May 2024 Full Moon: The Flower Moon Rises This Week
The May 2024 full moon, known as the “flower moon,” will rise this week, offering mild nights ideal for stargazing and moon-gazing across the United States. The full moon will officially occur on Thursday, May 23, at 9:53 a.m. EDT, but it will appear full to the naked eye from Tuesday night through early Friday evening, according to NASA.
When and Why It's Called the Flower Moon
This full moon marks the final one of the meteorological spring season, which ends as May transitions into June. The name “flower moon” is inspired by the blooming of flowers across North America during this time of year, as reported by the Old Farmer’s Almanac.
Other Native American names for the May full moon include “budding moon,” “egg laying moon,” “frog moon,” “leaf budding moon,” “planting moon,” and “moon of shedding ponies.” These names reflect the various seasonal changes and activities associated with this time of year.
The Old Farmer’s Almanac states that some northern Native American tribes referred to the May full moon as the “Budding Moon” or “Leaf Budding Moon” to celebrate the spring’s new blooms, while others called it the “Planting Moon” because it marked the time when seeds should be planted for the farming season ahead.
Penumbral Lunar Eclipse and Upcoming Full Moons
While the penumbral lunar eclipse associated with this full moon will not be visible in the U.S., it should be observable from most of Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, weather permitting, as stated by AccuWeather meteorologist Brian Lada.
After the flower moon, the next full moon will occur on June 21, known as the “strawberry moon,” named after the abundant strawberries typically harvested in June. The remaining full moons for 2024 include the buck moon (July 21), sturgeon moon (Aug. 19), harvest moon (Sept. 17), hunter’s moon (Oct. 17), beaver moon (Nov. 15), and cold moon (Dec. 15).
NASA says there’s also an opportunity to see the full moon near the bright star Antares on Thursday night. However, for stargazers in Washington, D.C., the full moon’s brightness will make it difficult to see the star as the moon moves in front of it.
Astrological Significance and Manifestation Rituals
According to celebrity astrologer Kyle Thomas, the Flower Moon is positioned as a full moon in Sagittarius this year, encouraging people to pursue adventure, learn about the world, and expand their perspective on life. Sagittarius is a fire sign, and Thomas suggests incorporating fire into manifestation rituals during this full moon.
Using candles, incense, or sage smoke for manifestation can be particularly potent during this time. Thomas also recommends writing down things to release from one’s life or spirit on paper and then burning them as a cathartic way of working with the energy of the Flower Moon.
Embracing the Flower Moon's Energy
The May 2024 Flower Moon offers a unique opportunity for stargazing, moon-gazing, and manifestation rituals. As the final full moon of the spring season, it symbolizes the blooming of flowers and the various seasonal changes associated with this time of year.
While the penumbral lunar eclipse may not be visible in the U.S., the Flower Moon’s astrological significance in Sagittarius encourages people to embrace adventure, expand their perspective, and release what no longer serves them through fire-based rituals.
