2023 is an exceptional lunar calendar year with two full moons in August. A lunar calendar is based on the monthly cycles of the moon’s phases where the time interval between a full moon and the next repetition of the same phase averages about 29.53 days and takes 354 days to complete 12 cycles. As the 12 cycles are a bit shorter than the 365-day calendar year, roughly every two-and-a-half years there is a 13th full moon.
During the month or phase, the sun illuminates the entire moon, making her as full, round and bright as can be, representing completion, fertility, abundance and transformation. In addition, new research is beginning to reveal that the moon may play a unique role in regulating different aspects of the natural world.
The following are three of the many spa and wellness centers in Colorado that practice full moon ceremonies.
JULY 3 — SUPER BUCK MOON
Yoga, soaking, ceremony and live music with Kat Tudor at SunWater Spa in Manitou Springs
The Super Buck Moon marks the month when young bucks grow their new antlers and “are very sensitive to the world around them, radiating out through their antlers,” explains Kat Tudor, co-founder of SunWater and full moon yoga practitioner.
“Water is part of the full moon ceremony via 7 Minute Spring. This spring fills the tubs at SunWater Spa and is the one most connected to lunar energy. Our teacher, a Ute Native, blessed our waters when the spa opened and taught us a lot about their healing properties. These waters are also connected to the divine feminine and help heal the skin and joints and are particularly powerful during the full moon,” Tudor adds.
Tudor hosts monthly full moon events tied to what the moon teaches us each month.
AUGUST 1 — SUPER STURGEON MOON
Ashtanga Yoga in Denver
Ashtanga Yoga Denver is located on Larimar Street and teaches traditional ashtanga yoga, as well as primary classes. The studio celebrates both new moon and full moon classes throughout 2023. Enjoy the Super Sturgeon Moon evening on August 1, one of the biggest full moons of the year.
Bhava Yoga in Breckenridge
This studio offers full moon workshops, as well as a summer solstice workshop on June 21 to celebrate the longest day of the year.
OTHER FULL MOONS IN 2023
JUNE 3 • Full Strawberry Moon
This full moon correlates with the strawberry harvesting season for Native American tribes and was a celebration of the red and juicy fruit that fed them through the summer.
SEPTEMBER 29 • Super Harvest Moon
A time to harvest summer crops.
OCTOBER 28 • Full Hunter’s Moon
The harvesting work was usually done under the September harvest moon, and by late October, the fields were bare, so the hunter could see the animals searching for food before the winter.
NOVEMBER 27 • Full Beaver Moon
In November, hunters usually trapped beavers to collect their thick fur ahead of the cold months ahead. Also, during this month, beavers hide in their lodges, having collected enough food for the winter.
Originally published in Summer + Fall 2023 issue of Colorado YOGA + life.
WENDY WILKINSON
Writer + Publicist
wendywilkinsonwriter.com
