The Full Buck Moon
The full moon in July is called the Buck Moon or Thunder Moon. Summer is in full swing, often bringing turbulent weather. In most of eastern North America, you may experience long, humid days followed by afternoons filled with the rumble, bang, and boom of summer thunderstorms. On the west coast, from late June into September, it’s monsoon season, where a welcomed downpour quickly turns into lightning, hail, thunder, and floods, as the thirsty land of sand and stone cannot absorb every drop.
On July 21, 2024, we welcome the second Capricorn Full Moon of the year, marking a significant moment of closure and completion for issues that arose during the first Capricorn Full Moon on June 21, 2024. Reflecting on late June, you may find that unresolved heaviness or uncertainties resurface now, demanding resolution. While endings can be painful, they bring clarity and pave the way for new beginnings. Under this Full Moon, there is a sense of relief and victory as we move past challenges, with the Universe potentially rewarding our efforts. The active presence of Eris, the Goddess of Discord, urges us to confront hidden conflicts and strive for harmony. Capricorn, symbolized by the Sea Goat, reminds us to embrace our unique qualities and circumstances, mastering both our strengths and weaknesses to achieve success. This period encourages us to release our burdens, with Pluto’s influence suggesting a transformative rebirth on the horizon. Embrace the opportunity to let go of heaviness and prepare for a lighter, more fulfilled path ahead, keeping in mind the promise of renewal.
Regardless of where you live, when the sun’s fiery energy builds up, we hear the land spirits’ drums pounding away in the night sky, sending us messages. Are we listening? Has life gotten so busy that we do not hear nature calling us back?
What is the Buck Moon?
As summer peaks, the velvety antlers of male deer, which begin to sprout in early spring, finish growing into their final glory. The sight of their magnificent antlers against the summer sky may have led the Algonquin people, prominent along the Atlantic Coast and the Great Lakes, to call this the Full Buck Moon.
The buck, master of the forest, is nimble and silent, quick and sleek, yet also very soft and gentle. But like thunder, he can appear suddenly, rattle the night, and just as quickly disappear.
The Anglo-Saxon name for this full moon is the Hay Moon, after the hay harvest that takes place in July. Those of us with allergies will be familiar with the symptoms of hay fever, named for the fever-like, non-viral symptoms experienced when grass plants like hay are stirred.
Another name for this moon is the Wort Moon. In sixteenth-century England, “wort” was a common term for plant, herb, or vegetable used for food or medicine, often a pot herb. This indicates that July is the time to gather herbs (worts) to dry and use as spices and remedies.
The original meaning of the word wort survives today in the names of many medicinal herbs. Saint John’s Wort, for example, is widely used and harvested when the yellow flowers bloom on Saint John’s Day, near the summer solstice. Other medicinal herbs with wort in their names include motherwort, soapwort, mugwort, and feverwort.
Another folk tradition associated with this moon is the use of fermentation to preserve food, both by pickling and by creating aerated and alcoholic beverages such as ale. There was once a fierce debate over the best type of ale: hops ale or wort (herb) ale. For many centuries, ale was brewed by women called alewives. The word “wife” has a long history, originally meaning “woman,” then “mistress of the house,” and later “tradeswoman of humble rank.” These are the root meanings of midwife, housewife, herbwife, wortwife, and the phrase “old wives’ tales.” Like witches, tradeswomen such as alewives, wortwives, or midwives often had a special connection to the natural world.
You may also hear this moon called the Raspberry Moon, Salmon Moon, or Ripe Corn Moon.
Why do Witches Celebrate the Buck Moon?
Witches celebrate the Buck Moon for its deep symbolism and alignment with natural and spiritual cycles. Named for the time when male deer grow new antlers, the Buck Moon symbolizes growth, renewal, and regeneration. This natural process mirrors the personal and spiritual growth that witches seek, making it a time to shed old patterns and beliefs to make way for new beginnings.
The Buck Moon also marks a season of abundance and fertility, reinforcing witches’ connection to the Earth and its rhythms.
Also known as the Thunder Moon, it begins a period of vital rainstorms that support crop growth. Witches may use this time to collect rainwater, and thunder water, and to gather and dry herbs for food, medicine, and magickal purposes.
The spiritual energy of the Buck Moon is powerful, making it ideal for rituals and spells focused on personal transformation, empowerment, and releasing blocks to manifest goals.
The Buck Moon Folklore
Because the time around June was known as Litha, meaning gentle or navigable, it reflects the mild winds that made for smooth sailing during these months. It’s only natural that July is full of many weather and sailing folk sayings as the seas become more turbulent. Here are a few:
- Red sky at night, sailor’s delight. Red sky at morning, sailor take warning.
- When the wind comes before rain,
Soon you may make sail again. For I fear a hurricane;
Last night the moon had a golden ring,
And tonight no moon we see. - Evening red and morning gray are sure signs of a fine day. Evening gray and morning red, put on your hat or you’ll wet your head.If it rains before seven, it will clear before eleven.
- A red Cardinal bird signals incoming rain.
- Birds on the telephone wires means rain is cominig.
- If the trees show their silver, rain we’ll soon see.
- If the cows are lying down in the pasture, it’s going to rain and no fish will bite.
- If the sun is “drawing water” (visible rays coming from the sun) rain is coming.
- If there’s a ring around the moon, storms are on the horizon.
- If it’s getting dark in the west, good rain is on the way.
- The birds go quiet before a tornado hits.
- Rain from the south prevents the drought, but rain from the west is always best.
Witchy Ways to Celebrate The Buck Moon
- Dance (safely)in the rain and let it wash away that which you do not need.
- Spend time in the woods. If you are still and quiet, do you see a deer or another animal? Does it have a message?
- Rekindle your power and learn how to stand firmly by your goals and beliefs.
- Spend time outside at dusk and notice how late the sun is out. The days will slowly grow shorter.
- Practice being in the moment.
- Go to the beach or try mixing water and fire magic.
- Create an altar or craft featuring antlers to honor growth and renewal, reflecting the transformation of male deer during this time.
- Embrace the energy of thunderstorms by performing a cleansing ritual during a storm, using the sound and energy to release negativity.
- Gather herbs associated with protection and growth, then create sachets or potions.
- Collect stones or crystals associated with thunder and lightning, like smoky quartz or citrine, and use them in your rituals for strength and protection.
- Create moon water under the Buck Moon, charging it with intentions of renewal and transformation, and use it in spells or to cleanse your space.
Buck Full Moon Ritual
You’ll Need:
- 1 Red candle
1 White candle
1 Blue candle
(All white candles can be used if needed.) - Basil
- A Deep Bowl filled with rainwater, moon water, snow water, stormwater, or filtered water.
Instructions:
- Cleanse your space with your preferred cleansing method.
- Cast a circle if you choose, then invite any spirits you wish to assist you if any.
- Clear your mind, then ground your energy with a meditation.
- Light the white candle and focus on the purity of your intentions.
- Light the blue candle while reflecting on the wisdom you’ve gathered from the past.
- Light the red candle and concentrate on your passion for the future.
- Place the basil in the bowl of water. Use this to wash your face, hands, feet, or other parts of yourself, cleansing away the past and making way for a fresh start.
- If possible, let the candles burn out completely to finish the ritual.
- Let any remaining water set out under the full moon, then bottle it up to use anytime you need to regain your strength.
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About the Author
Lacey is a modern witch living by the seasons and the moon. She is dedicated to helping you develop a practice that flows with everyday life. Read more about her here.
I was happy to find this tonight. Perfect moon for what I need.
This is so useful and informative. Thanks ♥️
Thank you so much for letting me know!