The traditional native people of Turtle Island acknowledge the teachings of the 13 Grandmother Moons.  Depending on the geographic area and celebrations around those moon, they may have different names.  Many of our older pagan cultures such as the Celtics and Druids also followed a 13 moon cycle and related celebrations.  There are numerous stories, too many to mention, that are associated with each of these moons.

1 = January — Spirit Moon, Wolf Moon
The first moon of Creation is Spirit Moon, and is manifested through the Northern Lights. It is a time to honour the silence and realize our place within all of Great Mystery’s creatures.

2 = February — Snow Moon, Bear Moon
The second moon of Creation is Bear Moon, when we honour the vision quest that it began in the fall. During this time, we discover how to see beyond reality and to communicate through energy rather than sound.

3 = March — Sugar Moon, Worm Moon
The third moon of Creation is Sugar Moon. As the maple sap begins to run, we learn of one of the main medicines given to the Anishnabe which balances our blood, and heals us. During this time, we are encouraged to balance our lives as we would our blood sugar levels, by using Divine Law.

4 = April — Pink Moon, Sucker Moon
The fourth moon of Creation is Sucker Moon, when sucker goes to the Spirit World in order to receive cleansing techniques for this world. When it returns to this realm, it purifies a path for the Spirits and cleanses all our water beings. During this time we can learn to become healed healers.

5 = May — Flower Moon
The fifth moon of Creation is Flower Moon, where all plants display their Spirit sides for all the world to see. This life giving energy is one the most powerful healing medicines on Mother Earth. During this moon we are encouraged to explore our Spiritual essences.

6 = June — Strawberry Moon
The sixth moon of Creation is Strawberry Moon. The medicine of the strawberry is reconciliation. It was during this moon cycle that communities usually held their annual feasts, welcoming everyone home, regardless of their differences over the past year, letting go of judgment and/or self-righteousness.

7 = July — Raspberry Moon, Buck Moon
The seventh moon of Creation is Raspberry Moon, when great changes begin. By learning gentleness and kindness, we may pass through the thorns of its bush and harvest its fruit, knowledge that will help in raising our families.

8 = August — Thimbleberry/Strawberry Moon, Sturgeon Moon
The eighth moon of Creation is the Thimbleberry Moon, when we honour the Thimbleberry which produces an abundance of fruit once every three years. It was one of the first plants put on Mother Earth, and its purpose is to protect the Sacred Circle of Life by allowing us to recognize and understand the teachings that come from the Spirit World.

9 = September — Corn Moon
The ninth moon of Creation is the Corn Moon, during which time we learn about the cycle of life. Each cob of corn has thirteen rows of multicoloured seeds which represent all the spirits waiting to begin their Earth Walk. These will be the future generations for whom we must prepare.

10 = October — Falling Leaves Moon, Hunters Moon
The tenth moon of Creation is the Falling Leaves Moon, a time when Mother Earth is honoured with the grandest of colours. As all of Creation makes their offerings to her, we become aware of all the miracles of Creation before us and our spiritual energies are once again awakened.

11 = November — Freezing Moon, Blue Moon
The eleventh moon of Creation is the Freezing Moon, a time when the Star Nation is closest to us. As every creature being prepares for the coming fasting grounds, we are reminded to prepare ourselves for our spiritual path by learning the sacred teachings and songs that will sustain us.

12 = December — Little Spirit Moon, Beaver Moon
The twelfth moon of Creation is the Little Spirit Moon, a time of healing. By receiving both vision of the spirits and good health, we may walk the Red Road with purest intentions, and we can share this most positive energy with our families and friends for the good of all.

13 = Big Spirit Moon, Cold Moon, Blue Moon
The thirteenth moon of Creation is Big Spirit Moon. Its purpose is to purify us, and to heal all of Creation, a process which may take a three month long spiritual journey. During this time, we receive instructions on the healing powers of the universe and transform into our own vision of the truth.

Thirteen Grandmother Moon Teachings by Arlene Barry, from her series of compiled teachings “Kinoomaadiewinan Anishinaabe Bimaadinzinwin”

Special Note:  The Full Moons mentioned above reflect the twelve moons of the modern day calendar.  Before the concepts of calendars and twelve were introduced to the native peoples, they naturally honoured thirteen moon cycles within their known year.  These moon cycles were associated with the seasons and celebrations that occurred during those seasons.  The notation of the blue moon is common within the non-native cultures and occurs during a month when two full moons occur.