Origins of the Name “Flower Moon”

As the world bursts into bloom, May’s Full Moon rises with a sense of lush abundance and full-hearted beauty. Known as the Flower Moon, this lunar phase celebrates nature in full expression—petals unfurling, bees buzzing, and the earth awakening in color and scent.

The Flower Moon (May’s Full Moon)
The Flower Moon (May’s Full Moon)

Names in Other Cultures

Many cultures have named May’s moon based on their seasonal observations and spiritual symbolism:

  • Celtic Tradition: Known as the Hare Moon, symbolizing fertility, intuition, and the magic of renewal.

  • Anglo-Saxon: Referred to as the Milk Moon, marking the time of year when livestock was abundant with milk—a symbol of nourishment and maternal care.

  • Chinese Lunar Calendar: Often aligned with festivals of abundance and planting, as it falls near the peak of spring.

  • Buddhist Tradition: The Vesak Moon, celebrated in May, marks the birth, enlightenment, and death of the Buddha—making it one of the holiest times in the lunar calendar.

  • Wiccan & Pagan Traditions: Sometimes called the Bright Moon or Frog Moon, symbolizing cleansing, sensuality, and the sacred cycle of life.

Each of these names speaks to a moment of thriving, where both nature and spirit feel more alive.

The Flower Moon is a beautiful invitation to step into your full power. It’s a time to express yourself, nurture your desires, and connect with beauty in all its forms—both within and around you.

This moon supports work around abundance, self-love, creativity, sensuality, and manifestation.

Flower Moon Ritual Ideas
  • Flower Bath Ritual: Create a sacred bath using petals, essential oils, and moon-charged water. Infuse it with the intention to open your heart and bloom into your next phase.

  • Manifestation Garden: Plant something new—or tend to an existing plant—with your intentions for growth whispered into the soil.

  • Floral Altar: Decorate your altar with seasonal flowers and create offerings to deities or spirits associated with fertility, love, or beauty (like Aphrodite, Flora, or Oshun).

  • Crystal Companions: Use rose quartz, emerald, or citrine to support heart-opening, prosperity, and vibrant energy.

  • Tarot Spread Prompt:

    • What within me is ready to bloom?

    • What beauty am I being called to embody?

    • What does abundance mean to me right now?

How to Work With the Energy of the Flower Moon

Final Thoughts

The Flower Moon radiates abundance and joy. Celebrate your growth, share your light, and know that you are worthy of every good thing that blossoms along your path.

Affirmations for the Flower Moon

I allow myself to bloom in my own perfect timing.

Beauty flows through me and around me.

I welcome abundance with an open heart.

The name Flower Moon comes from Native American and Colonial naming traditions, later shared in publications like The Old Farmer’s Almanac. It was given to the full moon in May because this was the time when wildflowers bloomed most abundantly across the fields, meadows, and woodlands.

The name reflects nature's fertility and flourishing spirit, reminding us to open up, just as the flowers do, and live fully in the moment. It’s a moon of joy, growth, and blooming potential.