Full Buck Moon (July) —by Míchealín Ní Dhochartaigh  (Also known as Blessing Moon, Blood Moon, Grain Moon, Green Corn Moon, Herb Moon, Hungry Ghost Moon, Red Moon, Sturgeon Moon, Thunder Moon, Wort Moon) July is normally the month when the new antlers of buck deer push out of their foreheads in coatings of velvety fur. Some call July's moon, the Full Thunder Moon, because thunderstorms are most frequent during this time. Native American fishing tribes called it the Sturgeon Moon because sturgeon, a large fish of the Great Lakes and other major bodies of water, were most readily caught during this month. A few tribes knew it as the Full Red Moon because, as the Moon rises, it appears reddish through any sultry haze. To some, this is the Blessing Moon. Energy moves into creation. Opportunities for self-reliance and confidence, unity and balance abound. Many Wiccans celebrate the July moon as the Wort Moon or Herb Moon because end of June/beginning of July is the optimal time for harvesting herbs. It is known as the Hay Moon or the Meadow Moon because the meadows are at their greatest point of growth in this month, and it is a time for hay-cutting. Wiccan Traditions to Honour Herb Moon Wear shades of green to honour the herb harvest, and adorn your hair and altar with herbs and greenery Burn sage, lavender or rosemary incense Prepare herbal tea and lavender or lemon balm cookies Bless your herb garden: Plants of wonder plants of power Increase in potency by minute and hour I conjure you now, I charge you with strength I give you life of infinite length And boundless magical energy As I will it, plants, charged you be. Remember to leave some herbs strewn in the garden for the faeries: All members of the Sprite and Fey I offer myself to you this day For spiritual harvest and your work here below So that I may flower and blossom and grow And learn of myself and that up ahead While working or playing or dreaming in bed And in return, there is nothing I ask But that within your magic spirit can bask Sources:    The Farmer's Almanac Gross, T. Native American Full Moons. Morrison, D. The Craft, Llewellyn Publications, St. Paul, MN, 2000. Pennick, N. The Pagan Book of Days. Destiny Books, 2001. Personal traditions. See also:  The Esbats Page last updated 14 Feb 2006 Website Design and Myths & Magic logo by Míchealín Ní Dhochartaigh Copyright © 2006 Ireland's OWN All Rights Reserved.