April Full Moon - The Pink Moon

April’s full moon arrives on 2nd April, and brings with it a sense of encouragement and dynamism. It symbolises courage, renewal and blossoming - it is a moon of change.

Often referred to as The Pink Moon, it gets its name not from its hue, but from the wildflowers that bloom in April. Specifically, a flower commonly referred to as “moss pink” inspired the name, according to the Old Farmer's Almanac. Full moons have multiple names, and many come from Indigenous cultures, from times before calendars were used, so they hark back to ancient seasons and traditions. For example:

• The Breaking Ice Moon

• Moon When the Streams Are Again Navigable

• Frog Moon

• Sprouting Grass Moon

• Egg Moon

• Fish Moon

• Hare Moon

My favourite, of all of these, is the Hare Moon.

Hares and Lore

Hares are said to be bringers of luck and knowledge. They are symbolic of the moon, as they are nocturnal, appearing and disappearing as quickly and quietly as the night's shadows. The Celts believed that wise women had the power of transfiguration, and that in the moonlight they could change into hares.

In the folk traditions of England and Germany, the figure of the hare is specifically connected to Easter. Accounts from the 1600s in Germany describe children hunting for Easter eggs hidden by the Easter Hare, much as in the contemporary Easter tales we tell small children now.

Dynamic renewal and forward motion

The energy of this moon is more outward and dynamic than that of March's. In yogic terms, we might work with Udana Vayu, which moves upward through the throat and head, supporting expression and growth.

In Taoist terms, we are embracing the spirit of Wu-Wei. Acting without force, aligning with the natural flow rather than struggling against it. It is 'effortless effort,' or maximum efficiency with minimal, natural effort.

You might choose to mark this full moon by meditating on what you would like to develop or take forward this month.

This Saturday in class, we will be exploring the energy of this full moon. We will explore the concept of Wu-Wei and its yoga counterpart of Brahmacharya, and use these principles to build a dynamic yet supportive physical practice.

Wishing you a wonderful week, and a Happy Easter if you celebrate.

Vicki x