May Full Moon: Spiritual Meaning and Rituals for the Flower Moon

The May Full Moon, called the Flower Moon, comes at the height of Spring’s bloom. Spiritually, the May Moon represents growth, abundance, and transformation. After all, we’re in the dreamy space between Beltane and Litha, the Summer Solstice. And, this is your time to grow as well with those intentions you set earlier this year in March and April.

As spring reaches full expression and nature bursts into color, the Flower Moon on May 12th, invites you to release what no longer serves and awaken your inner truth.

Below, explore the spiritual meaning of May’s full moon, along with journal prompts and a beginner-friendly ritual to harness its transformative energy. (For more Full Moon rituals, see our guide.)

What Is the Spiritual Meaning of the May Full Moon?

Spiritually, the Flower Moon is all about new beginnings, shedding old beliefs, and blossoming. This is the time of year when nature bursts into full color, and the energy is a reminder that what you’ve nurtured all spring is ready to bloom. And in 2025, thanks to Scorpio, its energy runs deeper. It’s also here to help you unearth your truth and embrace emotional rebirth.

In 2025, the Full Flower Moon occurs on May 12 at 9:08 am EDT in the sign of Scorpio.

Scorpio is ruled by Pluto, the planet of death, rebirth, and the subconscious. And, while all full moons offer a powerful time for culmination and release, this one asks you to go beneath the surface. What patterns are ready to be broken? What emotions have been buried too long? Now is the time to face what’s hidden, do your shadow work, and rise stronger for it.

Also, the May Moon (like April and March’s Full Moons) is a micromoon — the final one for the year. A micromoon occurs when the moon is at its farthest point from Earth, making it appear slightly smaller and dimmer in the sky. While it may not be as flashy, that only underscores the Scorpio lesson: sometimes the most powerful shifts happen in silence, in the dark, behind the scenes. (More on the energy of the Full Moon in Scorpio here.)

Energy of the Flower Moon:

• Growth
• Abundance
• Playfulness
• Joy
• Passion
• Creativity
• Beauty
• Celebration
• Blooming

Why Is May’s Moon Called the Flower Moon?

May’s Full Moon is traditionally called the Flower Moon by some Indigenous American tribes, because of the abundance of wildflowers in full bloom across the Northern Hemisphere as we head into summer. Other names for this moon include the Milk Moon, the Budding Moon, and the Dancing Moon — all pointing to a season of joy and growth.

This May, the Full Moon is also a micromoon, meaning it is smaller and less bright.

Other names for the May Moon include:

• Budding Moon (Ojibwe)
• Dancing Moon (Tunica)
• Snake Moon (Catawba)
• Planting Moon (Mahican)
• Egg Laying Moon (Cree)
• Milk Moon (Old English)

Simple Full Moon Rituals for the May Moon

Garden of Intentions Bath Ritual

Work with the sensual, blooming energy of the Flower Moon with a soothing bath ritual designed to plant your intentions for the season. As you begin, set the mood with candlelight and fill your tub with warm water. Add flower petals or essential oil of rose or jasmine, along with a handful of Epsom or sea salt.

While the water runs, take a small slip of paper and write down one intention you’re ready to nourish—something you want to grow in your life. As you soak, visualize that intention taking root within you, filling you with energy, beauty, and vitality. When you’re finished, fold the paper and bury it your garden or under a potted plant as a way of anchoring your intention into the physical world.

Micromoon Ritual

This ritual is designed to help you call in meaningful change through quiet, intentional action and can be done on any Full moon. Find a small pouch or container and select 3 to 5 small items that symbolize what you’re inviting into your life—such as a seed for growth, a coin for abundance, or a shell for emotional healing.

Hold each item in your hands, speak your intention aloud, and place it into the bag. When all the items are inside, tie it shut with a ribbon or piece of string. You can keep your charm bag under your pillow, on your altar, or carry it with you as a daily reminder that even subtle shifts have the power to create transformation.

Scorpio Shadow Release Ritual

The intention of this ritual is to release emotional baggage, old patterns, and hidden fears that no longer serve you so you can step into summer in joy.

What You’ll Need:

• A small black candle or our Full Moon in Scorpio candle
• A journal or piece of paper
• A fire-safe bowl

How to Perform the Ritual:

1. Find a quiet space where you can sit with the light of the full moon. This works even if it’s cloudy. Take a few full, slow, deep breaths to center yourself. Reflect on the aspects of yourself or your life that you feel need to be released.
2. Light a small black candle.
3. Write down any old emotional patterns, fears, or attachments that you are ready to let go.
4. Safely burn the paper with your list in the flame of the candle, saying out loud, “I release these old patterns, and I let them transform into new energy under the Full Flower Moon.”
5. Sit in stillness and mediation as the candle burns. Feel the shift as you release and make space for new growth.
6. When the small candle is finished burning or you feel the ritual is complete, take one more full deep breath, and snuff out the candle.

Journal Prompts for the Full Moon

Writing down your thoughts is an easy way to connect with the May Moon’s energy. Here are some prompts to get you started.

• What part of you is ready to bloom but still holding back?
• Where in your life are you ready to be seen more fully?
• What have you planted earlier this year that’s starting to show signs of growth?
• In what area of your life are you ready to stop playing small?
• How can you nurture your creativity and joy more intentionally this season?

May Full Moon 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 May. You may also incorporate them into your Full Moon ritual.

• Colors: Red, pink, green
• Gods and Goddesses: Maia, Flora, Dionysus, Venus, Aphrodite, Mercury
• Plants: Mugwort, lavender, honeysuckle, rose, elderflower
• Crystals: Rose quartz, emerald, moonstone, aventurine

May Full Moon FAQ

What is the meaning of the May Full Moon?

The May Full Moon, often called the Flower Moon, symbolizes abundance, growth, and blossoming potential. It’s a time to celebrate how far you’ve come this year, to step into your fullest expression, and to nurture the intentions you’ve been cultivating since early spring.

What rituals can I do under the May Full Moon?

Rituals for the Flower Moon might include planting intentions (literally or symbolically), taking a flower-infused moon bath, or writing about what you’re ready to bloom into. You can also create a seasonal altar with fresh flowers, light a candle to honor your growth, or make moon water to charge with this potent energy.

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

If you’re in the Southern Hemisphere, May marks the approach of winter. You may want to honor the Beaver Moon instead, focusing on preparation, release, and reflection. Shadow work, clearing emotional clutter, and setting boundaries are all supportive practices for this seasonal energy.