source of what is
holding us back in life. It is also a time of reassessment and the
subtle but solid reorganization of psychic and life forces so that
when we do awake from winter's sleep we awake to pursue our
greatest potential.
The Storm Moon is the third lunar cycle and is named after the
storms that usually take place in March. This moon rules matters of
survival, protection of property, pets, children and keeping food
on the table. It is a practical moon that most favors the gathering
of resources and the discarding of that in life which no longer
works for you. It can also symbolize a psychological crisis that
must take place before one can heal and an emotional clearing out
of those things that hold a person back (like bad relationships and
bad jobs.)
The fourth lunar cycle in April is called the Wind Moon after the
way the wind scatters seeds for the spring. This is a moon that is
thought to most likely bring one a mate for colluding with over the
Spring and Summer. It symbolizes the divine union of the young
male and female and favors dating and new partnerships. It also
favors finding a mentor or guidance in busyness.
The fifth lunar cycle occurs in May is called the Flower moon as
this is when plants (and love too) begins to blue. It symbolizes
the reawakening of the earth from its long winter slumber and the
freedom of the mind from the chains of the subconscious. Thoughts
and dreams are easier to put into action. This is also a very
erotic moon that is also good for dating, mating and business
ventures.
The sixth lunar cycle is in June and is called the Strong Sun Moon.
This is because the moon that rises in the eastern sky strongly
reflects the opposing light emanating from the strong western sun.
This is a moon of clarity, intelligence, prosperity and culture. In
myth and lore, this moon is also seen as being metaphorically
pregnant with the fall harvest and is considered very sacred.
During this moon it is a good idea to give thanks for all that you
have.
The seventh lunar cycle in July is also known as the Blessing Moon.
This moon sheds a steady but dimmer light that heralds the arrival
of autumn. It is a time of lushness and maturity. It symbolizes the
power of the female and male when united and the sacred quality of
enduring love. It also symbolizes love for children, pets and
creativity. This is one of the best moons of the year to make a
"wish" list for what you would like to happen in the future.
The Corn Moon, also known as the August moon, is the seventh lunar
cycle of the year and symbolizes the celebration of harvest. It
also symbolizes food in general including bread as the "staff of
life", the cornucopia and full cupboards. It also symbolizes
fertility and sexual rituals that would enable the birth of human
babies in time for next spring. The Corn moon is also one of the
more powerful occult moons and good time to do magic or rituals.
The eighth lunar cycle of September is known as the Harvest Moon or
Wine Moon. In Celtic Lore it was known as the Wine moon as it
heralded the harvesting of grapes to make wine. The Harvest moon is
a time of reaping your rewards and being thankful for what you have
and what you will receive in the future. As it is a wine moon, the
best way to do this might be to give thanks with a toast.
The ninth lunar cycle in October is known as the Blood Moon. It is
named after the act of having to slaughter animals for food for the
winter and also because the moon often has a red or orange cast
during this time of night. In Celtic magic it is known as the Ivy
moon and it is the best time to do "binding magic" or to contact
one's dead ancestors. The moon marks the death of summer and the
Sun God. This is a very female oriented moon that is also thought
to be good for witchcraft and contacting the dead.
The November moon is also known as the Mourning Moon and is the
tenth moon in the solar cycle. The myth behind it is that the
Goddess is mourning the death of the solar god. It is a time of
quiet dignity, silence and contemplation. It is a celebration of
the crone and the elderly female. In some ways this is a very
practical moon that is good for healing and regeneration.
The moon that occurs in December is aptly known as the Long Nights
moon and it is associated with the Winter Solstice - the longest
night and shortest day of the year. People have been observing this
holiday for 12,000 years. It is a time of peace and hope and one of
the optimum days of the idea to practice any type of manifestation
ritual for the New Year.