Throughout history, the moon has been a universal symbol across cultures, reflecting our desire to connect with nature’s rhythms and cyclical nature. Yet, many of the names we commonly associate with full moons have roots in Northern Hemisphere traditions, particularly those from Europe and North America. For Southern Africa, where the seasons are opposite and the cultural references are distinct, using Northern Hemisphere moon names can feel disconnected. January may be Wolf Moon in the North, but there are no wolves in Southern Africa, nor does it snow in February.
Exploring the Southern African perspective on full moon names can help us find a deeper connection with the moon seasons and resonate with the land in which we live.
Edward Foster, from the Centre for Astronomical Heritage, led a project to identify popular names for the Full Moons in a month, in order to bring to the public's attention aspects of South Africa's cultural and astronomical heritage.
The Full Moon is when the earth sits between the sun and the moon and the face of the moon is fully illuminated. It has been the inspiration for artists, poets, myths and cultural traditions of all peoples of Earth, The project's intention was to invite South Africans to celebrate the shared heritage and to remember that we are together under one sky.
These names celebrate indigenous flora, fauna, and cultural symbolism, connecting the lunar cycle to Southern African life. Here are the full descriptions of these months depicted by the CfAH but with some more Cyclical Wisdom added by Ova the Moon:
January~ Mantis
Mantis moon is named after the mysterious and beautiful Praying Mantis insect, which features prominently in the stories of the San and the Khoi. Mantis is many things, and so are we. so honour your true nature and all that you are.
February~ Dassie
The dassie is a native of Africa. It is the closest living relative of the much larger African elephant. In Xam mythology, Dassie is the wife of Mantis. As we shift seasons, what last rays of summer energy can you bask in and soak up?
March~ Harvest
Celebrate the rich bounty of crops: summer grains and achievements. Harvest means to reap, gather and store what has been grown. This month’s moon celebrates all we have accumulated in Summer.
April~ Diamond
Celebrates treasures from deep beneath the earth. Wealth, fortunes and cities have grown from the ancient stones. Symbolic of strength, love and health. As the moon shines this month, what rarity and beauty can you see in yourself and your life?
May~ Frost
Frost Moon is a reminder to look after yourself as the colder months come. Just like plants and seedlings, we all need protection from harsh elements. What can you do to make sure you are nurtured, nourished and protected this month?
June~ Sisters
As June’s full moon arrives, so does the clear night skies, in many parts of South Africa, this is the best time to see the stars.
The return of these stars is a reminder that the soil needs to be prepared, and ready for the next sowing season.
July~ Meerkat
A time of stillness in Winter, Meerkats stand up in the morning sun to warm up. For the meerkat, community is the key to survival. Where is your community? Who can you reach out to for support and guidance?
August~ Peace
August in South Africa is Women’s Month. Peace is the symbol of the unacceptable level of violence against women. This month, honour resilience, strength and love. What can you do to support action through peace?
September~ Spring
This month we celebrate Spring Day, the Spring Equinox and Heritage Day. A time to renew, awaken and celebrate all that is blooming. What is awakening within you? What ideas or creativity want to come out and play?
October~ Whale
The Whale is a reminder that no matter how big you get, to still be gentle and kind. Take deep breaths and float along! In many cultures, whales are symbolic of protection, family, solitude and wisdom. What song is in your heart at the moment?
November~ Milk
Milk was the major protein source in the diet of the pastoral KhoiKhoi. Milk is the source of life for all mammals. It is symbolic of fertility, abundance and life-giving. It echoes the arrival of summer with these, the gifts of fertility and vitality are all around us.
December~ Springbok
The Springbok moon is to celebrate South Africa’s national animal. According to Xam mythology, it was created by the Mantis by feeding his creation with honey from brood combs. Springboks are a reminder to find lightness and happiness.
Reimaging our language
Reimagining the moon’s identity from a Southern African perspective isn’t about rejecting global traditions; it’s about creating a lunar lexicon that respects regional diversity. Each part of the world experiences the moon differently, and acknowledging those distinctions enriches our collective understanding of the night sky. Southern African moon names celebrate the interconnectedness of life, reminding us of our place in nature’s cycles and honouring the unique beauty of this land.
By embracing and popularising these names, Southern Africa can offer a fresh perspective on the lunar calendar, one that resonates with local people and the rhythms of our unique landscape. As more regions adopt culturally and ecologically relevant moon names, the practice could inspire other parts of the world to do the same, tap into their local indigenous wisdom and pre-colonial season and lunar naming ( like in Australia/ New Zealand) or rediscover past forgotten knowledge. Together we can build a mosaic of lunar traditions that reflect the full diversity of human experience.
Do you know more wisdom from other countries, traditions or ancestors?! I would love to hear about them! write to me; missovathemoon@gmail.com
To Download or buy a Printed version of The New Moon Names- South Africa ( or the Northern Hemisphere version)-
shop at Ova the Moon/ Etsy or at Stockists
Comments