The Worm Moon in 2024 will occur from March 25, so look up! The lunar calendar is giving you a jolt this week.
The Worm Moon is a traditional name given to the full moon that occurs in March. This name is believed to have originated from early civilisations who gave the moon names as a way of tracking the seasons.
Why is it called the Worm Moon?
In March, the ground begins to thaw, and earthworms reappear, signalling the return of robins and other birds that feed on them. This March full moon or the Worm Moon marks the beginning of spring.
Around the time of the Worm Moon, look at the ground. You will see the earthworm casts. An earthworm cast is the small mound of soil that earthworms leave on the surface after digesting organic matter in the soil. Earthworms eat soil and extract nutrients from it, and then excrete the remaining soil particles as casts on the surface. These casts are often rich in nutrients and help to improve soil structure, making it more fertile and better able to support plant growth.
Some people in Ireland and other parts of the world who follow lunar calendars or are interested in astronomy and astrology may observe the Worm Moon as a significant event. And of course, it is the beginning of Spring, which makes everyone happy.
Worm Moon and its friends
In general, full moons have been significant in many cultures and traditions worldwide, and are often associated with themes of rebirth, renewal, and new beginnings. In Ireland, some people may choose to mark the Worm Moon by spending time outdoors, observing the moon and stars, or engaging in other activities that celebrate the arrival of spring and the renewal of nature.
Here are the other moons, according to lunar lore.
| January | Wolf Moon |
| February | Snow Moon |
| March | Worm Moon |
| April | Seed Moon |
| May | Milk Moon |
| June | Mead Moon |
| July | Hay Moon |
| August | Corn Moon |
| September | Harvest Moon |
| October | Hunters’ Moon |
| November | Beaver Moon |
| December | Oak Moon |
Some other things to know about the moon
- The moon is gradually moving away from Earth: The moon’s distance from Earth increases by about 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) per year due to tidal forces.
- The moon has a slightly elliptical orbit: The moon’s orbit around Earth is not a perfect circle, but rather an ellipse. This means that the distance between the moon and Earth varies slightly throughout the lunar cycle.
- The full moon can affect human behaviour: While scientific studies have yielded mixed results, some people believe that the full moon can affect human behaviour and emotions.
- The moon is tidally locked to Earth: This means that the same side of the moon always faces Earth, due to the gravitational forces between the two bodies.
Speaking of moons, did you know that there are more motocycle crashes on a supermoon?
