Full Worm (Beetle) Moon

And the Four of Wands

When I saw that this full moon approaching is called a worm moon, I did a bit of investigating to look at its origination. It makes so much sense with Spring arriving soon, the worms coming out of the dirt. We are emerging from our winter cocoons, there is new life, at least new life is an idea, an approach, a desire.

But also Native Americans referred to this first Spring moon as a worm moon because it was a time when the beetle larvae emerged from the tree trunks after secluding in them for the winter. Beetles hold a special place in Native American folklore, as well as other mythological traditions. The beetle represents new life, renewal, rebirth, and is considered sacred across many cultures.

While we know a beetle is not a worm and a worm is not a beetle, larvae are related to worms—in fact a caterpillar is larvae of sorts. Inchworms are not really worms but larvae, although earthworms don’t develop from larvae but from eggs.

And what is larvae (kind of gross I know) but the possibility of new life? Sometimes the perception of ugly is just what's needed to create the environment for beauty.

“A larvae is a distinct juvenile form many animals undergo before metamorphosis into adults.” (Wikipedia) But not all animals. While a puppy essentially looks like a small dog, larva does not look like the adult it will become (think butterfly).

My March 2023 Card—The Four of Wands

I was pretty chuffed when I remembered that the Four of Wands is my card for March, paired with the Page of Wands, my guide for the year.

The Four of Wands represents connection, stability and celebration. Think of the Chuppah in Judaism—this card so very concretely shows a marriage celebration with the four columns decorated with greenery on top and the couple waving in the distance having sanctified their union underneath it just before. They are beginning their new life together, becoming in a way reborn with their union. It is a sentimental card, but an apt one for the start of Spring.

Offerings

Tomorrow I'll host a tarot circle from Phoenix with my beloved friend and teacher Laurie Blackwell at noon pst, for paid subscribers. We will do a full moon reading together.

There are still a few spots left for our Vernal Equinox Gathering next Sunday 3/12 at 3pm pst. The cost is $23 and we will explore the science, folklore and mythology of the Equinox, read some tarot, and set intentions for the coming season.

https://www.laurieblackwell.com/vernal-equinox-gathering

As always, thanks so much for being part of this community.

XoH