Every full moon is unique in what it brings into your life. There's a new full moon every month (and on rare occasions, sometimes two), each with a story to tell, a meaning behind its name, and its own special way of affecting you.
Full moons "can feel like an enlightening climax — full of drama and emotional heights," says queer astrologer Aryn the Alchemist. "Bathed in lunar light, the shadowlands of our psyches are more apparent, and therefore, offer revelation and release. We harvest what we planted two weeks prior [during the new moon], and then restart the ebb and growth cycle of a month's lunation."
Though all full moons share this same energy, each one has a slightly different vibe. And, depending on your zodiac sign, each full moon may affect you differently than others around you, according to astrology. The worm moon — happening on March 7, 2023 — will be especially potent.
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The worm moon comes around every March, but the 2023 worm moon has special significance, says Narayana Montúfar, senior astrologer for Astrology.com and author of "Moon Signs: Unlock Your Inner Luminary Power." The moon "is bringing a lot of karmic endings as well as redirections in our path. It is basically an act of balance between the left and right sides of the brain, and by attaining it, we can reach an overall feeling of wholeness," she says. Keeping reading to learn more about the March worm moon, including how it may impact each zodiac sign.
Why Is It Called the Worm Moon?
According to the Old Farmer's Almanac, there are a couple of theories behind why March's moon is referred to as the "worm moon". One theory says that March is the time of year when the worms come out of the earth, forced out by heavy rainfall and the thawing of soil.
However, "an alternative explanation for this name comes from Captain Jonathan Carver, an 18th-century explorer, who wrote that this Moon name refers to a different sort of 'worm' — beetle larvae — which begin to emerge from the thawing bark of trees and other winter hideouts at this time," the Almanac says.
When Is the Full Worm Moon in 2023?
The worm moon will be at its peak on Tuesday, March 7, 2023 at 7:40 a.m. ET, according to the Farmer's Almanac.
What Sign Is the Worm Moon in March?
March's full worm moon will be in Virgo.
What Is the Spiritual Meaning of the Worm Moon?
March's full moon is a signal to get in touch with karmic change.
The worm moon in practical Virgo coincides with the Sun, Mercury, and Neptune all in romantic water sign Pisces. As such, "this is a time when we're more sensitive to emotional undercurrents and the allure of fantasies and magic," Aryn says. However, "the Virgo full moon grounds us in the practical. It illuminates what aspects of our routine we're neglecting and may need some redirection, and encourages us to nourish our bodies as well as our spirits. The Virgo-Pisces axis speaks to service, and the role we play in helping others in our local and global communities."
Another major factor in play is Saturn — the planet that rules boundaries, responsibility, and self-mastery — which leaves Aquarius and enters Pisces just an hour after the full moon, Montúfar says. "For this reason, this full moon could bring the ending of a situation that began back on March 21, 2020, which is when Saturn first entered Aquarius. Since Saturn rules karma, these endings or grand finales will feel "destined" or "meant to be."
The spiritual message of the worm moon, Montúfar continues, is "that whatever happens now is non-negotiable," so be prepared to take a big leap of faith and look toward your path forward with excitement and clarity.
What Does the Worm Moon Mean For Zodiac Signs?
Aries: This full moon will make you very aware of the changes you need to make at a health and wellness level, bringing you the opportunity to abandon any bad habits, Montúfar says. So if you're thinking of starting a meditation practice or new training plan, now is the time. Taurus: Around this time of year, you may be so invested in your community that you forget to give yourself some TLC. If you've been itching to start a new creative venture or change something about your look, you have a cosmic blessing to do so, Aryn advises. Even the simple act of carving out space to play can have a big impact. Gemini: Nurture the hearth during this full worm moon, whether that means cleaning, organizing, or having a cozy night in. Your personal goals, career ambitions, and community relationships are fortified by how well you care for your space. Remember to tend to your roots, so your branches can grow, Aryn says. Cancer: This full moon will have you running around as messages, invitations, and millions of requests arrive in your inbox at once, Montúfar says. On a deeper level, you'll begin to notice a long-term shift in which the universe will instigate you to begin changing your overall belief system. Leo: You'll likely be concerned with financial affairs or exchanges during this worm moon, Leo. It could mark the end of a financial situation or you may be re-evaluating the give-and-take in your relationships, Montúfar says. Virgo: The full moon occurring in your sign offers a reset button — release what keeps you from becoming anew, and cultivate connections that fill your cup, Aryn says. Their advice? Seek answers from mentors, books, and your own fruitful imagination to map out the adventure of your dreams. Libra: This will be an intense, emotional time for Libras. Pay attention to your dreams, connections, and self-talk, as they play a significant role in your internal landscape. And remember: support can come from the most unexpected places; your thirst for expansion will attract possible mentors and collaborators, says Aryn. Scorpio: The worm moon might bring some drama your way, Scorpio. "An ending within your community is in store at this full moon. While it could be sad to see some of your peers go, it can also open the door to other opportunities down the road," Montúfar says. Sagittarius: Montúfar predicts this full moon will impact your work-life balance, dear Archer. "Everyone seems to be wanting something from you, from your bosses to your partner or roommates. If you can, keep your schedule manageable! A career situation could also reach a climax, putting you in the limelight for a job well done," Montúfar notes. Capricorn: This is your time for expansion and adventure. It's time to start a new project or jump into a new pursuit — even if you can't travel or take your dream trip, Aryn recommends new books, podcasts, and conversations to get yourself inspired. Aquarius: Fluctuations in your livelihood and home base may have you gasping for stability. Find stillness in what makes you feel joy, in those that make you feel alive. Remember that beginnings are fertilized by what ends before them, and you are a part of this beautiful regenerative process, Aryn says. Pisces: Montúfar predicts an exciting time for you: "For you, Pisces, this full moon begins a three-year period in which the universe will request you to show up for yourself! What is your life's purpose? How can you build something meaningful in your life? Focus on answering these questions as Master teacher Saturn enters your sign. Whatever you build for yourself in the next three years will remain in your life forever!"When Is the Next Worm Moon?
The next worm moon will be on March 25, 2024.
—Additional reporting by Sara Youngblood Gregory
