When is the next full moon? And what will the next full moon actually signify?
It has been used over and over in various fairytales and movies in the modern world, and ancient myths and legends for even longer, but what exactly does the full moon do?
Past werewolf stories and other magical lore, we wanted to cut to the truth and studies around it, from its effects to what the different phases of the moon mean for us.
There's much more to know than you might think. For example, the moon is very rarely completely full, even if it might look like it. It's only 100% full when the moon, Earth and the sun are perfectly aligned, producing a lunar eclipse. We also always see the same side of the moon, not both sides, due to the way that the moon rotates.
Here's everything you need to know about the full moon, according to astrologists Noura Bourni and Betty Andrews.
When is the next full moon?
The lunar cycle sees the moon go through all of its phases from the New Moon to the Full Moon and back again. It lasts roughly 29.5 days, which means that you can spot the full moon roughly once a month. However, because the lunar cycle is slightly shorter than the average month, the full moon rarely falls on the same date from month to month.
The next full moon is due to appear on 25 January 2024.
What does a full moon mean?
The full moon occurs when the moon and the sun are on opposites sides of the Earth — this causes the sun's light to reflect off of the entire surface of the moon, presenting us with what appears to be a complete sphere.
“The full moon is when it emerges in the night sky fully illuminated and appears as a full circle from the earth’s perspective,” Noura explains.
When is the next super moon?
The next super moon – when the moon appears bigger due its proximity to the Earth – won't hit our skies until later in the year, on 18 September. Another will follow a month later, on 17 October 2024.
2024 full moon calendar
These are all the full moons that will grace our skies this year, plus the elusive Blue Moon. Most were named by the Native Americans after cues made by nature.
- 25 January 2024 (17:54): Wolf Moon
Named because the native Americans would hear wolves howl at night during the cold January nights. - 24 February 2024 (00:30): Snow Moon
A simple moon to name, due to the rate of snowfall this time of year. - 25 March 2024 (07:00): Worm Moon
It indicates the approach of spring, because the amount of earthworms spotted rising out of the soil begin to increase. - 24 April 2024 (00:49): Pink Moon
No, the full moon isn't pink in April–this moon was named due to the beautiful pink flowers that bloom this time of year as spring arrives, including phlox and blossom. - 23 May 2024 (13:53): Flower Moon
Named due to the mass blooming of wildflowers during the month of May – a magical time. - 22 June 2024 (02:08): Strawberry Moon
As the berries began to ripen in North America and Canada, communities were inspired to name June's full moon after them. - 21 July 2024 (11:17): Buck (or Thunder or Hay) Moon
Male deer (known as bucks or stags) shed their antlers, and they begin to regrow them in July, inspiring the naming of the Buck Moon. Others call July's full moon a thunder moon due to the amount of summer storms during that month, or the hay moon after the July hay harvest. - 19 August 2024 (19:26): Sturgeon Moon
A simple one: there's an increased amount of sturgeon (a species of fish) in lakes in northeastern America in August, prompting the full moon that month to be named after this occurrence. - 18 September 2024 (03:34): Harvest Moon
Named due to its proximity to the autumn equinox, and because the light from the full moon aiding farmers harvesting their crops. - 17 October 2024 (12:26): Hunter's Moon
October's full moon indicated the time to begin hunting in preparation for winter. - 15 November 2024 (21:28): Frost Moon or Beaver Moon
Falling around the time of the season's first hard frost, and the time of year during which beavers build their winter dams by moonlight. N'aw. - 15 December 2024 (09:02): Cold Moon
“It’s called the cold moon because in the northern hemisphere we’re either a few weeks away from winter or have just entered it, thus it introduces the coldest months of the year,” Noura says.
2024 full moon calendar
Don't miss a single full moon this year:
- 25 January 2024: Wolf Moon
- 24 February 2024: Snow Moon
- 25 March 2024: Worm Moon
- 24 April 2024: Pink Moon
- 23 May 2024: Flower Moon
- 22 June 2024: Strawberry Moon
- 21 July 2024: Buck Moon
- 19 August 2024: Sturgeon Moon
- 18 September 2024: Harvest Moon
- 17 October 2024: Blood Moon
- 15 November 2024: Frost Moon or Beaver Moon
- 15 December 2024: Cold Moon
What effects can we expect from a full moon?
Quite a lot, actually. It may serve you to make certain changes in line with the full moon.
“On a spiritual level, the full moon is when we close off cycles and see the fruits of the past 15 days come to pass,” Noura says.
"For some this can mean new beginnings, for others this can mean opportunities for closure. The full moon has an inherently feminine aspect to it because it represents the blossoming, creative woman: The Mother, The Nurturer.
"Cutting your hair, for example, during the full moon promises steady growth. Conducting any activity that relates to beauty or spirituality or even creativity during the full moon, usually promises abundance, growth & positive outcomes."
What does the full moon mean to us astrologically?
Astrologers believe that the phases of moon can have an affect on us, changing our moods, energy levels and even our potential for success. Many astrologers attribute the full moon to a time of visibility — both literally and metaphorically. They recommend using the full moon as a chance to reflect on our lives and see things a little more clearly.
“The full moon marks the midpoint of the lunar cycle, which begins with the new moon. It's a time when intentions or projects started during the new moon come to fruition or reach a critical turning point,” Betty tells us. “Just as the moon is fully illuminated by the sun during this phase, metaphorically, the full moon brings to light issues, circumstances, or feelings that might have been hidden or overlooked. It's a period of revelation.”
She adds, “Given its association with culmination, the full moon is also a prime time for letting go. It's an opportunity to release patterns, beliefs, or situations that no longer serve our growth. As the climactic point in the lunar cycle, the full moon is often associated with manifestation. Desires or intentions set during the new moon might manifest or become clearer now.”
What are the moon phases?
“There are four main phases of the moon: The New Moon, First Quarter, Full Moon, and Last Quarter,” Noura says.
Here is what to expect from the moon's four phases:
- The New Moon: "We use it to release and plant new seeds. It relates to the merging of the masculine and feminine esoteric principles. A part of us is essentially being reborn every New Moon."
- The First Quarter: “It solidifies our intentions, whether that’s a deadline we need to make or a conversation we need to have with a significant person.”
- The Full Moon: “We use it to blossom just as it is blossoming in the sky. We allow ourselves to reap the rewards of our work but also observe the results of the intentions made during the New Moon phase.”
- The Last Quarter: “We use this phase to release and retreat, we slow down when it comes to matters close to our hearts.
“Whatever has transpired since the New Moon, we review it and prepare for what needs to be further crystallised by intention during the next New Moon or admit what needs to be released. We connect with our inner Shaman.”
This article first appeared on Glamour.co.uk
Also read:
How to manifest your goals with the help of the moon cycle
