The waxing gibbous Moon is strong and growing stronger in these last days before full Moon which will occur on Wednesday, March 27 at 5:27 AM EDT in Washington DC. The gibbous phase is a great time to complete projects and fulfill social responsibilities as the brightening lunar energy can support us in our endeavors.

According to the Farmer’s Almanac, there are several names for the March full Moon. These lunar month names were given a long time ago by various tribes of Native Americans:

1. The Full Sap Moon, marking the time of tapping maple trees.

2. The more northern tribes knew this Moon as the Full Crow Moon, when the cawing of crows signaled the end of winter.

3. Full Crust Moon, because the snow cover becomes crusted from thawing by day and freezing at night.

4. Full Worm Moon: As the temperature begins to warm and the ground begins to thaw, earthworm casts appear, heralding the return of the robins.

5. To the settlers, it was also known as the Lenten Moon (before Easter), and was considered to be the last full Moon of winter.

According to Vedic astrology, this week’s full Moon occurs in its own star, the luminous and powerful Vedic nakshatra called Hasta (“the Hand”), whose shakti (energy) is hasta sthapaniya agama, the ability to gain what we are seeking and place it in our own hands: 

Hasta nakshatra is ruled by Savitar, the creative form of the Sun God. This is a laghu (light) nakshatra which is considered auspicious for healing, beginning a journey, planting and sowing, love matters, and creative endeavors. According to Vamadeva Shastri (David Frawley), “Hasta gives the ability to achieve our goals in a complete and immediate manner. Such goals are usually creative in nature. Savitar is the creative will that builds up the universe with all of its beauty. His productions are most wonderful.”

As always, full Moon energy is most conducive to generating psychic power and performing meditation and spiritual practice. When the Moon is full, it rises at sunset and sets at dawn. Thus, our best results for performing full Moon practice will be soon after sunset and right before dawn on Tuesday and Wednesday this coming week.

In Hasta nakshatra, the full Moon favors creativity and productivity. As the sap is rising in the trees in the northern hemsiphere, our own inner creative juices are rising, and we can use the gifts of this full Moon to set our clearest intentions for the future and open our hands and hearts to receive the grace that is always available when we remember to let go in the flow.

Make sure to have some good belly laughter in the days to come as well (and always!) and this is especially so because “Hasta” also means “laughter.” Laughter yoga, anyone?