Buck Moon is the full moon observed in July. It will appear on Sunday, July 21, 2024, at 6:17 a.m. ET or 10:17 a.m. UTC.
It is going to be the seventh full moon of the year. Buck Moon will be the second full moon post-summer solstice right after June full moon or Strawberry moon.
Buck Moon Meaning
During the month of July, male deer (bucks) have new antlers pushing out of their foreheads with coatings of velvety fur.
Deer lose their antlers yearly, and each part of the antler grows from time to time. In the mid-summer, it reaches its full size with pointed tips and is considered to be a significant part of the annual cycle.
Therefore, the Native American Algonquin people from the east of the Mississippi River (a region where deer were widespread) coined the term 'Buck Moon'.
Other names
- Many Native American tribes call it the Full Thunder Moon and Halfway Summer Moon due to the frequent thunderstorms and summer fall during this time.
- July full moon is also named after animals. For example, it is called the Feather Molting Moon (Cree) because animals molt (shed their feathers, hair, etc. for regrowth) during this time.
- It is also called Salmon Moon , as salmons return to the waterways in Pacific Northwest and are ready to be harvested during this time.
- Other July moon names by different tribes include the Berry Moon, Raspberry, Moon When the Chokecherries are Ripe (Dakota), Month of the Ripe Corn Moon, and Full hay Moon.
- Celtic groups refer to it as the Herb Moon, Wyrt Moon ('wyrt' means herbs), Claiming Moon, and Mead Moon. July is the ideal time to gather herbs which are then dried to make spices and remedies.
- Buddhists call it Guru Full Moon.
Moon Phases of July 2024
- New Moon: July 5, 22:57 UTC
- First Quarter: July 13, 22:48 UTC
- Full Moon (Buck Moon): July 21, 10:17 UTC
- Last Quarter: July 28, 02:51 UTC
If there is a total lunar eclipse, the full moon can turn bright orange, red, or even dark grey, depending on how the Earth's shadow passes through the moon.
For example, July full moon 2021 was red as it was on a total lunar eclipse. Buck Moon 2024 will not be a Red Moon.
Future July Full Moons
| Year | Day Of The Week | Date and Time |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Thursday | July 10 at 4:37 PM EDT |
| 2026 | Wednesday | July 29 at 10:36 AM EDT |
| 2027 | Sunday | July 18 at 11:45 AM EDT |
| 2028 | Thursday | July 6 at 2:11 PM EDT |
| 2029 | Wednesday | July 25 at 9:36 AM EDT |
| 2030 | Monday | July 15 at 10:12 PM EDT |
July's full moon period is the best time for fishing, harvesting, making hay, and setting eggs. Buck Moon spiritually means embracing and manifesting new versions of yourself.
This is also the Guru Full moon for Buddhists, Hindus, and Jain. They celebrate Guru Purnima on this day which is dedicated to all the Gurus or spiritual teachers.
Read Sturgeon Moon next.
