The strawberry moon, full moon drumming in June

The Algonquin tribes in what is now the north-eastern United States called this day the Strawberry Moon. The name comes from the relatively short season for the strawberry harvest in North America. The full moon in June marks the end of spring. It is considered the first full moon of summer, when all the trees are bearing fruit. This moon marks the strawberry harvest season as well as the time when you can harvest other berries, fruits and hay, and also the beginning of food gathering.

In some sources mowing moon is given as the Anglo-Saxon name for the June moon because this is the time when meadows are mown when they are ready for haymaking.

In Europe, it is also traditional to give honey or mead to a newly married couple on their first wedding anniversary. Mead is a drink made by fermenting honey mixed with water and sometimes fruit, spices, grain or hops. In some countries, mead is also called honey wine. The name honeymoon is now a common word in the English language, referring to the honeymoon that couples spend immediately after their wedding.

Other European names for this day were Hot moonwhich refers to the beginning of hot summer days, and Rose Full Moonwhich comes from the roses or the color of the full moon at this time of year. In Europe, roses are at their peak in June. They are then in full bloom and ready to be picked. In Eastern Europe and the Balkan countries in particular, traditional festivals are held in June to celebrate the rose harvest.

The pagans also call the June full moon the moon of lovers. This is a good time to work on your romantic or other relationships by showing affection to your loved ones and vulnerability to yourself to encourage intimacy in your relationships.

(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.