What May 2024's Full Flower Moon Could Mean For Your Personal Growth
The next full moon of 2024 falls on May 23, and it could bring change to your life. Dubbed the Flower Moon by Native Americans because of the blossoming season it appears in, many look forward to this occurrence every year, as astrologers believe this is a time of growth and manifesting your dreams. Defining full moons to BBC Science Focus, astronomy lecturer Dr. Darren Baskill explained, "We call it the full Moon when the Moon is fully illuminated by the Sun. That only happens when the Moon is completely opposite to the Sun in the sky — so you always see the full Moon rising just as the Sun sets."
This year, the moon will pass Antares, the brightest star in the Scorpius constellation, and occur in Sagittarius, the zodiac's mutable fire sign. Sagittarius represents change and adventure, so the 2024 Flower Moon is an ideal time to plan your future, make travel arrangements, and welcome exciting opportunities. While the moon is in its fullest state, the sun will be in Gemini, another mutable sign that is big on moving through life and encouraging new experiences. They also love to communicate, whether face to face or through a letter, so if you have any pent-up emotions, take some time to release them on (or around) May 23.
The 2024 Flower Moon is the perfect time to get rid of negativity
If you've been harboring self-doubt or fear of the unknown, you need to lean into May 2024's Flower Moon is the time and throw away all negative notions. "Time and again, studies have shown that the power of your thoughts to impact your behavior is profound. This is why it's important to work daily on maintaining a positive mindset and keep your thoughts optimistic and upbeat," psychologist Susan Albers told the Cleveland Clinic. The full moon will make you feel vulnerable, but you need to work through those uncomfortable feelings in order to have a breakthrough. The full moon may aid you with optimistic energy, which could give you a boost of confidence to overcome any insecurities you may have.
Since this full moon will encourage changes in your life, learn to be comfortable with them. You'll feel more inclined to do so with the Flower Moon in Sagittarius. Words will flow better, so if you need to hash out any resentful feelings with a loved one, this is the time to improve communication in your relationship. If you've been wanting to reach out to an old friend or long-lost relative, give them a call or text. You may have been putting off reconnecting with someone, but take advantage of the Flower Moon and allow yourself to welcome more people into your life. Need a step in the right direction? Do your favorite rituals on the night of the full moon to harness its power, and you may find yourself more open to change.
Flower Moon rituals to try around May 23
Many believe that the moon gives off spiritual energy and reaches its greatest power at the height of its fullness. Celebrate the Flower Moon by performing rituals that tap into that energy. Get rid of any anxious feelings or thoughts by standing barefoot outside while the moon is out. This will ground you to nature and allow you to feel a sense of inner peace. During this time, you can write in a journal or recite affirmations. You can also sit down, close your eyes, and meditate while breathing fresh air. Before you do so, get rid of any negative energy by burning a bundle of sage and waving it around your body.
If you have crystals, the Flower Moon is the perfect time to cleanse and charge them. On this, gemologist Chloé Sarasola shared with Vogue France, "Remember that the moon reflects the light of the sun. The full moon confers its sacred feminine energy to anything that receives its soft light. Every full moon, I lay my crystals on the window sill, bathing them in the moon's photons." You can also make moon water at the same time by leaving some in a glass container overnight to absorb the moon's energies. Use the water to cleanse your face or make a calming spray with a drop of lavender oil. No matter which of these strategies you invoke, you may feel better because of them — and end up with a new monthly tradition.