Every 29 days or so a full moon appears in the sky, symbolizing the beginning of a new lunar phase. Before the existence of modern calendars, Native American tribes nicknamed these moons to differentiate between them and mark the passage of time. The folklore surrounding the full moons became abundant. According to The Old Farmer’s Almanac, spotting the full moon over your right shoulder is thought to bring good luck. Babies born the day after experience success and endurance. Those starting projects should do so during the full moon to fulfill to prosperity.

Different tribes had different names for the full moons that appeared every month. The nicknames were used to mark the passing of time before modern calendars existed. August’s notable claim to fame is the “Sturgeon Moon”, dubbed so for the fish caught in the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain. Other nicknames include “Wheat Cut Moon”, “Moon When All Things Ripen”, and ”Blueberry Moon”, all of which refer to the preparation of times to come, including the forthcoming harvest and winter months.

This year’s moon also featured a partial lunar eclipse, anticipated by the total solar eclipse on August 21, marking a beginning and an end. The astrology behind it calls for a doing away with the old and moving forward from the past. Although the Sturgeon Moon already passed on August 7th, the eclipse is still approaching, providing an opportunity to let the folklore magic of the full moons start you off on the right foot for the first day of classes. Welcome the new beginning.