Under A May Full Moon: Celebrating The Flower Moon

13th Apr 2025

May is when nature, pampered by soft warmth and drowning in greenery and flowers, prepares for the summer heat. In this fragrant kingdom of flora, the “flower moon” rises in the night sky — the last plenilune of spring, the final chord before the symphony of summer. This article will immerse you in the unique world of May’s full moon, and reveal its astronomical features, cultural traditions and spiritual significance.

Why Is May’s Full Moon Called The Flower Moon?

The name Flower Moon is a tribute to the generosity of nature. It comes from Native American culture, particularly the Algonquian tribes living in the northeast of the modern USA and Canada. The Indians used the lunar calendar to track the seasons changing and various natural phenomena, which helped them plan their activities. The last month of spring is a period of lush blooming of many species of flowers throughout the Northern Hemisphere. It is also a great time to plant gardens because the bright moonlight helps plants grow. Hence, the name. But this is just the tip of the iceberg.

What Is The Full Moon In May Called In Different Cultures?

Milk Moon: A name that comes to us from European culture. It is associated with the fact that in May, cows, feeding on fresh grass, gave especially much milk.
Corn Planting Moon: The fifth month is the optimal time for planting corn, the main agricultural crop of Native Americans, and plenilune served as a signal to start the works.
Hare Moon: A Celtic name reflecting the onset of the mating season for hares and rabbits. It is in the last month of spring that these animals become most active and often arrange “crazy” races and jumps, which are especially noticeable in the moonlight. Apparently, for this reason, the Celts considered the hare a sacred animal, associated with the goddess of the moon and hunting, as well as with fertility and spring.
Frog Moon: During this period, frogs wake up from hibernation, leave their shelters and, like hares, begin their mating games. Their loud croaking becomes one of the most characteristic sounds of spring and early summer nights.
Bright Nights Moon: This name reflects the fact that as summer approaches, the nights become shorter and the moonlight becomes brighter.

Geographical location, climate and occupations of particular people determined The variety of May full moon names. But it is “Flower Moon” that has become the most popular and recognizable name, due to its beauty and poetry.

What Is Special About The Flower Moon?

May full flower moon — Credit: Farmers Almanac

In addition to the variety of names, the last spring plenilune has several astronomical and astrological features.

Supermoon: The lunar orb sometimes, although very rarely, is at perigee – the point of its closest approach to Earth. At such moments, our satellite appears 14% larger and 30% brighter than usual. This phenomenon is called a Supermoon and makes the Full Moon even more spectacular. However, a Supermoon occurs in the fifth month extremely rarely. The next one will be only in 2033.
Lunar eclipse: This stunning celestial phenomenon occurs when the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow on the lunar surface. Then our satellite acquires a reddish tint, which is why it is called the Blood Moon. To find out the nearest date when a Lunar eclipse will coincide with the Flower Plenilune, refer to specialized sites. Be sure, this show is worth seeing.
Energy of growth: The Full Flower Moon symbolizes the peak of spring energy, the blossoming of nature. This is the time when everything around grows and develops, and this energy is felt by people. Many feel a surge of strength, inspiration and desire to act. Don’t believe it? Wait and see for yourself.

When Is The Full Moon In May 2025?

Flower Moon in 2025 will appear on 12 May. The peak of the phenomenon will be at 13:42 UTC. Remember this date and take the time to admire the beauty of our celestial companion.

It is interesting that in 2026, the May Lunar Performance is expected twice – on 2 May and 31 May! The second one will be the Blue Moon.

Spiritual Meaning Of The Flower Moon

Flower Moon in Scorpio — Flower Moon in 2025 will be in Scorpio sign. Credit: Joseph Leombruno

Every plenilune basically symbolizes the end of a lunar cycle, the culmination of energy, a time to sum up and get rid of unnecessary things. What was started at the new moon reaches its peak or completion at the plenilune.

Plenilune in the last month of spring 2025 will be in the sign of Scorpio. Scorpio is the sign of transformation, deep emotions, passion, sex, death and rebirth, and all that is hidden and secret. Plenilune in Scorpio amplifies these themes, encouraging:

Deep introspection: Look inside yourself, sort out your true desires, fears, and suppressed emotions.
Transformation: Let go of the old grudges, negative attitudes, outdated relationships, everything that prevents you from moving forward. This can be a painful but liberating process.
Unleashing of sexuality and passion: Since Scorpio rules sexual energy, plenilune in this sign can enhance libido and encourage exploration of one’s sensuality.
Working with the subconscious: Scorpio is associated with the subconscious, dreams, and intuition. Plenilune in Scorpio is a good time for meditation, working with dreams, and insight.

Of course, you shouldn’t rely entirely on plenilune energy. It won’t work without your help. But you shouldn’t wait for plenilune time to improve yourself. Inner work is an ongoing process if you want to achieve high results.

Immerse Yourself In The Floral Energy Of Spring

So, May’s full moon in 2025 awaits us on May 12 and 13. Don’t miss this time to enjoy the beauty of the lunar orb in the night sky and get a boost of cosmic energy to move forward. And let Flower Moon favor you on your path.