FULL MOON
CEREMONY & TEACHINGS
ONWA shares the teachings of full moon ceremony with our very own Land-based Coordinator. The video describes how to prepare, and ways to conduct your very own ceremony at home. The ceremony can take place up to three days before the full moon, or three days past.
“Binaakwe Giizis” Falling Leaves Moon
OCTOBER
The tenth moon of Creation is the Falling Leaves Moon, a time when Mother Earth is honoured with the grandest of colours. As all of Creation makes their offerings to her, we become aware of all the miracles of Creation before us and our spiritual energies are once again awakened.
This Moon is also known as Harvest Moon, Drying Rice Moon, Freezing Moon, Ice Moon, Migrating Moon, as well as many others.
“Mdaamiin Giizis” Corn Moon
SEPTEMBER
The ninth moon of Creation is the Corn Moon, during which time we learn about the cycle of life. Each cob of corn has thirteen rows of multicoloured seeds which represent all the spirits waiting to begin their Earth Walk. These will be the future generations for whom we must prepare.
This moon is also known as the Changing Colours Moon, Harvest Moon, Barley Moon, Rutting Moon, Yellow Leaf Moon, and well as many others.
“Manoominike Giizis” Ricing Moon*
AUGUST - OCTOBER
Ricing Moon is a time that represents balance, harmony and the future. Every harvest is a memory keeper that reminds us of the vision of survival when the Anishnaabe, Potawatomi and Odawa traveled from the east to west to find food that floats on water; a food that lives where the water is swallow and always moving.
The Manoomin, meaning “good berry”, is high in protein, is very nutritious and is gathered from lakes and waterways by canoe. Harvesting starts as early as Thimbleberry Moon (mid August) and ends as late as Falling Leaves Moon (mid October). Manoomin has been a staple of survival for the Indigenous peoples since time immemorial always giving us this gift of survival.
*This is an alternate teaching for the “Datkaagmin Giizis” Thimbleberry Moon (August) seen below.
“Datkaagmin Giizis” Thimbleberry Moon
AUGUST
The eighth moon of Creation is Thimbleberry Moon, when we honour the Thimbleberry which produces an abundance of fruit once every three years. It was one of the first plants put on Mother Earth, and its purpose is to protect the Sacred Circle of Life by allowing us to recognize and understand the teachings that come from the Spirit World.
This Moon is also known as Blackberry Moon, Wild Rice Moon*, Sturgeon Moon, Green Corn Moon, Flying Up Moon, as well as many others.
*The “Manoominike Giizis” Ricing Moon (August-October) can also be found on this page, see above.
“Miskomini Giizis” Raspberry Moon
JULY
The seventh moon of Creation is Raspberry Moon, it is a time of great changes, family and kindness. By learning gentleness and kindness, we will pass through the raspberry thorns and the prickliness of its stem and harvest the berries. These teachings help in guiding our children, family, community and how we take care of the Mother Earth, and everything that gives us life each and every day. Celebrate the Summer Season and the many gifts that it gives to us!
This moon is also known as Blueberry Moon, Buck Moon, Feather Moulting Moon, Thunder Moon, Salmon Moon, as well as many others.
“Ode'imin Giizis” Strawberry Moon
JUNE
The sixth moon of Creation is Strawberry Moon. The medicine of the strawberry is reconciliation. It was during this moon cycle that communities held their annual feasts, welcoming everyone home, regardless of their differences over the past year, letting go of judgement and/or self-righteousness.
Utilize the medicine of the strawberry to reconcile relationships in your life. Regardless of indifferences, challenge yourself to walk in the teachings of love and humility.
This moon is also known as Booming Moon, Hot Moon, Mead Moon, Rose Moon, Egg Laying Moon, Hoeing Moon, Honey Moon, as well as many others.
“Waawaaskone Giizis” Flower Moon
MAY
The fifth moon of Creation is Flower Moon, where all plants display their Spirit sides for all the world to see. This life-giving energy is one of the most powerful healing medicines on Mother Earth. During this time, we are encouraged to explore our Spiritual essences.
As the trees, plants and flowers begin to bloom, let it be a reminder to allow your spirit to bloom, even during such times as these. As we honour this Moon in Ceremony, now is a time of purification.
This moon is also known as Sucker Moon, Frog Moon, Budding Moon, Corn Planting Moon, Milk Moon, Mother's Moon, as well as many others.