Full Buck Moon and Hungry Ghost Moon: July 19, 2016

full-buck-moon4The full moon of July 2016 comes at a time when the world is shaking with energy. Contrasts are abundant and we realize that so many things need to change. At times we feel helpless and hopeless as we watch humanity spin out of control. This month it is so important that YOU step into your power.

Officially occurring at 6:57 PM EDT on July 19, this bright full moon can be used to empower yourself for the upcoming lunar month. In North America, native peoples gave names to the moons to indicate what to expect in that month.

Full Buck Moon

This lunar month is named for the time when young male deer grow full antlers, identifying their gender. The growth of antlers by deer is an outstanding representation of personal change. Antlers are one of the fastest emerging tissues of all mammals, potentially growing by ½ inch per day during prime season. Beginning to bud in early spring, the antlers are both sensitive and delicate. As they reach full size in July, the antlers begin to harden into the bony material we are familiar with. The Full Buck Moon identifies the time when young male deer are ready to claim their power and position in the forest.

The July full moon is also called the Full Thunder Moon (named after heavy rainstorms and weather changes common to this time of year), and the Full Hay Moon (the time when harvesting of hay begins).

In the Southern Hemisphere, the moon this month is called Full Wolf Moon, the Old Moon, or the Ice Moon. It is a time when winter expands and hunger increases. This month you are more dependent upon what you have collected and stored.

Hungry Ghost Moon

ghost-moon1In China, the Hungry Ghost Festival is held during the full moon in the middle of July. The festival has the goal of honoring the spirits of ancestors who crave our attention and love; in order to serve the spirits gifts of food and drink are often left out in the night.

However there is more energy involved in this full moon. In Taoist and Buddhist traditions, Hungry Ghosts are the souls of those who have died through violent means or in states of depression or unhappiness. According to legend, at this time of year the gates of Hell are opened and the tormented souls return to our realm, seeking retribution. As this lunar month unfolds, pay attention to the living as well as the dead. There are many souls in this world who require love and sustenance, do what you can to give it to them.

In order to please these wandering souls and to ward off bad luck, feasts are held which provide an abundance of food. Leftovers are shared with all who ask, serving the intention of bettering the lives of living souls and satiating the needs of sullen ancestors. As protection from the Hungry Souls, incense is burned in the doorways of houses at night. In Chinese tradition incense represents prosperity; the more you burn the greater your capacity for abundance. The power of incense also serves to cleanse the air and purify the energy of your surroundings, protecting you from evil.

This Month’s Guidance

As you are probably aware, there is heaviness in energy throughout the world. Violent attacks bring fear to the surface. Recognition that many people struggle and suffer has come to the forefront. Many people experience depression, anxiety, sadness and hopelessness.

In addition to the basic fears about what is to come, there is also the awakening of fears about the souls who have passed. Those who have lost loved ones this year are distraught, particularly if the crossover resulted from violence or personal anguish. In order to strengthen your position in this chaos, it is critical to take steps to claim your power in the moment. Rather than living in fear, it is time to create feelings of hopeful change.

moon-prayer1It is also a month to step up and claim your power. Each of us has gifts that may remain hidden due to training, expectations, and fear of repercussions. NOW is the time to recognize that YOU can make a difference. NOW is the time to share compassion and love. NOW is the time to speak up about wrongness and to insist on positive change. Recognize that every person on this planet is a soul on a journey and encourage them by providing assistance, advice and compassion.

Coincidentally, the same day that Chinese traditionalists were burning incense, I had created the proposal of a ‘Day of Sage’ at Lightworkers of the World. My creation was in response to people who were proposing a ‘day of rage’, but as it turns out my timing was perfect. Thousands of people shared the picture below and participated in spiritual cleansing. This month, claiming your power is a personal choice.

You can determine the times of moonrise and moonset for your location using this Moon Calculator

Full Wolf Moon: January 24, 2016 (Full Old Moon, Moon After Yule)
Full Snow Moon: February 22, 2016 (Full Hunger Moon, Bone Moon, Little Famine Moon)
Full Crow Moon: March 23, 2016 (Full Worm Moon, Crust Moon, Sap Moon)
Full Pink Moon: April 22, 2016 (Full Sprouting Grass Moon, Egg Moon, Full Fish Moon, Growing Moon)
Full Flower Moon: May 21, 2016 (Full Corn Planting Moon, Milk Moon)
Full Strawberry Moon: June 20, 2016 (Rose Moon. Thunder Moon, Mead Moon)
Full Buck Moon: July 19, 2016 (Full Thunder Moon, Full Hay Moon)
Full Sturgeon Moon: August 18, 2016 (Full Red Moon, Green Corn Moon, Grain Moon)
Full Corn Moon: September 16, 2016 (Full Harvest Moon)
Full Hunter’s Moon: October 16, 2016 (Full Blood Moon, Sanguine Moon, Travel Moon)
Full Beaver Moon: : November 14, 2016 (Frosty Moon, White Moon)
Full Cold Moon: December 29, 2016 (Full Long Nights Moon, Winter Moon)

 
©Copyright 2016 Glenn Stewart Coles
 
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