“], “filter”: { “nextExceptions”: “img, blockquote, div”, “nextContainsExceptions”: “img, blockquote, a.btn, a.o-button”} }”>
Not to ruin things for you, but don’t be surprised when you look at the pink Moon in April and find that she is her usual luminous yet colorless self.
What is a Pink Moon?
Curiously, the term has nothing to do with the appearance of the Moon and everything to do with the vibrant pink flowers, known as wild ground phlox (Phlox subulata), that are blossoming in abundance beneath it. The name pink Moon originated with indigenous cultures in the eastern United States. The term refers to the first full Moon of the year following the spring equinox.
When is the Pink Moon 2024?
The next pink Moon will take place on April 23, 2024.
What is the Pink Moon Meaning?
In astrology, the illumination of the full Moon casts awareness on whatever shadows in our own dark corners could use some attention. Full Moons are considered to be the most aligned time to bring your attention to the behaviors, thoughts, patterns, and situations that no longer serve you. It’s understood to be an optimal time to release whatever is holding you back in your old life to make space for what you’ve been wanting to witness in your current life.
The significance of the full Moon takes on even more meaning during the pink Moon, which coincides with the change of season and is in a foundational relationship with some of the holiest days across religions and cultures. In the Hindu culture, it marks Hanuman Jayanti, or the celebration of the birth of Lord Hanuman. Passover begins with the pink Moon, or the Pesach Moon. In Sri Lankan Buddhism, it marks Bak Poya, a commemoration of one of the Buddha’s treks to the country.
It is a reminder of the cyclical nature of life and a reassurance that the light always returns.
What You Need to Know About The Pink Moon in April 2024
The upcoming pink Moon falls in Scorpio, a sign that tends to be preoccupied—some might say obsessed—with the shadow side of things. Ruled by Pluto, Scorpio explores the depths of who you and others are with unrelenting tenacity. Because what is left unexplored tends to motivate our actions and our emotions, the influence of Scorpio may enable you to better understand the shadow side of yourself and others.
One downside of this shadow-seeking tendency is that we can forget to challenge our assumptions and interpretations. The full Moon in Scorpio offers a moment to ask yourself if you’ve been too focused on darkness. Perhaps that fixation is keeping you from being aware of what else is taking place in the moment, situation, or relationship. The pink Moon quietly reminds you to look for the light so that you don’t overlook the good.
This article has been updated. Originally published March 26, 2023.
About Our Contributor
Jenny Latreille lives in Northern Ontario, where the Moon often seems much closer than it is. Preoccupied with food, culture, the stars, and art, she spends a lot of time in nature as well as in her kitchen, where she looks for ways to combine everything–and sometimes it works. She lives in an urban jungle with a pack of cats known as “The Adorables.”