Shadow and Fire
How can one moon hold so many stories, myths, and beliefs, yet still unite us all under the same glow?
It’s been the source of myths, legends, and superstitions for as long as we’ve been looking up at the night sky. March's full moon has its own collection of stories and names. It is traditionally called the Worm Moon, as this is the time of year when the ground thaws and the earthworms start to emerge. Indigenous tribes in the North called it the Crow Moon, for the cawing of crows that signaled the end of winter. It is also referred to as the Sugar Moon, indicating the time when maple sap begins to flow from trees again. I think I prefer this last name.
The March full moon has other cultural, spiritual, and historical associations. Medieval England called it the Lenten Moon, as it coincided with the Christian period of Lent, a time of fasting and reflection before Easter. Celtic traditions connected it to renewal and fertility, as it marked the time when plants would start budding again. The full moon in March is also associated with Gaura Purnima, a festival celebrating the birth of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu in Hindu tradition. Devotees observe fasting, chanting, and nighttime prayers.
In 2025, the Worm Moon coincides with a total lunar eclipse. This is often referred to as a "Blood Moon" due to the reddish hue the moon takes on during the eclipse as it passes through Earth's shadow.
The Blood Moon has a prominent place in many mythologies as well. Eastern Asia traditionally believed a lunar eclipse occurred when a celestial dragon was swallowing the moon. To ward off misfortune, people would bang drums or pots to scare the dragon away. The Mayans associated lunar eclipses with jaguar attacks on the moon, believing the celestial body was being devoured. In the folklore of some African tribes a Blood Moon was seen as a conflict between celestial deities, signaling a time to resolve earthly disputes. The Batammaliba people of Togo and Benin believe a lunar eclipse is a time for reconciliation and peace-making.
Even today, a Blood Moon still holds a certain mystique. In astrology, a lunar eclipse is seen as a time of emotional intensity, transformation, and endings. The March 2025 Blood Moon occurs in Virgo, which astrologers suggest brings themes of order, health, and reflection.
It’s fascinating how a single object in the sky can mean so many different things to so many people. No matter where we stand, or what stories we tell, we all share the same moon. Its presence connects us across time and tradition, reminding us that some wonders belong to everyone.