Worm Moon: The Stunning Full Moon of March 2023

ByAmanda Brethauer
March full worm moon

The Full Moon of March 2023 is called the Worm Moon, and it’s considered the final Moon of Winter. The Spring season is upon us, and with it, new life and excitement. The Worm Moon’s spiritual meaning reflects the fresh starts taking place everywhere you look!

Tiny buds are pushing their way up through the earth, filling your heart and soul with pure joy. Birds, squirrels, and other critters scurry about, and you wonder if they feel the same hope and anticipation you do.

Whether physically or metaphorically, it’s time to plant seeds you can harvest and reap the rewards of later this year. What hard work and energy can you do NOW to help out your future self? It’s time to get specific on your goals and focus your energy on your specific intention.

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!)

When is the Full Moon in March 2023?

The March Full Worm Moon is the third full moon in 2023, occurring on March 7th. It will reach its peak illumination at 7:40 am EST.

Is The Full Moon in March a supermoon?

No, in 2023, the Full Moon in March will NOT be a supermoon.

However, this year will have TWO supermoons in August (including a Blue Moon).

Note: There are no defined rules for how close the Moon must travel to earth qualify as a supermoon. Depending on how you choose to define a supermoon, there could also be one in July and one in September this year. However, they don’t orbit as close to earth as the August Moons.

March Full Worm Moon - tiny Spring buds pushing their way up through the earth

Will the Worm Moon Have A Lunar Eclipse in 2023?

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

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. It will be visible in Europe, Asia, Australia, Antarctica, Africa, and the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans.

penumbra, (from Latin paene, “almost”; umbra, “shadow”), in astronomy, the outer part of a conical shadow, cast by a celestial body, where the light from the Sun [or other light source like the moon] is partially blocked—as compared to the umbra (q.v.), the shadow’s darkest, central part, where the light is totally excluded.

Britannica – Penumbra Eclipse

The second will be a Partial Lunar Eclipse taking place during October’s Full Hunter’s Moon. It will be visible in North America, Asia, Europe, Australia, Africa, and most of South America, as well as the Pacific, Atlantic, Arctic, and Indian Oceans.

There will also be 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.”

Why Is It Called the Worm Moon?

According to NASA, only Southern Native American tribes called March’s Moon the Worm Moon due to the emergence of earthworm manure (called vermicast) as the earth began to thaw.

The Full Moon of March was not called the Worm Moon in more northern areas of North America because they’d gone extinct thousands of years before!

When glaciers covered the northern part of North America they wiped out the native earthworms. After these glaciers melted about 12,000 years ago the more northern forests grew back without earthworms.

The earthworms in these areas now are mostly invasive species introduced from Europe and Asia.

NASA – March Worm Moon

The Old Farmer’s Almanac claims an alternative theory originates with Captain Jonathan Carver (18th-century author and early “explorer” of North America), who supposedly wrote about a “worm-like beetle larvae” appearing this time of year.

However, I’ve been unable to find any writings by Captain Carver, and The Old Farmer’s Almanac isn’t listing their sources. Due to these facts, I don’t believe this theory is very credible.

Worm Moon Spiritual Meaning

As the days continue to grow longer and brighter, earthworms appear as the soil warms and softens. Birds, enthralled with new feeding opportunities, descend upon them. More evidence Spring is close at hand.

These small signs indicate the dark cold days are ending and a new season is beginning. Earth is awakening from its deep Winter rest. During these spirited days, we celebrate the Full Moon of March.

The Worm Moon’s spiritual meaning is optimism, hope, and new beginnings.

Full Moon March 2023 Alternative Names

  • Sap Moon (shkipiye kwiitha) Shawnee Native American origins (maple syrup is typically tapped from early to mid-March)
  • Lenten Moon (Old English word meaning Spring or longer days) (Source)
  • Warming Moon (yu’a-mea’) Shoshone Native American origins
  • Wind Moon and Plough Moon (Celtic) (Source: Time and Date)
  • Crow Moon Mohican (Algonquian) Native American origins
  • Stormy Month (Hlyd-monath) or Rugged Month (hraed-monath) Anglo-Saxon origins (Source: The Guardian)
  • Noisy Goose Moon (xitgáas kungáay) Haida Native American origins
  • Death Moon (more recent Neo-Pagan origins referring to the death of Winter)

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

spiritual meaning full worm moon

Worm Moon Meaning in Astrology

As you leave Winter behind, find ways to celebrate the rebirth of Spring! Get ready for a very emotional season. Now is an excellent time to recognize our personal needs and find ways to nourish our souls.

You’re going to have so many aha moments! According to TikTok creator @alexieotto, “Now because of this Pisces Virgo axis, and Saturn leaving Aquarius and entering Pisces shortly after, this is going to be an incredibly emotional time.”

On March 7th we have a Full Worm Moon in the sign of Virgo at 16 degrees and this full moon is at a complete opposition with the sun in Pisces at 16 degrees; which is setting the stage for a major change in your life. So get ready for a huge reset.

This Full Moon will be affecting everyone, but if you’re a mutable sign such as Sagittarius, Virgo, Gemini, or Pisces this is going to be affecting you significantly more than anyone else.

Alexie Gigi Otto

What Pagan Holiday is associated with the March Full Worm Moon?

The Spring Equinox is about honoring balance, self-improvement, and new adventures. The days are getting gradually warmer, and the bitter cold of Winter is coming to an end.

Since the Spring Equinox takes place on Monday, March 20, 2023, the Worm Moon is often linked or associated with this Pagan Holiday.

Learn more about the Spring Equinox and Ostara here!

When is the Paschal Moon in 2023?

The Paschal (pronounced pass-kl) Full Moon helps to determine the date of the Christian celebration of Easter. The holiday celebration always occurs on the Sunday following the first Full Moon after the Spring Equinox.

In 2023, the Spring Equinox takes place on March 20th, which is AFTER March’s Full Worm Moon on March 7th. April’s Pink Moon on the 6th is the first Full Moon after the Spring Equinox, making Easter land on April 9th.

This makes April’s Pink Moon the Paschal Moon in 2023.

March full Storm Moon, Sap Moon, Spring Moon, Lenten Moon Spiritual Meaning

Does March Have a Black Moon in 2023?

No, this year does not have a Black Moon in March 2023.

However, Space.com says there will be a Black Moon in May because there are four New Moons this season. It’s the only Black Moon in 2023!

The next Black Moon by the seasonal definition of the term will occur on May 19, 2023. 

Space.com

A Black Moon is a modern phrase that is very similar to a definition of a Blue Moon. However, it involves two NEW MOONS inside a specified time period rather than two FULL MOONS.

A Black Moon brings success and good luck. While a Black Moon is not an astronomical phrase, it’s honored and celebrated by those interested in Nature Spirituality (Pagans, Witches, etc.).

Worm Moon Correspondences

The spiritual meaning of March’s Worm Full Moon is a powerful time for hopeful intentions, magic, and a lovely time for meditation. To get you started, here are some spiritual correspondences and intentions!

Worm Moon Spiritual Intentions

  • Hopeful intentions
  • Inspiration
  • New growth
  • Rebirth
  • Fertility
  • Motivation
  • Good luck
  • Optimism
  • Idealism
  • Purification (cleansing of stagnant and old energy)

March Full Moon Colors

  • Green
  • Pastel Pink
  • Lilac Purple
  • Yellow

Ritual Ideas and How I Celebrate March’s Full Moon

Here are a few Worm moon rituals, intentions, and magical ideas to help you celebrate March’s full Moon.

Journaling

The practice of journaling during each full moon lets me also observe short-term (monthly) goals and reflections. Take some time to ruminate on your life right now. What are you proud to have accomplished? What goals would you still like to achieve? These intentions can be big or small. What challenges are you facing, and what is your plan to overcome them?

Writing is a beautiful habit, and it’s fascinating to reflect back on. To see how your thoughts and opinions may have changed or stayed the same. It can also help you slow down and observe your current situation. To be fully present at this moment.

Storm Water

March’s Full Moon is also known as the Storm Moon due to the more frequent thunder, lightning, and rainstorms occurring during March.

Collect powerful and potent stormwater with any jars or bowls you prefer. You can use the stormwater to cleanse your crystals, tools, ritual work, on your altar, or use it to make Moon Water.

Contemplate the various rainwater uses depending on the type of storm. A calm and serene drizzle carries an entirely different mood and energy than an intense lightning storm. How can you use these differently for cleansing, meditation, rituals, or to consume?

Storm Moon Water Spiritual Meaning

Creating A Balance in Your Life

During March, we are very close to the Spring Equinox. Acknowledge and honor this by finding ways to incorporate balance into your life.

YouTuber, Sunny Lenarduzzi, has five F’s tattooed on her arm to symbolize her biggest values. They stand for Faith, Family, Finance, Friends, and Fitness.

I encourage you to ruminate on your biggest values and intentions. What can you do to incorporate more time focused on your biggest priorities? Better yet, what can you eliminate? Simplify, simplify, simplify! You can accomplish so much more by honing in on a few things, rather than everything!

Start Seedlings or Seed Bombs

You’ve spent the Winter planning and preparing, now is your opportunity to begin! Depending on where you live, March can be a fantastic time to start some seedlings!

You could also create some seed bombs to place intentions into and give as a gift or place in your own garden. A popular choice is wildflowers, but feel free to pick your favorite! All you need is air-dry clay, potting soil, and seeds!

Optimistic Pursuits

The Full Worm Moon is a season of pure potential and enthusiasm! Right now is an outstanding time to pursue big goals, like a new job, starting a new business, financial intentions, etc.

Start the ball rolling on your big dreams, but don’t overdo it! You don’t want to burn out! Big life changes occur with a series of small steps; now is your opportunity to plant those seeds!

Have you been wanting to change your employment situation? Get your resume current and up to date, and get clear on what companies you’d prefer to work for.

What about starting your own business? What are some small steps you can take now, that will really help you out in the future? Maybe starting a website for your business, applying for your EIN, or opening your business checking account.

If you want to take control of your finances or learn a new skill, start educating yourself! Sign up for a class, read books by experts, or watch some YouTube videos! The list can go on and on! The point is, get out there and make your dreams come true!

When is the New Moon in March 2023?

March’s New Moon lands on March 21st. The New Moon begins a brand new lunar cycle and appears as a very delicate crescent in the sky.

Learn more about New Moon Rituals, Intentions, Spiritual Meaning, and Correspondences here!

Future March Full Worm Moon Dates

Need to know future March Full Worm Moon Dates? Here are the upcoming dates according to Griffith Observatory!

  • March 25th, 2024, peak illumination at 3:00 AM (Eastern Standard Time)
  • March 14th, 2025, peak illumination at 2:55 AM (Eastern Standard Time)

2023 Full Moon Calendar

Lunar Eclipse Schedule in 2023

In 2023 there will be TWO LUNAR eclipses!

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. It will be visible in Europe, Asia, Australia, Antarctica, Africa, and the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans.

The second will be a Partial Lunar Eclipse taking place during October’s Full Hunter’s Moon. It will be visible in North America, Asia, Europe, Australia, Africa, and most of South America, as well as the Pacific, Atlantic, Arctic, and Indian Oceans.

Solar Eclipse Schedule in 2023

In 2023 there will be TWO SOLAR eclipses!

  • April 20th, 2023 – Total Solar Eclipse visible in Australia, Asia, Antarctica, and the Indian and Pacific oceans.
  • October 14th, 2023 – Annular SOLAR eclipse (when the moon passes between the sun and the earth, creating a “ring of fire.”) Visible in North America, South America, and the Pacific, Atlantic, and Arctic oceans.

2023 Supermoon Schedule

In 2023, there will be TWO supermoons in August (including a Blue Moon)!

  • August 1st, 2023
  • August 30th, 2023

Note: There are no defined rules for how close the Moon must travel to earth to qualify as a supermoon. Depending on how you choose to define a supermoon, there could also be one in July and one in September. However, they don’t orbit as close to the earth as the August Moons.

I hope you enjoy the Full Moon in March 2023! Lots of love to you, and remember, as always…

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