The phrase “strawberry moon” might be completely new to you, but the concept of nicknaming and following rituals around each monthly full moon has been significant for centuries. In North America, for example, the strawberry moon is a loving term originating from Indigenous peoples to describe the harvest season that follows the full moon of June.
Besides the delicious fruit, this summery lunation also brings with it a sense of renewal and sensuality. And you can expect to enjoy all that shortly, as this year’s strawberry moon arrives on June 3. Keep reading to learn more about the strawberry moon 2023, how it may affect you, and what it all means. And when you’re done, follow our guide to the moon phases and how those impact the zodiac.
What does a strawberry moon mean?
The name “strawberry moon” comes from the time of year in North America when it is “June bearing” season, or the peak time to harvest strawberries. According to the Farmer’s Almanac, the Indigenous Algonquin, Ojibwe, Dakota, and Lakota peoples that lived on the North American lands would use this time in June to honor the harvest of the sweet and newly ripened fruit with the full moon acting as their marker. The moon’s bright illumination also extends the available harvesting hours for farmers who want to take advantage of this annual peak late into the night in order to pick this sweet and delicate fruit.
It’s important to note that full moon names don’t start and end with the strawberry moon. Using monthly misnomers for each full moon originated from Indigenous Algonquin peoples but was also used by the Ojibwe, Dakota, and Lakota peoples as well. Each month there is a correlated nickname and significance to each full moon that differs from the next, with each of these monthly moons holding their own special properties. Back in 1930, the Maine Farmer’s Almanac first started publishing each monthly full moon by their Native American names; the “strawberry moon” was and still continues to be the nickname for June’s full moon.
Is a full strawberry moon actually pink?
The name itself has very little to do with the color of the moon once it’s visible in the night sky. Unless there is something atmospheric that changes, the strawberry moon’s hue will typically appear as a soft yellow or lightly golden color during this lunation.
What time will the strawberry moon be visible?
You can see the 2023 strawberry full moon at 11:42 p.m. EST on June 3, but it will still appear full for the entirety of the night leading up to this peak moment.
What zodiac does the strawberry moon affect?
Astrologically, the strawberry moon will occur during Gemini season; the moon is also associated with its ruling sign of Cancer. When we combine both Gemini and Cancer energy together, what we are left with is a period of heightened curiosity, energy, and spiritual intensity.
The strawberry moon has a habit of influencing our emotions, relationships, and overall sense of introspection. This lunation encourages us to dive as far as we can into our emotional depths, as full moons “light the way” for us to go into the deepest and darkest crevices of who we are and realize what we can subsequently pluck or release. This will be a great time for self-reflection and self-care, especially when we think of the parallels between harvesting the fruits of our past labors both in and out of the garden. Cancer’s influence is cardinal water sign energy, which is often associated with family, home, and nurturing. This will help us align with the sentimental and compassionate nature of the strawberry moon.
How does the strawberry moon affect you?
During this lunar phase, it’s suggested that you spend time engaging in activities that bring a sense of emotional well-being, such as:
- Spending time with family or loved ones
- Practicing self-care rituals, even if it’s as simple as getting a manicure with a cute summer nails design
- Cooking
- Gardening
- Spending time in your own world by journaling or meditating
- Going to the beach or spending time in the water
- Taking a long bath (consider adding epsom salts and essential oils for a heightened experience)
- Doing some sort of healing practice for your mind, body, or spirit (think therapy, yoga, or sound baths)
- Getting a tarot or astrology reading to help bring clarity for the things that come to light
- Taking time off or going on vacation
The strawberry moon’s energy is thought to enhance our intuitive capabilities and heighten our sensitivity, making this an opportune time for both our spiritual practices and emotional excavation as well as the subsequent healing of whatever has been dug up. (Because of this, it’s also a good time to check back in with your 2023 horoscope for your sun and rising signs.
What are some additional beliefs or superstitions around the strawberry moon?
The strawberry moon holds decades of cultural significance, as well as a bit of superstition. As noted earlier, Indigenous cultures honored this full moon and revered this time as a new chapter of abundance, fertility, and renewal. The strawberry moon marked the beginning of a fruitful season, helping them to celebrate the ripening of berries and the bountiful harvesting season ahead.
In European culture, the strawberry moon was often associated with love, passion, and sensuality. Some European traditions even believed that if you consumed strawberries under the light of this moon, you would attract love into your life. (A good time for anyone looking to get over a broken heart.) This ritual was said to further accentuate the moon’s romantic and mystical powers for those who chose to practice underneath it.
Additionally, some cultures believed that the light of the strawberry moon had healing properties and could enhance one’s physical and spiritual well-being simply by spending time outside under the moonlight. People would seek out moonlit spaces during this time, performing rituals, ceremonies, or simply bask in its ethereal glow.
However you choose to honor the strawberry moon this June, just know that this is as “fruitful” of a time for you as it is for the berries sprouting up and preparing to be harvested.
Meghan Rose is an astrologer, tarot reader, and writer based out of Los Angeles whose work bridges the magical and the material to create real change. Rose acts as a guide for her clients to help them navigate relationships, career, and everything in between. Learn more at themeghanrose.com and follow her on Tiktok, Instagram, and Twitter.
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