Hey, everyone. Welcome to the seventh in a series of posts about the names of full moons.
If you missed the other posts of the series, you can click the following links.
- The Wolf Moon (January)
- The Snow Moon (February)
- The Worm Moon (March)
- The Pink Moon (April)
- The Flower Moon (May)
- The Strawberry Moon (June)
The July Moon is most often called the Buck Moon. It’s the time of the year when a male deer’s antlers are in full growth mode. But there is another name for July’s moon and there is a reason I chose to use that one.
The Thunder Moon is aptly named due to summer thunderstorms. Blood Red Dawn, the second book of my Legends of Madeira series, is set primarily during the month of July. (You’ll hear more about it in the weeks to come.)
Interesting Facts
- It is a common misconception that the first Apollo moon landing occurred during a full moon. The moon wasn’t full until almost a week later.
- Summer moons make the smallest arc across the sky in the northern hemisphere due to longer days and shorter nights.
- There are several full moon celebrations in different parts of the world. One of the most popular is held on the island of Ko Pha Ngan in Thailand. Mostly attended by tourists, the Full Moon Party attracts tens of thousands of people every full moon night.
- The Japanese believed that the moon was a god with powers to foretell the future. Priests would study the moon’s reflection in a mirror, believing that if they gazed directly at the moon, it might drive them mad.
- Other names for the July full moon include The Salmon Moon, The Corn Moon, and Halfway Summer Moon.
- This month’s Thunder Moon occurs Friday, July 23.
Superstition
It is unlucky to see “the old moon in the arms of the new” or the faint image of the full disk while the new crescent moon is illuminated, especially if you’re a sailor. Storms are predicted.
Do you know of any interesting legends about the moon? Please share in the comments.
Joan Hall 
Really enjoying this series, Joan. I’ve never paid any attention to these “moons” but I’m totally intrigued by the names and the reasons for them. Thanks so much for sharing with us. I’ll be looking forward to the next Legends of Madeira book!! 😊💖
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It was only a few years ago that I learned about the naming convention for moons. I’ve learned so much through my research and you know how much I enjoy anything about the outdoors and nature.
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I hadn’t heard about any of this, and that’s another reason I’m enjoying this series. Priscilla is right – Thunder Moon is a sper cool name.
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I’ve learned so much with my research, Teri. I’ve enjoyed writing this series and I agree, Thunder Moon is a great name!
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Super post, Joan. I agree on the Thunder Moon name. Seems to fit.
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I like that name much better than Buck Moon. Guess where I took the photo near Juneau, they would have called it the Salmon Moon. Yep, Thunder Moon is much better.
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I don’t need any bad luck, so I think I’ll avoid looking up until I know the old moon has gone to sleep, lol
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Can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen the moon’s shadow while looking at the crescent moon. When I heard about this superstition, I thought “oops!” LOL
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I like the sound of this. It could fit all kinds of stories.
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Certainly lots of possibilities.
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I really enjoy your moon posts. I learn some very interesting facts. I can’t wait to here more about your upcoming novel, Blood Red Dawn.
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Thanks, Michele. Blood Red Dawn is slowly coming together.
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This is very interesting information, Joan.
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Thanks, Robbie.
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I always look forward to these posts, Joan. Your Interesting Facts and Superstition are fascinating. Thank you for this great information. You’ve changed how I see the moon! 😊
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I’ve learned a lot while researching this series, Gwen. Glad you’re enjoying the posts.
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What an interesting post about our upcoming July full moon! I agree with you. I like Thunder Moon better than Buck Moon. I love that your Legends of Madeira series incorporates so much about the moon and I cannot wait for your next book! I already have a deep fondness for the two characters that will star in the new story. Thank you for sharing! Happy Monday!
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Thanks, Jan. I’m fond of Abbey and Connor as well.
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I really like the superstition, Joan. What a cool bit of folklore.
This was another fascinating moon post, and I can’t wait to hear more about Blood Red Dawn.
P.S…for some reason I can’t “like” the post. WP is acting up for me again. I’m going to try again after I post my comment and see if it will let me then!
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What do you know….that worked! 🙂
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Imagine! Technology woes seem to follow me lately.
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🙂
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I’m amazed at the superstition and folklore I’ve learned since beginning this series.
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Doesn’t “thunder moon” have a cool ring to it? It’d make a good story title.
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I agree. I like the name Thunder Moon much better than Buck Moon. When I started to plan my Legends of Madeira series, I considered book titles with the names of moons.
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