The worm moon, full moon drumming in March

The full moon in March is commonly known as the full worm moon. The reason for this is the earthworms that wriggle out of the ground when the earth begins to thaw in March. Among the Native Americans, it was only called the worm moon by the southern tribes because there were no earthworms in the north of America. Therefore, North American tribes, such as the Shawnee, called it the syrup moon instead to remind them to start tapping maple syrup.

In general, the full moon in March is the harbinger of the beginning of spring and new agricultural cycles. The Anglo-Saxons even used the moon in March to predict the state of their crops. They called it the storm moon if the weather was turbulent at this time, which was considered a sign of crop failure. However, if it was dry, they called it the rough moon: a sign of a rich harvest.

The full moon in March also often plays a role in religion.

In Christianity, this moon is called the fasting moon if it is the last full moon of the winter season (i.e. before the spring equinox) or the full moon of Easter if it is the first full moon of spring (i.e. after the spring equinox).

One of its other names is the Chastity Moon (originating in the Middle Ages in England and from the Wiccans), which symbolizes the purity of the beginning of spring. The Pueblo tribe called it the moon when the leaves burst open, while in the Shoshone culture it was known as the warming moon. Sometimes it is also called the Crow Moon, after the crows and other birds that appear at the end of winter. Sometimes it is also called the crust moon, because of the snow that thaws in the sun, freezes again in the moonlight and leaves an icy crust on the earth.

In India, the full moon in March coincides with the Holi festival.

This is an exuberant festival(ival) in which Indian communities around the world stage a huge water and color battle. Everyone takes to the streets and splashes each other with colored water and powder, singing and dancing with strangers and loved ones alike. Playing and feasting together is an opportunity to repair relationships that have fallen apart and reaffirm existing social bonds while celebrating the New Year together.

There are a number of other names for the March moon

that describe the transition from winter to spring. Some refer to the appearance (or reappearance) of certain animals, such as the Eagle Moon, Goose Moon (Algonquin, Cree) or Crow Moon (Northern Ojibwe), while others are based on signs of the season: The Sugar Moon (Ojibwe) names the time of year when the sap of the sugar maples begins to flow. The Windy Moon (Pueblo) and the Moon of Winds (Celtic and Cherokee), denote the strong air currents that occur at this time of year and the Wounded Eye Moon (Dakota, Lakota, Assiniboine), highlights the blinding rays of the sun reflecting off the melting snows of late winter.

The Chinese also refer to the moon in this month as the Sleepy Moon and to the Neo-Pagans it is the Moon of the Dead

(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 on your own 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 in Martina's drum building course. Or you can order a drum kit in our store and build your own drum at home.