Buck Moon 2024: The full moon has captured people’s imaginations since ancient times and holds significance in agricultural calendars, religious practices and festivals. Additionally, the full moon plays an important role in astrology, influencing the constellations and serving as a reminder of the cyclicality of time. This month’s full moon is called the “Buck Moon” and will rise on July 21, 2024, coinciding with Guru Purnima in India.
Also read: Guru Purnima 2024: Date, Time, Everything You Need to Know
Buck Moon 2024: Rising Time
July’s Buck Moon will rise after sunset on Sunday, July 21, reaching its peak at 6:17 a.m. EST. The Buck Moon will rise in Capricorn, and because the Strawberry Moon also occurred in the same constellation, this year’s Buck Moon can be seen as a continuation of the events and themes of June 21.
Buck Moon: Names and Meanings
The July full moon is known as the “Buck Moon,” which represents the antler growth of bucks, as this is the time of year when bucks are in their antler growth phase. Every year, bucks shed their antlers and then regrow them, making them bigger and more impressive than the year before.
Other months this month have animal-related names, including “Moult Moon” in Cree and “Salmon Moon” in Tlingit, which marks the time when fish return to the area and can be harvested.
Other names given to the full moon that signifies stormy weather and the summer season include the Thunder Moon (Western Abenaki) and the Halfway Summer Moon (Anishinaabe).
According to the Farmer’s Almanac, the name Buck Moon is believed to have come from Native American tribes who used the lunar cycle to understand the seasons and timing of important events, like hunting and planting crops. The Buck Moon was an important landmark for these groups, letting them know when to prepare for the upcoming hunting season.
Buck Moon: Spiritual Meaning
Hindus, Buddhists and Jains celebrate this full moon as Guru Full Moon or Guru Purnima. Theravada Buddhists celebrate this full moon as Asara Puja. This day is also known as Dharma Day or Esala Poya, and is an important festival marking the first sermon of the Buddha after he attained nirvana.
In some spiritual beliefs and practices, the Stag Moon is believed to be a time of growth, renewal and rebirth because stags antlers fall off each year and new antlers grow, a sign of personal growth and transformation.
And because the Buck Moon is believed to symbolize a time of change and increased self-discovery, this Full Moon may encourage you to tap into your inner strength and intuitive wisdom and overcome challenges with discipline and compassion.
How to enjoy the full moon
The full moon gives us an opportunity to reconnect with nature. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your full moon viewing experience.
- For an unobstructed view, choose a scenic location away from city lights and with a clear view of the horizon.
- Make sure you plan your evening to ensure it will be a clear night without any weather disruptions, to avoid disappointment due to cloud cover.
- Use a telescope or binoculars to see the moon’s craters and surface details.
- Photography enthusiasts can experiment with different settings to capture the beauty of the moon.
- Take part in events specially designed for full moon nights, including viewing the Taj Mahal in the moonlight.
