The Full Frog Moon

Michael Erlewine

This coming Sunday, April 17, 2011 at 9:45 PM EDT marks the Full Moon, what is called the “Frog Moon” indicating that the frogs have returned to the spring ponds, at least in temperate climates. This is sometimes called the “Egg Moon” or “Sprouting Grass Moon” as well as other names like “Full Fish Moon,” or “Pink Moon” named after the wild phlox that blossoms in southern areas. There are many traditions and each has its own name. April’s Full Moon was called “Planter’s Moon” by the American colonists, the “Peony Moon” in China, the “Wildcat Moon” by the Choctaw Indians, and the “Moon When the Geese Return” by the Sioux. In Ireland, it was the “Growing Moon” or “Seed Moon” and neo-pagans knew it as the “Awakening Moon.”

In am sure this may be more than you want to know. On occasion this might be a “Blue Moon” because that term is reserved for any season where there are four rather than three Full Moons in the season. It is a Blue Moon when it appears as the fourth moon that season and tradition has run out of names for it. For any season this is very rare, thus: “Once in a Blue Moon.”

And what does this particular Frog Moon portend or mean? In my interpretation it has to do more with internal things, thoughts, thinking, and using the mind to work with a situation rather than external things. Strong dreams, even to the point of nightmares, may occupy the nights around this time if the day’s thoughts are not resolved. At the same time a humbling and sense of compassion for others and all beings may be present. Working with whatever you have going on is suggested as opposed to pushing things just now.