Full “Strawberry” Moon in Capricorn
Celebrating sweet success and growth from effort and discipline.
If there’s any fruit that suggests summer is here, for us in the Midwest it is most likely the strawberry. The farmers markets are full of them and you see patrons purchasing flats full of berries to savor in jams, desserts, salads and more.
It’s no coincidence that the Strawberry Full Moon takes place during this time of year, as either the last full moon of spring or the first full moon of summer. Originally named by the Algonquin peoples, it marked the sweet harvest of strawberry season.
This year, it is the first full moon of summer as it happens on June 21, at 9:08pm est - one day after the Summer Solstice. The Strawberry Moon, this year also referred to as the full moon in Capricorn due to the moon’s location in the zodiac sign of Capricorn, encourages us to celebrate what is sweet in our lives from the efforts we’ve put in and to also think about what might no longer be contributing to our success.
Whether the name “Strawberry Moon” or “Full Moon in Capricorn” sticks with you more, there are some shared themes that connect the two.
1. Harvest and Ambition: Both moons represent a time of harvesting what has been sown. The Strawberry Moon's theme of reaping the harvest aligns with the Capricorn Full Moon's focus on recognizing the results of hard work and dedication.
2. Responsibility and Preparation: The preparation required for a successful strawberry harvest parallels the meticulous planning and disciplined approach encouraged by Capricorn. Both emphasize the value of foresight and responsibility in achieving desired outcomes.
3. Balance of Nurturing and Discipline: These moons together symbolize the balance between nurturing growth and maintaining discipline. They remind us that while care and nurture are essential for growth, discipline and structure are equally important for long-term success.
4. Reflecting on Growth and Achievements: Both moons invite reflection on what has been accomplished. The Strawberry Moon’s celebration of the harvest complements the Capricorn Full Moon's call to evaluate personal and professional milestones.
5. Community and Personal Goals: Together, they highlight the importance of both community and personal contributions. The Strawberry Moon's community focus (as agricultural communities come together to celebrate the harvest) can be seen as the broader context in which personal ambitions (Capricorn) play out, reminding us that personal achievements also contribute to and benefit from the collective good.
As the full moon approaches, I encourage you to spend a few minutes thinking about these themes. Take time to celebrate the culmination of any goals you’ve achieved, to honor your dedication to your dreams, and to reflect on any lessons learned along the way. In a world where we move so quickly from one thing to the next, this full moon gives us a chance to pause and savor the celebratory moment of how our intentional actions have made an impact in our lives. It also gives us a time to think about whether our current goals and desires are suiting us and if not, to let them go in order to make space for the ones that do.
Happy Full Moon, friends!
photo credit: @EmilyNorton via Getty Images