Buck Moon 2023: Embrace July’s Wondrous Lunar Meaning

ByAmanda Brethauer
July Full Buck Moon spiritual meaning

While the days are long, the nights are short, which makes the 2023 Buck Moon meaning all the more magical. As you lay beneath the glow of July’s Full Moon, you feel centered, grounded, and replenished. Connect with its celestial energy while exploring your own sacred rituals.

July’s long hot summer days are filled with the intoxicating scent of freshly mowed grass, sunscreen, chlorine, fragrant flowers, and herbs. You watch the clouds lazily float across the sky as you lay on a soft but brightly colored quilt beneath you. A bee buzzes past in search of sweet nectar. Sunlight sparkles through lush green leaves, and life is flourishing everywhere you look.

Every full moon has its own name based on the month or the season in which it appears. Creating a name for each full Moon allowed people to reflect on each season and how it affects them AND the natural world. There can be some variation on the Full Moon names due to the origins from whence they came.

Most Full Moon names are English translations of Native American names; others are rooted in Celtic, European (Anglo-Saxon and Germanic), and more recent Neo-Pagan origins. I created a guide to each Full Moon, complete with their meanings and how you can celebrate

Please note that I make every effort to ensure this information is correct and accurate through my own experiences and referencing sources throughout AND at the bottom of this article.

Posts on this site may contain affiliate links that allow me to earn a small commission from your purchases (at no extra cost to you!)

Here’s a video all about July’s Full Buck Moon if you’d prefer to watch instead of read about it

When is the Buck Moon 2023?

In 2023, July’s Full Moon is called the Buck Moon. It takes place on July 3rd and peaks at 7:39 a.m. Eastern Standard Time.

July’s Buck Moon promised to provide a unique and deeply meaningful experience whether you choose to celebrate with loved ones, go on a solitary moonlight walk, or partake in sacred rituals.

What is a Buck Moon?

July’s Buck Moon’s spiritual meaning and name are attributed to the male deer, known as a buck. By late July, the velvety rack of a buck is beginning to form into impressive antlers. This is seen as a symbol of fertility, and it’s truly a magnificent sight to behold!

The size and magnitude of a buck’s antlers will hinge on the season’s rainfall and local soil quality. Drought brings a shortage of nutrition and a poor diet which will hinder the buck’s ability to achieve a large rack. During July and August, the buck’s antlers will start to harden and form tips. By mid-September, the velvet will shed, and the buck will be ready for mating season.

Not only are buck antlers growing and thriving right now, but so are we! The mighty buck energy brings spiritual themes of strength and ambition into this season of abundance.

Use this energy to help fuel your goals and intentions; now is not the time for procrastination. Do your best to avoid distractions. Ask yourself what small goals you can let go of, so you can prioritize and focus on accomplishing your bigger priorities.

July Full Buck Moon spiritual meaning

Will the Buck Moon 2023 Have A Lunar Eclipse?

No, this year the Buck Moon will not have a lunar eclipse. However, there are two lunar eclipses in 2023!

The first is called a Penumbral Lunar Eclipse, which takes place during May’s Full Flower Moon. This eclipse is barely visible and will only slightly block the Full Moon.

The second will be a Partial Lunar Eclipse which takes place during October’s Full Hunter’s Moon. There will also include an Annular SOLAR eclipse on October 14th, 2023. An annular solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the sun and the Earth, creating a ring of fire.

Will July Have a Supermoon in 2023?

This answer is a bit tricky because there are no specific rules as to how close the Moon must travel to Earth to qualify as a supermoon. Depending on your definition, you may choose to celebrate the full moon in July and September as a supermoon.

However, they don’t orbit as close to the Earth as the August Moons. In fact, there will be TWO supermoons in August (including a Blue Moon) this year! (See the 2023 Full Moon Schedule below)

The term “supermoon” was coined by astrologer Richard Nolle in 1979 and refers to either a new or full moon that occurs when the Moon is within 90% of perigee, its closest approach to Earth.

NASA – Full Moon Guide May – June

July Buck Moon Alternative Names

Alternative names for July’s Buck Moon exist due to the rich tapestry of cultural and historical influences throughout time. Many cultures around the world have different names for July’s Full Moon, and I did my best to include the ones I could find sources on.

These names beautifully reflect the connection between humans, Nature, folklore, and communities. Remember most of these names often applied to the entire month, not just during the full moon!

  • Wyrt Moon (Celtic) Wyrt is an Old English word that means plant or herb. This is why you may sometimes see July’s Full Moon referred to as the Herb Moon.
  • Thunderstorm Moon (Hiyeswa Tiriri Nuti ) Catawba Indian Nation
  • Sólmánuður (Norse) means Sun Month (source: Nordic Culture – Skjalden)
  • Mid-Summer Moon (ameku) Kalapuya, Pacific Northwest, Oregon
  • Claiming Moon (Celtic) (source: Time and Date)
  • Raspberry Moon (Miskomini-giizis) Anishinaabe, Great Lakes
  • Hay Moon (Anglo-Saxon)
  • Time of Much Ripening (ohiari) Mohawk Eastern Woodlands
  • Meerkat Moon (South African origins) (source: Centre for Astronomical Heritage)
  • Rose Moon (Neo-Pagan)
  • Limbs are Broken by Fruit (dayamcho yachunne) Zuni Southwest, New Mexico

For a list of even more Native American Moon names check out American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association’s article here or Western Washington University’s article here.

July Buck Moon Spiritual Meaning and Correspondences The Peculiar Brunette

Buck Moon Correspondences

The spiritual meaning of July’s Full Buck Moon is a powerful time for abundance, strength, and passion. To get you started, here are some spiritual correspondences and intentions!

Buck Moon’s Spiritual Meaning and Intentions

  • Abundance
  • Self-reflection
  • Passion
  • Strength
  • Honesty
  • Vigor
  • Leadership
  • Dreamwork

Buck Moon Colors

  • Green
  • Gray
  • Blue
  • Gold
July Thunder Moon Meaning The Peculiar Brunette

Ritual Ideas For the July Buck Moon 2023

The Buck Moon is a lovely time to reflect on your life and decide what steps you’d like to take next. Here are a few celebration ideas to get you started.

If you’re looking for even more ideas, check out Full Moon Rituals You Need To Know!

Thunderstorm Moon Reflections

July’s Full Moon is also known as the Thunderstorm Moon. Summer thunderstorms have always made me feel moody, creative, and thoughtful. Their intense strength always leaves me in awe. It feels as if Nature is reaching out to remind us of its power.

However, a storm can quickly turn into a gentle rain that replenishes the plants and flowers from the scorching hot summer days. Don’t forget to create some Moon Water with your rainwater!

That intense energy always fills me with inspiration! July’s Thunder Moon is a fantastic time to pursue your creative outlets.

July’s Full Moon is a wondrous magical time and is calling out for you to practice some self-reflection. Journaling can really help you connect with yourself and here are a few prompt ideas to get you started –

Buck Moon Journal Prompts

  • Take a moment to congratulate yourself on any achievements you’ve had recently! Make a list and bask in the happiness and pride in your hard work.
  • Write about how July’s Buck Moon makes you feel. What are your favorite ways to celebrate?
  • Name a book or movie you’d like to read or watch before the year ends. Why?
  • How can you be more intentional with your time?
  • What are some magical spaces in your local area you love to explore? Go visit this space and write about it in detail.
  • Keep a journal next to your bed to record your dreams. This will be a wonderful reference for you to refer back to and interpret later on.

Seasonal Abundance

Embracing in-season food is always a good idea, but July has so many options such as berries, peaches, herbs, and many types of greenery.

Visit your local farmer’s market or harvest from your own backyard for some exceptional selections. Try a new recipe using local seasonal foods. Here are a few ideas to get you started –

  • Make sangria
  • Homemade ice cream
  • Bake a pie from scratch
  • Toss an herb salad together
  • Grilled zucchini
July Moon Ritual back road drive and adventure

Go For An Adventure

When I was little, and my mom got lost while driving, she’d say “We’re going on an adventure.”

Get lost on an adventure in your area! It’s a great way to learn more about your hometown. This can be a walk, bike ride, or drive!

For an extra layer of fun bring a sketchbook. You could also check out Pinterest for some photography challenges and bring your camera! Here are a few ideas to get you started –

  • Your favorite flower/herb/plant/tree
  • Water
  • Close-up of something you find beautiful
  • A black-and-white shot
  • Snack/drink/food you brought with you
  • Whatever you think embodies summer or the Full Buck Moon’s spiritual meaning
  • Selfie of you out in Nature
  • Beautiful light and shadows (probably best during sunrise/sunset)
  • Photo of anyone who went on the adventure with you
  • Someone running through sprinklers (maybe you?)
  • July’s Full Buck Moon
  • Monochromatic colors
  • Something that makes you happy
  • Your favorite place
  • A photo that shows off July’s Full Moon colors (green, gray, blue, and gold)
  • Balancing rocks

Prioritize Rest

The Full Buck Moon represents actions and achievements. Your goals and intentions have been building and manifesting for months. Since the year is halfway over, the month of July gives you a sense of urgency to complete your goals now.

You want to see your hard work pay off, so you might push yourself to accomplish more. However, if you do not also prioritize rest, you will grow weary and burn out. If this happens, it may take quite a while for your motivation to come back.

Make time for fun and joy! Turn off technology and be present in the joyous season of summer. Find activities that fill up your soul with happiness and pleasure. Float down a lazy river, sit on a porch with some homemade lemonade, take a nap, or read a new book cover to cover. Whatever it is, make sure it’s something you truly enjoy.

Green Garden Magick

Garden Green Magic

July’s Full Moon is also known as the Wyrt Moon which refers to plants and herbs used for medicinal purposes. If you’ve got a garden of your own, use this as an opportunity to harvest some herbs for tinctures, extracts, salves, and spices, or hang them upside down to dry for a homemade smoke cleanser. Don’t forget to cool down with a run through the sprinklers!

Give back to your garden by weeding. If you don’t have a garden of your own, maybe you can volunteer your time to a loved one by helping them with their weeds or outdoor chores. You can also give back to Mother Nature by picking up trash and garbage in your local area.

2023 Full Moon Calendar

Below is a schedule for 2023 Full Moons, including dates, times, and links if you’d like to read more in-depth.

Future Buck Moon Dates

  • July 21st, 2024, reaching its peak at 6:17 a.m. (Eastern Standard Time)
  • July 10th, 2025, reaching its peak at 4:37 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time)

(source: Griffith Observatory)

I hope you enjoy July’s Buck Moon 2023; lots of love to you, and remember as always…

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