January – Wolf Moon
This full Moon appeared when wolves howled in hunger outside the villages. It is also known as the Old Moon. To some Native American tribes, this was the Snow Moon, but most applied that name to the next full Moon, in February.
Wednesday, January 15, 11:53 pm
February – Snow Moon
Usually the heaviest snows fall in February. Hunting becomes very difficult, and hence to some Native American tribes this was the Hunger Moon.
Friday, February 14, 6:54 pm
March – Worm Moon
At the time of this spring Moon, the ground begins to soften and earthworm casts reappear, inviting the return of robins. This is also known as the Sap Moon, as it marks the time when maple sap begins to flow and the annual tapping of maple trees begins.
Sunday, March 16, 1:10 pm
April – Pink Moon
This full Moon heralded the appearance of the grass pink, or wild ground phlox—one of the first spring flowers. It is also known as the Sprouting Grass Moon, the Egg Moon, and the Fish Moon.
Tuesday, April 15, 3:45 am
May – Flower Moon
Flowers spring forth in abundance this month. Some Algonquin tribes knew this full Moon as the Corn Planting Moon or the Milk Moon.
Wednesday, May 14, 3:18 pm
June – Strawberry Moon
The Algonquin tribes knew this Moon as a time to gather ripening strawberries. It is also known as the Rose Moon and the Hot Moon.
Friday, June 13, 12:13 am
July – Buck Moon
Bucks begin to grow new antlers at this time. This full Moon was also known as the Thunder Moon, because thunderstorms are so frequent during this month.
Saturday, July 12, 7:26 am
August – Sturgeon Moon
Some Native American tribes knew that the sturgeon of the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain were most readily caught during this full Moon. Others called it the Green Corn Moon or the Grain Moon.
Sunday, August 10, 2:10 pm
September – Harvest Moon
The Harvest Moon is the full Moon nearest the autumnal equinox and is bright enough to allow finishing all the harvest chores.
Monday, September 8, 9:38 pm
October – Hunter’s Moon
This was the time to hunt in preparation for winter. This full Moon is also called the Travel Moon and the Dying Grass Moon.
Wednesday, October 8, 6:50 am
November – Beaver Moon
For both the colonists and the Algonquin tribes, this was the time to set beaver traps before the swamps froze, to ensure a supply of warm winter furs. This full Moon was also called the Frost Moon.
Thursday, November 6, 5:22 pm
December – Cold Moon
This is the month when the winter cold fastens its grip and the nights become long and dark. This full Moon is also called the Long Nights Moon by some Native American tribes.
Saturday, December 6, 7:27 am
A blue moon is an extra full moon in a month. Metaphorically, a “blue moon” is a rare event, as in the expression “once in a blue moon.” The phrase has nothing to do with the actual color of the moon, although a literal “blue moon” (the moon appearing with a tinge of blue) may occur in certain atmospheric conditions; e.g., when there are volcanic eruptions or when exceptionally large fires leave particles in the atmosphere. There are no blue moons in 2014.
For a calendar of moon phases and sunrise/sunset times, visit:
http://www.sunrisesunset.com/USA/Virginia.asp
We are a community volunteer based non-profit organization supporting the Rockfish River trails, Rockfish Valley Foundation Natural History Center, Nelson Scenic Loop, and Spruce Creek Park. Your donations allow us to grow and serve the community. Thank you.
