What Is Buck Moon? Know Time And Significance Of July Full Moon That Coincides With Guru Purnima Celebrations

Buck Moon will rise in the Capricorn Zodiac sign. Since the strawberry moon also occurred in the same sign, this year's buck moon can be seen as a continuation of the events and themes from June 21.

Buck Moon 2024: Know Historical And Spiritual Significance Of July Full Moon (Representational Image)

Buck Moon 2024: The full moon has captivated human imagination for ages, having significance in agricultural calendars, spiritual practices, and festivals. In addition, the full moon plays an important role in astrology, influencing zodiac signs, and serving as a reminder of the cyclical nature of time. This month's full moon, nicknamed the Buck Moon, rises on July 21, 2024, which coincides with Guru Purnima in India.

Buck Moon 2024: Rising Time

July’s Buck Moon will rise after sunset on Sunday, July 21, reaching peak illumination at 6:17 A.M. Eastern Time. The Buck Moon will rise in the Capricorn Zodiac sign. Since the strawberry moon also occurred in the same sign, this year's buck moon can be seen as a continuation of the events and themes from June 21.

Buck Moon: Name And Significance

The full Moon in July is called the Buck Moon to signify the growth of the antlers of male deer (bucks) as they happen to be in full-growth mode at this time. Bucks shed and regrow their antlers each year, producing a larger and more impressive set than the previous one.

There are other names for this month’s Moon that also refer to animals- including Feather Moulting Moon (Cree) and Salmon Moon, a Tlingit term indicating when fish returned to the area and were ready to be harvested.

Apart from these, Thunder Moon (Western Abenaki) and Halfway Summer Moon (Anishinaabe) are other alternative names given to the full moon referring to the stormy weather and summer season. 

According to the Farmers' Almanac, the name buck moon is believed to have originated from native tribes who used the moon's cycles to track the seasons and the timing of important events, such as hunting and planting crops. The buck moon was a significant marker for these groups, signalling the time to prepare for the upcoming hunting season.

Buck Moon: Spiritual Significance

Hindus, Buddhists and Jains observe this full Moon as Guru Full Moon or Guru Purnima. Theravada Buddhists observe the full Moon as Asalha Puja. It is also known as Dharma Day or Esala Poya and is an important festival which celebrates Buddha's first sermon after reaching Nirvana.

In some spiritual beliefs and practices, the buck moon is often believed to be a time of growth, renewal, and regeneration, as bucks shed their antlers each year and grow new ones- signalling personal growth and transformation.

Because the buck moon is also believed to symbolise a period of increased change and self-discovery, this full moon may inspire you to tap into your inner strength and intuitive wisdom and navigate challenges with self-control and compassion.

How To Enjoy Full Moon Experience

A full Moon provides an opportunity to reconnect with nature. Here are some tips to make the most of your full Moon viewing:

• Choose a scenic spot away from city lights with a clear view of the horizon for an unobstructed view.
• Plan your night after ensuring it will be a clear night without any weather will-related disturbance, to avoid disappointment due to cloud cover.
• Use a telescope or binoculars to observe the Moon’s craters and surface details.
• Photography enthusiasts can experiment with different settings to capture the Moon’s beauty.
• Be part of events specially curated for full Moon nights. Watching the Taj Mahal bathed in moonlight is one such experience.