6 reasons why this month’s full moon is unique
June’s full moon isn’t just a cute one (it’s the smallest of the full moons). Astrologists say this tiny full moon is the equivalent of a potent truth serum.
First a little astronomy primer: This month’s full moon (which occurred June 9) is different than others because the full moon is at or near apogee. Translated, apogee is the satellite’s orbit where it’s farthest from Earth.
June’s full moon is the opposite of a supermoon, which is when the full moon occurs at perigee, the point where the moon is closest to Earth, Space.com explains.
Because it’s so far from the Earth, June’s full moon will appear to be the smallest full moon of the year, garnering it nicknames like micro-moon or a mini-moon.
Astrologists are geeking out, too, because they say this moon can expose some truths.
Here are six things that make June’s small, but full, moon extra-special on both astronomical and astrological levels.
1. It’s smaller, and less bright
Compared to supermoons, mini moons look up to 14 percent smaller, according to Space.com. They also aren’t as luminous as more typical full moons.
Another name for this month’s moon? A micro moon!
2. June’s moon is referred to as the “Full Strawberry Moon”
Curious how it got that name? According to Farmer’s Almanac, the Algonquin tribe called the June full moon a “strawberry moon” because it’s the start of strawberry harvesting in June. In Europe, the moon was referred to as the “rose moon.”
And, as it turns out, Native Americans named each each month’s full moon. Here are their names, according to Farmer’s Almanac.
January: Full Wolf Moon
February: Full Snow Moon
March: Full Worm Moon
April: Full Pink Moon
May: Full Flower Moon
June: Full Strawberry Moon
July: Full Buck Moon
August: Full Sturgeon Moon
September: Full Corn Moon or Full Harvest Moon
October: Full Hunter’s Moon or Full Harvest Moon
November: Full Beaver Moon
December: Full Cold Moon or Full Long Nights Moon
3. It’s unique, but you can still catch other full moons this year
If you missed the mini moon, don’t fret. The Farmer’s Almanac has a handy list of all the full moons you can see this year and on what date they’ll occur.
Since the lunar month is only 29 days long, the full moon appears on different dates each year. Keep this link bookmarked so you’ll never miss a full moon again.
Plus, if you’re an astronomy nerd or want to teach your kids about the phases of the moon, check out this super useful moon phase calendar. It tells you the moon phase for each day of the month.
4. Mini moons and supermoons happen for a similar reason
Because the the moon’s orbit is a tad elliptical, and not perfectly circular, mini moons and supermoons occur, says Space.com. Since this is the case, the apogee and perigee won’t always line up neatly with a full or new moon.
5. According to astrology, this mini moon will reveal some big truths
Honesty is the best policy. Your parents preached this, and so did your kindergarten teacher. But Ophira and Tali Edut, known as the Astrotwins and who are the astrologists behind the site, Astrostyle, are also encouraging you to be uber-honest with the arrival of the Sagittarius full moon arriving on June 9.
If fact, the full moon may illuminate some truths that have been hidden from the world, they say.
“On the topic of truth-saying, denial zaps a lot of life force energy,” they say. “This super-powered full moon could expose the full panoramic view of something you’ve avoided or covered up.
If you’ve been unable to pinpoint the source of your suffering, this full moon could uncover a blind spot or two.”
6. Warning: This moon could give you a travel bug
Because Sagittarius tends to be the zodiac’s most well-traveled, this full moon might help spark your travel bug, according to the Astrostyle. How about doing something adventurous, like booking a back-country stay in a former fire tower or seeking out a remote cabin?
Apparently, Sagittarius is the sign of international travel and global connections. But, if a vacation is out of reach for you right now, don’t worry—how about cooking a recipe inspired by another country’s cuisine or attending your local cultural heritage center?
The Astrotwins also say it’s OK—even a good idea— to indulge a bit this month. Take a day off from your diet and let loose!
“Since Sagittarius is ruled by Jupiter, mythic god of the feast, we’re all encouraged to dip into decadence,” they write.
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