The naming of the full moon is a tradition that stretches back into a number of different cultures. Today, plenty of pagan groups around the world utilize these names when paying homage to the moon during a particular time of the year. In March 2019, for example, the full moon is called the Storm Moon. Though this full moon sometimes falls in February, it is still an excellent lunar moniker because it matches the somewhat erratic and dual nature the month of March tends to bring along with it.
Sometimes called the Worm Moon and sometimes called the Seed Moon, the names
given to the Storm Moon all tell a particular story. Explore these facts and
learn a bit more about this upcoming full moon, slated to appear March 20th,
and what you can do to pay it heed.
The Rainy Season
For many people around the world, the winter months can be long and
unforgiving. When the weather is particularly rough, it could lead to an
onslaught of snowstorms, frigid temperatures, and other discomforts. As March
arrives, the weather tends to break and offer a bit of variation. The snow
slowly gets replaced with rain, and the cold days gradually start taking on a
warmer tone. The Storm Moon is meant to symbolize this shift and how it
reawakens the world after a period of frozen inaction.
When rain starts to fall consistently in warmer temperatures, it encourages the
dormant plants to begin reaching toward the sun again. Soon, with spring’s
arrival, everything will become green and lush. The Storm Moon heralds the
coming storms, which will dramatically change the landscape of March. Though it
began with snow and cold air, the month tends to end with more temperate days
and the start of the spring season of growth and renewal. In fact, this
particular moon often is a living example of the old phrase “March comes in
like a lion and goes out like a lamb.”
Worm Time
One of the names attributed to the Storm Moon is the Worm Moon. This moniker
comes from the fact that the ground has begun to thaw with the rising
temperatures. After rain, the ground is usually warm enough for worms to break
through the top layer of soil and emerge into the world. Many people working in
the world of agriculture take the appearance of worms as a great sign for their
crops, as it means it is just about time to start sowing seeds again.
Just as the worms know it is time to come above ground, now is a great time to
remind yourself of what you need to accomplish this coming season. The Storm
Moon is a perfect opportunity to focus on rebirth. What do you need to change to
feel like you’ve learned from the previous seasons? The time for action is not
here yet, but now is the ideal period to get your wheels turning and see what
steps you can implement in the future to put yourself where you’d like to be.
Collect the Raindrops
If you have little ones in your house, the Storm Moon can be a fun way to get
in touch with nature. Place a bucket or pail outside the next time there’s a
storm. Use this water for a number of ritualistic purposes like watering indoor
herbs or mixing fun “potions.” These little activities can give your children a
better understanding of the passing seasons and instill a sense of reverence
for the power of nature.
Each full moon tells a story and showcases a different facet of the time of
year in which it appears. This March 20th, experience the Storm Moon and
prepare yourself for the return of spring.