April will bring the first Super Moon of 2021! Head outside on the evening of April 26th to enjoy the Pink Moon which will reach full illumination at approximately 11:30 p.m.
As much as some of us may love the idea of the moon being pink in color, it will not be but that doesn’t mean it won’t be spectacular. Super moons happen when the moon’s elliptical orbit brings it to the closest point to the Earth while the moon is full, appearing 14% bigger and 30% brighter than usual.
Moon names originated with Native Americans who endowed full moons with names that were reflective of the imagery of the season in which they occurred. The Pink Moon is named for the reappearance of wild ground phlox, a species of dazzling, early blooming wildflower that carpets the ground with lush greenery and bright pink petals.
Spiritually, the Pink Moon signifies rebirth and renewal following the hardship of winter and serves as a reminder that life is a set of ups and downs, a cycle of dormancy and revitalization. The beginning of the lunar cycle is the new moon, a time when that glowing rock takes a hiatus, leaving us in the shadows. It is considered a birth by many spiritualists, a time to wipe the slate clean and meditate about new goals. As the lunar cycle moves forward, energy builds and the moon ripens once again, igniting imaginations, inspiring awe and ushering in a sense of completion. In a way, even if everything goes utterly wrong by the time the full moon appears, we can still marvel and bask in the moonlight and then start over again.
Since the last lunar cycle that began in March, our world is still a little crazy. But still it spins, and the next full moon will be there time and time again. Take this opportunity to look toward the night sky on April 26 and marvel at our bright and glowing nearest planetary neighbor. It’s a wonderful reminder that no matter who or where we are, we’re all looking up at the same moon. Stay safe and enjoy the view!