Did you know that every full moon has a name? June’s full moon is called the Strawberry Moon.
Early Native American tribes are primarily to thank for christening the moons. Naming each moon of the month helped people who didn’t use the 365-day calendar to keep track of time. The moons are named based on the flora, fauna, seasonal weather patterns, or tribe’s activities such as planting, harvesting, and hunting.
The Strawberry Moon is also sometimes referred to as the Rose Moon, Hoeing Moon, Mead Moon, or Honey Moon.
When Is the Strawberry Moon?
The Strawberry Moon falls in June. It comes after the Flower Moon named for the abundant spring flowers in May and the Buck Moon in July. Depending on when the Strawberry Moon appears, it’s either the last full moon of spring or the first full moon of summer.
The Strawberry Moon in June will reach its peak on Saturday, June 3, 2023 at 11:42 p.m. ET.
Strawberry Moon Meaning: Why Is It Called a Strawberry Moon?
Like the Pink Moon or a blue moon (which is the second full moon in a single calendar month), the term “Strawberry Moon” actually has nothing to do with the moon’s color.
Rather, this moon represents the first harvest. The strawberry harvesting season is relatively short, and so this full moon’s name was pretty much universal among all of the Algonquin tribes since it faithfully rose during or close to the harvest window.
European settlers usually referred to June’s full moon as the Rose Moon or the Honey Moon in reference to ancient European marriage customs that involved giving and drinking mead (made from honey).
Strawberry Moon Spiritual Meaning
The Strawberry Moon in June embodies the spirit of Litha, the summer solstice celebration and longest day of the year.
As we transition into summer, our bodies, minds, and spirits are feeling energized by the energy of the sun and the life bursting forth all around us. Spring treated us to a beautiful show of flowers. Now, the gardens are flourishing, the leaves are green and full, the crops are sprouting in the fields, the berries are ripening, and animals are introducing their young to the world.
We’re spending more time outdoors connecting with nature and soaking up the sun’s rays (hopefully replenishing any Vitamin D deficiencies from the winter). We have access to fresh, locally grown food. The buzzing energy of early summer is a prime source of inspiration and rejuvenation.
The Strawberry Moon reminds us to harness this energy for our intentions and creative projects. However, it also reminds us not to get swept away in our busy day-to-day lives. Remember to take some time to breathe, relax, and focus on self-love. It’s also a good time to nurture your relationships, just as you would tend to your garden.
In addition to the spiritual energy of June’s full moon encouraging us to grow with patience and mindfulness, it also serves as a time to pay attention to your own body. How would you rank your energy levels? Do you feel that your physical, mental, and emotional states are in balance? Remember that harmonizing your mind and body is an important spiritual practice. Let this full moon help you realign yourself if needed.
Strawberry Moon Altar Tips, Colors, & Crystals
Common altar colors for the Strawberry Moon are red, pink, white, and green.
If you’re looking for the best crystals to tap into the Strawberry Moon’s spiritual energy, consider adding any from this list:
- Moonstone – new beginnings, fertility, intuition, lunar/feminine energy
- Selenite – purification, cleansing, protection, a symbol of light, ties to the moon
- Labradorite – connect with the psyche, dreams, creative muses, spiritual awakening
- Amethyst – spiritual protection, insight, self-reflection, shadow work
- Rose Quartz – love, friendship, romance, self-love
- Rhodonite – “stone of love,” passion, fertility, grounding energy, healing emotional scars
- Flower Agate – new beginnings, self-growth, restores emotional balance
- Moss Agate – restoration, healing, rebirth, a connection with earth and plants
- Onyx – strength, stabilization, grounding, alleviating fear (black tourmaline and obsidian are also good alternatives)
- Smoky quartz – grounding, emotional calmness, stress relief
- Clear quartz – healing, peace, cleansing the mind and aura, divination
Summer flowers, fruits, and herbs make a wonderful addition to your altar and home. If you have an outdoor altar, you can leave an offering to the wildlife as part of your ritual.
Strawberry Moon Ritual Ideas for a Solitary Witch
As we welcome summer’s arrival, we are at a tipping point in the Wheel of the Year. The light half has reached its zenith (or is about to soon) and will slowly decline as the days shorten and we begin the downward shift into the dark half of the year. But don’t despair—there’s still plenty of light left before the official transition.
The Strawberry Moon is a time for positivity. We’re celebrating long summer days and the beginning of the harvest season when we reap the benefits of the gardens we’ve planted and tended to for the past few months.
Honor the full moon in your garden, if you have one. Tend to it and get your hands dirty. Pick flowers and arrange vases for your altar and home. Weave or braid grasses/flowers into little wreaths to keep your hands busy; this is a relaxing activity that works for solo or group rituals, and it’s a kid-friendly activity. Not to mention, it provides altar decorations!
Psst… need to stock up on seeds for your garden? Check out SeedsNOW for organic, non-GMO seeds to start your healthy garden. Short on space? The Garden Tower Project is a vertical gardening solution that composts waste to feed your plants.
Harvest your own strawberries or buy from your local farmer’s market. Eating nutritious, in-season berries helps to draw summer’s ripening energy into your body.
Fire is a powerful Litha symbol of the sun and summer, so a bonfire beneath the Strawberry Moon can create powerful energy. If you’re not able to safely light a bonfire, you can still incorporate flames into your altar by adding candles. (Check out my post about choosing the right candle color to match your spiritual intentions.)
Have you ever tried earthing (also known as grounding)? There are genuine health benefits to the practice as your body transfers electrons with direct skin-to-earth contact. Take off your shoes and sit or lie in the grass as you watch the moon rise.
June’s full moon is an excellent time for self-reflection in the form of meditating, journaling, or even taking a relaxing bath. If you’re looking for new crystals, candles, or bath soaks, I recommend checking out Hemlock Park. This company crafts beautiful aromatherapy candles and spa packages, handcrafted with natural ingredients. They offer crystal candles and organic coconut wax candles with wood wicks. But here’s why I love this company — they partnered with One Tree Planted to focus on reforestation. A tree is planted for every order placed.
When setting your intentions, focus on positivity, celebration, and inner peace. Know that your hard work is paying off, and the fruits of your labor are ripening. Sit quietly with your thoughts and ruminate on the path ahead of you. If you need a little extra guidance, draw on the power of the full moon to communicate through runes or tarot/oracle cards.
The Strawberry Moon is also a perfect time to make moon water and capture the power of the full moon during the summer’s peak near the solstice. Reminder: If you’re going to add crystals to your moon water, make sure to research which ones are safe to soak! Some crystals can be damaged if left submerged in water for a length of time.
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Remember, however you celebrate the full moon is completely up to you and on your own schedule. There is no right or wrong way; just do what feels best for you.
For more information on full moons, see the 2023 full moon calendar with names, dates, and meanings here.
Award-winning fantasy author, freelance writer, spiritual explorer, and sole founder of Green Witch Lunar Witch. She created her first website in 2016 and published her first novel two years later. Sara spends most of her time writing, creating, and daydreaming.