Buck Moon Astrology: How To Prepare Yourself For The Full Moon In July 2025

We continue our series of articles about full moons of 20205. Today, we will tell you about the July Buck Moon and all that is related to it: Buck Moon’s meaning, date, alternative names, and what is special about it in an astrological and spiritual sense. Let’s dive into the enchanting secrets of the July full moon and take in its magic.

What does the name Buck Moon mean?

Like the other 12 plenilunes of the year, Buck Moon takes its name from the customs of North American Indian tribes. Attentive natives noticed that in July, male deer shed their old antlers and grow new ones. This time symbolises the full flowering of nature and the preparation of animals for the upcoming seasonal changes.

Are there alternative July full moon names?

According to the Old Farmer Almanac, several historical names for July plenilune have come down to us. Other Native American tribes called it the Raspberry, Thunder, and Salmon Moon, which corresponds to natural seasonal phenomena in July, such as frequent thunderstorms, an abundance of wild berries, and the return of salmon after spawning.

The Celts called plenilune in July Claiming, Wyrt or Herb Moon in honour of the July harvest of herbs (or wyrts), which they then dried and used as spices and medicines. And for the Anglo-Saxons, this was the period of collecting and storing hay, so they called it “Hay moon.”

When is the Buck Plenilune in 2025?

The Buck Full Moon always occurs in July, and its dates change year to year. In 2025, it will be visible in the sky on July 10, at 20:37 GMT. In 2024, the event fell on July 21, and in 2026, we will be able to observe it on June 30.

The exact date changes because the lunar phases shift due to the orbital movement of our satellite. The celestial body completes one revolution around the Earth in approximately 29.5 days, known as a synodic month. During this time, the sunlit portion of our satellite visible from Earth changes, leading to the different lunar phases.

These are the moon phases for July 2025:

• First Quarter: July 3.
• Full Moon: July 10.
• Last Quarter: July 17.
• New Moon: July 25.

To discover what time the Buck Moon is visible tonight, use an astronomical app such as Sky Tonight. To take a beautiful photo of the phenomenon, consider using the Ephemeris app, which can help you create the perfect frame composition.

How long does the Buck Moon last?

In astronomy, plenilune is the moment when the lunar disk is fully illuminated by the Sun. This state lasts only a few seconds, after which the Full Moon immediately begins to wane. But to the naked eye, these changes become noticeable after about two days. So you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy July plenilune in all its glory. You just need to choose a place away from light pollution, equip yourself with good optics, and hope for cloudless weather.

What is the Buck Moon colour?

When observing plenilune, we can sometimes see that the lunar disk takes on different shades, and Buck Moon is no exception. Why does it happen?

Usually, when our satellite is reflecting sunlight, it appears white or yellow in the sky. However, environmental factors can change its appearance. For example, if there are smoke particles in the atmosphere due to forest fires, the Moon may appear ominously bloody to us. This occurs because smoke particles block the shorter wavelengths of the yellow, blue, and green spectrum, whole allowing the longer wavelengths of red and orange to pass through.

A similar colour effect is observed when our satellite hangs low above the horizon, and we see it through denser layers of the atmosphere, refracting the reflected rays of the sun. So, although our closest neighbour itself does not change its colour, the light it reflects can take on different shades as it passes through Earth’s atmospheric filters.

What is special about the Buck Moon?

From a scientific point of view, plenilune in July is only one of the thirteen in a year. Sometimes it can coincide with a supermoon, and then the lunar disk seems larger than usual in the sky. However, this rarely happens, once every few years. We could see a super Buck Moon in 2023, but now we will have to wait a long time for it.

What does the Buck Moon mean spiritually?

Astrologers are convinced that plenilune affects people in a special way, and this time should be used to change our lives for the better. In July, deer shed its antlers to grow new ones and this process is seen as a metaphor for personal growth and transformation. So, we, too, must let go of the old patterns and beliefs in order to grow and develop. Thus, Buck Moon is a kind of rubicon between the old and new life, which we are given an opportunity to cross. Let’s find out how to do this best and which factors contribute to the change.

What sign is the Buck Moon in?

The 2025 Buck Moon has two different “locations,” depending on whether you’re talking about astrology or astronomy. Astrologically, it will be in Capricorn. Astronomically, in the constellation Sagittarius. The difference is simple: astrology uses a system of signs bound to the seasons. Astronomy uses constellations, which are the actual groups of stars we see. Because the Earth’s axis wobbles very slowly over time (a process called precession), the seasonal signs and the actual constellations no longer match up perfectly. That’s why the Moon can be “in Capricorn” astrologically, but be located among the stars of Sagittarius.

Buck Moon rituals (use at your own risk)

People who believe in astrology, and there are many of them, sometimes resort to various Buck Moon spells and rituals that have come to us since ancient times to achieve their goals. Here are some magical practices that you may be interested in and might want to try out.

Blessing moon spell 

This ritual symbolises reconnecting with Mother Earth to thank her for her gifts. Begin the ritual at dusk by filling the space with fresh flowers and lighting burgundy and/or green candles. Stir the spring water in a clear glass bowl with your finger in a clockwise direction.

Take the bowl outside or to a window where you can see the full moon. Raise the bowl so that the moon is visible through the water and proclaim: “You who have been known by many names, and have shed your light on our Earth since time began, bless us with the bounty of the field and the vine”.

Watch the moonlight glint on the water as you swirl it around the bowl. Finally, pour the water back onto the ground or into the source from which it was taken.

Meditation for large goals 

Buck Plenilune power is believed to help one reflect on goals and dreams, especially spiritual ones, and prepare for success in achieving those goals.

For effective meditation, create a calm atmosphere in a private, quiet place with no electronic devices or other distractions. Choose incense and candles that match your aspirations: for example, patchouli and green candles for attracting wealth, jasmine and pink candles for love. Sit back and focus on the desired outcome. Feel the joy of achieving it, imagine how it will change your life. Sincerely wish it, visualise your dream and release your desire into space.

Plenilune magic for everyone

Even our distant ancestors considered plenilune a time of getting rid of the old and the arrival of the new. These traditions have been preserved to this day. It doesn’t matter if you believe in the magic of the full Buck Moon or not, use this time to renew your life, rethink your actions, work on your mistakes, make plans for the future, and implement those plans. And then the magic will definitely work. Perhaps not now, but later. After all, you have at least 13 attempts a year)

References and additional information: