July’s Buck Moon: Spiritual Meaning and Full Moon Ritual

The July Full Moon, known as the Buck Moon, is the moon that rises during the hottest days of summer. Spiritually, this moon is tied to growth, culmination, and taking practical steps toward the life you’re building. Also, just as male deer’s antlers are nearly grown by this time of year, it’s a powerful moment to reflect on your progress and commit to your long-term vision.

While summer invites warmth and joy (as you experienced under June’s Strawberry Moon), this year, it falls in the sign of Capricorn. That grounded earth energy reminds you to stay rooted and focused on what truly matters. Not to say you shouldn’t frolic, but just don’t spend all summer only frolicking. It’s a time to blend the mystical with the practical.

Below, explore the spiritual meaning of July’s Full Moon, along with journal prompts and some rituals to help you work with its powerful, transformative energy. (For more Moon rituals, see our guide.)

What Is the Buck Moon’s Spiritual Meaning?

Spiritually, the Buck Moon is about determination, progress, and purposeful growth. It’s a time to reflect on how far you’ve come and to add focused energy to reach your next step. Like the young deer whose antlers are nearly full grown by midsummer, this Full Moon invites you to rise into your power and move forward with intention.

In 2025, the Full Buck Moon occurs on July 10 at 4:37 pm EDT in the sign of Capricorn.

Capricorn is ruled by Saturn, the planet of structure, discipline, and long-term vision. While summer often encourages rest and play, this moon’s energy reminds you to stay aligned with your goals. It’s the perfect moment to recommit to what matters and to take tangible steps toward manifesting it.

Ask yourself: Where are you ready to step into leadership in your own life? What foundations need strengthening so your power can reach its full potential?

Energy of the Buck Moon:

• Determination
• Growth
• Intensity
• Heat
• Energy
• Culmination
• Focus
• Self-Confidence

Why Is July’s Moon Called the Buck Moon?

July’s Full Moon is traditionally called the Buck Moon by some Indigenous American tribes. It describes the time of year when male deer begin to grow their new antlers. These are a symbol of strength, growth, and regeneration.

It’s also known as the Thunder Moon, due to the frequent summer thunderstorms that arrive with July’s heat and humidity. Other names for this moon reflect the ripeness of the season, with fruits like blueberries, raspberries, and cherries reaching their peak.

July’s Full Moon is also known as:

• Halfway Summer Moon
• Blueberry Moon
• Raspberry Moon
• Flying Moon
• Thunderstorm Moon
• Corn in Tassel Moon
• Honey Bee Moon
• String Bean Moon
• Little Sister of the Summer Moon
• Mead Moon
• Hay Moon

Simple Full Moon Rituals for the July Moon

Full Moons are always a good time for letting go of anything that no longer serves you. If there’s a way you’re holding yourself back when it comes to growth, self-confidence, or achieving your goals, now’s the time to let of those negative limiting beliefs.

The energy of the Buck Moon is also good time for earth-based spells and rituals connected to courage, determination, and focus. Here are some you might consider.

Create an Earth Altar

For this ritual, you’ll create a sacred space directly in nature using elements from the land around you. Head outside (to your garden, a park, or go on a hike) and take a moment to connect with the earth beneath your feet.

Gather natural materials that call to you: stones, sticks, leaves, flowers, dried herbs, or acorns. (If you’re in a public space, don’t pick plants, just arrange what is already there.) Arrange them in a circle or spiral, placing each piece with intention.

As you build your altar, speak aloud what energy you’re inviting in. When you’re finished, offer thanks to the earth, then leave your altar to return to the soil or gently dismantle it with care.

Stone Circle Protection Ritual

This ritual uses stones and intention to create a circle of safety and strength. Choose seven small stones that feel sturdy and grounding.

In a quiet outdoor space or by a window with moonlight, arrange the stones in a circle around you. Sit in the center, close your eyes, and visualize roots growing from your body into the earth below. Let any scattered energy drain into the soil, and feel yourself recharge with the steady, ancient rhythm of the earth.

When you’re ready, gather the stones and place them on your altar. Choose one to carry with you until the next Full Moon.

Capricorn Grounding Ritual

Capricorn energy invites you to get practical, clear, and long-term focused, even in spiritual work.

What You’ll need:

• A stone or crystal that feels heavy and grounding such as obsidian, onyx, or even a smooth river stone
• A pen and paper
• A small box or container

How to Perform the Ritual:
1. Visualize one major goal or dream you’re working toward. Really see it coming to fruition and what your life would look like after it does.
2. Write down your vision using the present tense as if you’re already living it and place it inside the container.
3. Place the stone on top of the paper and say: “I anchor this vision in the real world.”
4. Close the lid and keep it somewhere meaningful or bury it in the backyard, knowing your intention is in motion.

Journal Prompts for July’s Full Moon

• What does your most grounded and self-confident version of yourself look and feel like?
• What limiting beliefs do you have that are holding you back from stepping into this version of yourself? How can you begin to release those?
• What are three goals or intentions you’d like to set for the remainder of the year?
• What are some practical actions you can take next on each of those?

July Correspondences

If you are looking to decorate your altar or create a spell jar for the Full Moon, here are some of the flowers, colors, and deities that correspond with this Moon and the month of July. You may also incorporate them into your Full Moon ritual.

• Colors: Blue, grey, silver
• Gods and Goddesses: Neptune, Athena, Venus, Cronus, Furrina, Apollo, Khepri, Cernunnos, Ra, Osiris, Thoth
• Plants: Lotus, water lily, honeysuckle, larkspur, delphinium, hyssop, gardenia, oak
• Crystals: Ruby, blue kyanite, emerald, tiger’s eye, red agate

July Full Moon FAQ

What is the meaning of the July Full Moon?

The July Full Moon, known as the Buck Moon, symbolizes strength, growth, and emerging power. It’s a time to reflect on how far you’ve come this year and to recommit to your path with purpose. Spiritually, it encourages you to build confidence, move with intention, and step more fully into the life you’re creating.

What rituals can I do under the Buck Moon?

Rituals for the Buck Moon often center on self-confidence, regeneration, and long-term vision. You might create a nature altar, do a spell for strength, power, or clarity, or work with earth-based tools like stones, herbs, or soil.

What should I do if I live in the Southern Hemisphere?

In the Southern Hemisphere, July is in the heart of winter and the energies work with the Wolf Moon. Focus on rest, reflection, and internal restoration and use the Full Moon to release what’s no longer aligned as you prepare for the return of spring.