You’ve probably heard the phrase “once in a blue moon” to mean something rare. But have you heard of the pink moon? Every April, the full moon rises with a pinkish color.
Unlike a blue moon, the pink moon isn’t actually rare but it does have spiritual significance. The April pink moon has gone by many names in various cultures over the centuries from the grass moon to the egg moon to the fish moon. But no matter what you call it, the pink moon has always evoked a sense of rebirth and renewal as spring takes hold.
What Is The Pink Moon?
The Pink Moon is the full moon each April. It’s named pink not for its color but after the pink wildflowers that bloom in spring. This full moon has gone by lots of different names over the years, too, like the Sprouting Grass Moon, the Fish Moon, and the Egg Moon.
The next Pink Moon is coming up on April 23rd at 7:49 PM. That’s when it’ll be at its biggest and brightest, all glowing up there in the Scorpio constellation.
Ancient Cultural Significance
For centuries, people have used full moons to keep track of the seasons. The Pink Moon in particular has always been seen as a sign that spring was really kicking into gear. Ancient cultures viewed the moon as a symbol of renewal and fertility, so they linked the Pink Full Moon with things sprouting up, animals getting down to business, and all the eggs being laid.
A Time for Spiritual Reflection
Today, a lot of people see the full moons as a real opportunity for reflection and release, especially the Pink Full Moon. It’s a great time to think about fresh starts and shed whatever might be holding you back. With nature coming back to life all around us, it’s also a perfect time to tap back into your own ability to renew and grow.
Connecting To The Cycles of Life
When you take a look at the Pink Moon rising in the night sky, you really get a sense that the Earth itself is coming back to life again after winter. It drives home that life just keeps on going in its never-ending pattern – and that we’re all part of that same process. Our days unfold in cycles, too, much like the seasons – we’re constantly being born, growing, letting things go, and being renewed. The Pink Moon is a great reminder to appreciate each piece of our personal cycle as it comes.
The History of The April Full Moon
Many Native American tribes gave the moon names to keep track of the seasons. The Pink Moon signaled that spring was in full bloom and it was time to gather herbs. The Sioux Indians referred to it as the “Moon When Geese Return Home” since that’s around when geese would begin flying back north for the spring. And the Tlingit people of the Pacific Northwest called it the “Moon of New Spring Shoots” because that’s when you start to see new growth popping up all over the place as everything comes back to life after winter.
A Time of Celebration
For early Americans and Europeans, the April full moon was an important time. Spring planting began in earnest and people would come together in festivals to celebrate the renewal of life. Today, many Pagans and Wiccans still recognize the Pink Moon as a time of rebirth, fertility, and new beginnings.
A Moon of Opposites
There is a balance of opposites represented in the Pink Full Moon. Even though it’s springtime and things are blooming, it can still get cold at night sometimes. The moon symbolizes both the warm and the cold, day and night. There’s also a harmony between what was winter and what’s still ahead with summer. We can try to embrace that same balance in our own lives, too. Everything has its opposite, but they can also go together if you think about it.
Spiritual Meaning of The Pink Moon
The Pink Moon occurs after the spring equinox, marking the start of longer and warmer days in the Northern Hemisphere. This signifies a time of balance, as day and night are of nearly equal length. In the spiritual realm, the Pink Moon encourages us to embrace this balance in our own lives by nurturing both our outwardly focused, productive side as well as our inwardly focused, contemplative side.
Fertility & New Starts
Historically. the Pink Moon was all about new beginnings for early spring crops and new livestock being born, representing fertility and rebirth. It was a sign that things were sprouting and growing.
Spiritually speaking, the Pink Moon signifies new ideas blossoming and fresh starts after something else wraps up. Whether you plant actual seeds in the ground or new ideas in your mind, this is a good time to get something growing. Nurture those ideas or plants over the next few months and see what comes up.
Relationships And Emotions
The Pink Moon may also bring emotions to the surface in yourself or your loved ones. You should also keep in mind what zodiac sign the full moon occurs. For April 2024, it’s going to be in Scorpio, and that one’s all about intensity. So if any toxic exes or people try crawling back, use the power of the Pink Moon to set some boundaries. Don’t let anyone take advantage, you know – protect your energy.
Pink Moon Rituals, Spells, And Intentions
On the night of the Pink Moon, write down any negative emotions, habits or relationships you want to release. Place the paper in a fireproof bowl and burn it to symbolize letting go of what no longer serves you. Watch the smoke float up as you imagine all the junk burning away. This ritual can help you start fresh with a clear mind and open heart.
Love Spell
The Pink Moon is a time for romance and relationships. Perform a love spell to attract a new partner or strengthen your current relationship. Gather pink rose petals, cinnamon sticks, lavender essential oil, and a red candle. Anoint the candle with the essential oil and sprinkle the petals and cinnamon around the base. Light the candle and say:
“Pink moon shine,
Passion entwine,
Love come to me,
As I wish it to be.”
Seed Planting
In many areas, the Pink Moon marks the start of the planting season. Buy seed packets for flowers or veggies you want to grow and charge them under the light of the full moon. Hold the packets in your hands and infuse them with the energy of new beginnings, then plant the seeds the following day. This symbolic act will help motivate your own personal growth and renewal this spring.
A Secret Tip From The Witch
During the next Pink Moon, I recommend spending some quality time outside to connect with nature. Walk around barefoot in the grass, you’ll love feeling the earth between your toes. Light a nice pink candle, too, and just gaze into the flame for a bit.
Make sure to listen to all the little sounds happening around you – birds singing, leaves rustling in the breeze, even just your own breathing. And definitely take a moment to splash some water on your face or enjoy a relaxing bath under the moonlight. Open up your senses and experience the energy from the air, the fire from your candle, the earth beneath you, and the water, too.
The Pink Moon brings a fresh new energy with it since everything starts blooming at this time and animals are having their babies too. Be part of that process and do your best to connect with Mother Nature.
The energy from the Pink Moon is really potent, but it doesn’t stick around for long. Make the most of this time to nourish both your body and your spirit. Even after the moon moves on, the effects can last you through the whole lunar cycle. So enjoy this magical time to the fullest!