Another astrological phenomenon is upon us! The Flower Full Moon is the official name given to the full moon in May. In Australia, it lands on 12 May 2025.
When is the Flower Full Moon?
As aforementioned, the Flower Full Moon is the name of the Full Moon in the month of May. Its actual date changes in line with the lunar cycle (which doesn’t follow our 365-day calendar year!). In 2025, it will happen on 12 May.
Why is it called the Flower Full Moon?
The name actually comes from the northern hemisphere, and anyone who paid attention in Geography class knows that the northern hemisphere of the planet is in the season of spring in May. The Moon has long been associated with fertility. Therefore, ancient peoples would have associated the Full Moon around May with budburst and blossoming flowers. Hence the name: Flower Full Moon.
It’s also been called the Milk Moon (for milking cows in the calving season), Corn Planting Moon, and Hare Moon, depending on cultural and regional traditions.
While here in Australia it’s autumn, not spring, the symbolism still rings true: a moment to notice what’s blooming in your own life, even as the leaves fall and the temperature cools in certain regions.
An ancient Celtic festival and its association with the Flower Full Moon
If you have any Irish or Scottish friends or if you are of Irish or Scottish descent, you may have heard of Bealtane/Bealtaine (Bee-al-tan-a). It’s the Irish/Scots Gaelic word for May. However, it’s also the name of an ancient Celtic summer festival. Kind of like a May Day Festival celebrated in other cultures. It marks the first day of summer.
Beltane is one of the four main Gaelic seasonal festivals: Samhain (Sah-wawn, in October, aka end of harvest, aka Halloween), Imbolc/Imbolg (Im-bol-g, first day of spring), and Lughnasadh (Lu-nas-a, August, aka start of harvest).
Some Beltane rituals include fire ceremonies (like the Beltane Fire Festival in Scotland), creating flower crowns, and Maypole dances, all symbolising fertility and the renewal of life. Some Neopagans celebrate it around the astronomical midpoint between the spring equinox and summer solstice, or the Full Moon nearest this point, which is the Flower Full Moon!
Will the Flower Full Moon affect you?
For centuries, people have believed the Full Moon has a mysterious pull on our bodies, minds, and emotions, just like it moves the tides. Historically, the moon has been linked to women’s menstrual cycles, as both last roughly 28–29 days. However, there is no hard evidence, and scientists remain divided on the extent of its influence. But that doesn’t stop people speculating. Read more here.
Studies have found that people may sleep less deeply or take longer to fall asleep during a Full Moon — even when they don’t know it’s happening. This is often linked to the brightness of the Moon during a full phase. The light could trick your subconscious brain into thinking it’s daytime and thus impact your sleep cycle by impeding melatonin production.
This lack of sleep can have a domino effect on your other hormones, like serotonin, aka the “Happy Hormone”. A disrupted sleep cycle can raise cortisol (the stress hormone). This could leave you feeling more anxious, moody or emotionally sensitive than usual.
Changes in sleep and light exposure can lower serotonin, the “feel-good” hormone, which may amplify emotional ups and downs.
How to manage your hormones during the Flower Moon?
If you’re feeling more emotional or on edge, gentle activities like deep breathing, yoga or meditation can help reduce cortisol. This could improve your mood and sleep quality.
Try all the classic sleep care routines. Avoid screens an hour before bed, try using blackout curtains or a sleep mask, drink warming herbal tea, and read a book.
It’s not all bad news — many women say they feel more in tune with their bodies during a Full Moon. Take this time to rest, reflect and honour your body’s rhythm. Some cultures believe the full moon brings a surge of energy. So, it could be a good time to finish projects, have important conversations, or reflect on what’s no longer serving you.
