BUCK MOON: Time to Buckle Up & Get that Broom Stick Out!

We are approaching the middle of July where the sunny days are long, and the warm nights are short. This is the month where we get to enjoy the powerful Buck Moon. We can look forward to watching the Buck Moon rise above the horizon, draped in gorgeous orange hues. This beautiful larger and more luminous Buck Moon is going to be projecting some brilliant energy which will make your magickal working all that more powerful! Let’s see what we can learn about this full moon and how we can infuse its energies with ours.

HOW CAN YOU MAKE SURE YOU SEE THE BUCK MOON?

Only on the night of the full Buck Moon is it possible for all us who are super eager to get a glimpse and bathe in the moon-light, to see the Buck Moon on the horizon during dusk. The Moon rises approximately 50 minutes later every night. The Moon will rise during the day just before the full Moon and then, after dark after the full Moon night.

Make sure you have a good spot that is looking out towards the east, that has a clear and unobstructed view low to the horizon. Remember, the full Moon always rises in the east at dusk (opposite a sunset) and sets in the west the following morning (opposite a sunrise). Don’t miss out on this marvelous spectacle! Use the Buck Moon energy to feel centered, grounded, and replenished so that you can bring all your intentions to realization.

NOTE: The Buck Moon of 2022 will orbit closer to Earth than any other full moon this year making the Buck Moon the biggest and brightest moon of 2022!

WHY IS IT CALLED THE BUCK MOON?

Every full moon has its own name based on the month/season in which it appears. People from all over the world created a name for each full Moon. This allowed the people to mark the moment and reflect on each season and how it affects them and the nature that surrounds us all.

The Old Farmer’s Almanac, July’s Buck Moon gets its name from the antlers that buck deer grow around this time of year. By late July, the velvety rack is forming. The Bucks shed and regrow their antlers every year and because their impressive antlers are emerging in July, it makes sense to name the full moon “Buck Moon” to coincide with this event.

At this time, it is also the peak of summer and by the time the end of July comes, the male deer have completed their antler growth with beautiful formed, pointed tips and magnificent racks that they proudly display and show off. By mid-September the velvet will shed and the buck will be ready for mating season.

The Buck Moon comes from the list of full Moon names used by The Old Farmer’s Almanac. The names for the full moon’s of every month, come from a number of places which include: Native American, Colonial American and European sources.

NOTE: Traditionally, each full Moon name was applied to the entire lunar month in which it occurred, not just to the night of the full Moon.

The Buck’s antlers are seen as a symbol of fertility. The size and greatness of the buck’s antlers depend on the season’s rainfall and quality of the local from which is finds it’s sustenance. If anything compromises the buck’s nutrition or they have a poor diet, this will inevitably hinder the buck’s ability to grow a large, healthy rack.

Other names for the Buck Moon: Thunder Moon, Berry Moon, Salmon Moon, Feather Moulting Moon, Raspberry Moon, Halfway Summer Moon, Hay Moon, Wyrt Moon, Mid Summer Moon, Sólmánuður, Wort Moon, Moon of Blood (because of mosquitoes), Fallow Moon, Blessing Moon, Moon of Claiming.

HOW TO USE THE ENERGY OF THE BUCK MOON

The energy of the Buck Moon brings along the spiritual themes of strength, ambition and abundance. You can use this energy to help fuel your goals and intentions and if you are experiencing being in a “bit of a rut” this energy can help give you the motivation you need to get yourself out of the rut. Try not to allow yourself to be distracted. Now is the time to stay focused on your bigger, main goals and let go of the small distracting goals that will only slow you down on achieving your bigger desires.

CORRESPONDENCES for the month of the FULL BUCK MOON

What a wonderful month July is. The energy is high as summer is in full swing. Here are some correspondences you can incorporate into your magickal Buck Moon workings or, if you just want some relevant suggestions to update your altar/sacred space. You can use the colors silver and blue-gray alongside some lotus, jasmine and water lily flowers to bring you more in tune with the energies of the Buck Moon month. If you want to make some scented candles or incense incorporate the following herbs and scents: lemon balm, honeysuckle, agrimony, hyssop, frankinsence and orris. To add some beautiful decoration or if you want to make something special and specific choose pearls, moonstone and white agate paired with some wood from either oak, ash or acacia trees. The animals and birds that most closely correspond with this month and moon are: Dolphins, wales, crabs and turtles alongside Starlings and Swallows. You can add pictures or figurines of these beautiful animals and birds to your sacred space, maybe have a recording of the sounds they make during your meditation time. The power flow right now has a feeling of relaxed energy, succeeding and preparing you. Now is a good time to focus on your dream work, meditate on your goals (especially your spiritual ones) and practice divination. Deities to work with during these moments are: Juno, Venus, Athene, Hel, Holde, Cerridwen, Khepera, Isis and Nephthys.

BUCK MOON RITUALS TO TUNE YOU IN

Let’s honor the significance of the Full Buck Moon with a ritual. It’s time to look back at the joy of Spring, observe the abundance of Summer

NOTE: Think about what you need work on, in terms of “storing up” to get you through the coming winter? This can be spiritually, mentally or physically.

First of all, take a moment to appreciate all the achievements you’ve had up to this point in the year. The work you have put in is not going to waste, just keep your focus and magickal intent up! This month is filled with intense energy which is the best at sparking inspiration and keeping you motivated. You can use July’s Buck Moon as a perfect moment to pursue your creative outlets. This may come in the form of drawing or painting, craft work, making something in the kitchen or creating a new ritual – it is endless; all you need to do is let your creative energy flow freely. The Buck Moon is a magickal time, time to practice some self-reflection and journaling to keep you grateful, motivated and focused.

TIP: Keep a journal next to your bed to record your dreams first thing every morning. This is a great practice for you to receive any messages from your Higher Self for you to refer back to and interpret at a later date.

And remember this, your mind is one of your most powerful, magical tools you have so you should try to maintain a positive attitude and outlook most of the time (I know this can be difficult, but we can master our minds!). Make sure you are prepared in all ways for the winter ahead . Right now you can gain your strength from the Sun. Gold is a very powerful color, and magickally it symbolizes fulfillment and connection with our Higher Selves. Wear some gold jewelry or light a gold candle in your meditations and rituals at this time. It will represent your relationship with your own inner Divinity and remind you that you are already complete.

THINGS TO FOCUS ON DURING THE MONTH OF THE BUCK MOON

As practitioners of magick, we all know how much this can take out of you. If you do not prioritize rest, you will burn out and become tired and weary which can slow down your progress. Yes, the Full Buck Moon represents actions and achievements but this month also has restful energy that you should utilize and incorporate into your regular self care rituals. Your goals and intentions have been building and manifesting for months. Since the year is halfway over, the month of July may give you a sense of urgency to complete your goals now; you want to see your hard work pay off but try not to push yourself too hard to accomplish more – you will get there at the right time. Also, if you do not place rest as priority and you do burn out, it might take you a while to regain your momentum and for your motivation to make a come back.

NOTE: It is summer, so during this Month of the Buck Moon, make sure you make time for fun and joy. Turning off the technology can really help with this and will allow you to be more present in the happy sunny season of summer.

HOW YOU CAN CONNECT MORE DURING THE BUCK MOON

As we mentioned previously, gold is a very powerful color, and symbolizes fulfillment and connection with our Higher Selves. Use gold to connect with the Buck Moon energy and sun deities during your spell working and rituals. If you are having a gathering (or even if you’re going solo) why not this delicious recipe to mark the occasion …

Buck Moon Honey Zucchini Bread:

(Try to go local and organic for your ingredients as much as you can!)

• 3x eggs (beaten)
• 1 cup of honey
• 2 cups grated zucchini
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup finely chopped nuts (your choice)
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 3 tsp cinnamon
• 3 tsp vanilla
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp sea salt

Method:

1. Mix the beaten eggs, honey, zucchini, vanilla and oil in a bowl.
2. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon and seas salt.
3. Add the egg mixture to the dry mixture, stir just a little, enough to moisten
4. Add the nuts
5. Pour the mixture into 2x well greased loaf pans
6. Bake at 325 F or 163 Celsius for 1 hour (or until the bread is done)
7. Remove the bread from the loaf pans and let them rest and cool down before you enjoy!

INTERESTING IMPORTANT CELEBRATIONS IN THE MONTH OF THE BUCK MOON

• July 4th – The Day of Pax, goddess of peace
• July 7-8th – Nonae Caprotinae festival, one of the oldest women’s festivals dedicated to Juno the Great Mother
• July 10th – The Day of Hel (Anglo-Saxon), Holde (Norse) and Cerridwen (Celtic) goddesses
• July 14th – Festival of Lanterns in Japan
• July 15th – Festival of the Dead in China
• July 17th – Birthday of Isis, Egypt
• July 18th – Birthday of Nephthys in Egypt
• July 19th – The Egyptian New Year, and the Opet Festival. In Rome it is the celebration of Venus & Adonis.
• July 23rd – Neptunalia Celebration to honor Neptune in Rome.
• July 27th – Procession of the Witches in Belgium

CONCLUSION:

Now is the time to utilize the strength of the Sun. The power of the Full Buck Moon can really remind you of your strengths and blessings. Take advantage of it’s powerful energy by storing those feelings of bright and vibrant summer time so that they can bring you strength and perseverance for the winter months ahead.