The buck moon, full moon drumming in July

The full moon in July is known as the buck moon because the antlers of male stags (bucks) are in full growth at this time. The bucks shed their antlers and regrow them every year, making them bigger and more impressive over the years.

The North American Algonquin tribes were the first to celebrate the full moon in July as the buck moon as the buck moon. It is considered the moon that marks the middle of summer and signifies that summer is in full swing and everything has reached its peak in terms of growth and performance.

The most common alternative name for the July moon is the thunder moon

after the frequent thunderstorms that occur in early summer. July is one of the hottest months in the northern hemisphere, and as a result of the intense heat, humidity often rises.

Thunderstorms are most common in humid environments as the moist, hot air rises into cooler areas of the atmosphere. This natural wonder creates thunderstorms, and this means that we experience the greatest number of thunderstorms in July compared to any other month of the year.

So the thunderstorm full moon is a warning sign of a surprisingly dangerous time of year. This warning helped our ancestors to survive: they had to make sure that they did not live near large bodies of water and stayed away from higher ground. The thunder moon was to remind us to be safe and to expect lots of thunderstorms!

Herb or hay moon

In Celtic, this moon was known as the Moon of Claim, Wyrt Moon, Herb Moon and Mead Moon , meaning that July is the time to gather herbs (or wyrts) to dry and use as spices and remedies. The Anglo-Saxons called it the hay moon, after the hay harvest in July.

We invite you to make the most of summertime and drum outside during this super moon - as the sounds of thunder can echo in the thunderous sounds of our drumming together.

(The information here comes from: moongiant.com, factsite.com, almanac.com, and timeanddate.com)

Full moon drumming as a ritual

Since 1997, we at feeltone have been drumming for 2.5 - 3 hours every month during the full moon. Either outside by the campfire or inside. Always in a circle and connected to the time quality of the moon.

For us, this is like meditation, which is also practiced worldwide. The purpose of both is similar: it's about pausing and stopping individuality for a moment. We create our realities through our thinking and get caught up in them all too quickly. That's why it's good to stop thinking from time to time. In this way, the brain waves experience new paths and solutions. Afterwards, we are refreshed, calmer and better connected.

Taking part is very simple

Take whatever instruments you can find (including your voice!) and simply make noises - either alone or with friends. It doesn't matter how well you play - all you need to do is create a groove and get into the rhythm of the world's heartbeat.

We are touched by the stories of many of you who have begun to participate in this monthly global community. Feel free to write a comment below this post about what your ritual was like.

Build your own ritual drum

If you want to unleash the power of your own drum, you can build and consecrate your own ritual drum with Martina in the drum making course. Or you can order adrum kit from our store and build your own drum at home.