Buck Moon 2022: Meaning behind July's Supermoon and how to view the biggest, brightest lunation of the year

When the Buck Moon 2022 rises, you'll know all about it, as this year's biggest, brightest Moon puts on a breathtaking show

Buck Moon 2022: Deer in front of full moon in the background
(Image credit: FelicitasMann/Getty Images)

As the Buck Moon 2022 fills the sky like a big ball of butter, you're sure to be utterly mesmerized. July's Full Moon is due to be not only the largest but also the most luminous - but did you know where it gets its interesting monicker?

This lunation comes after the New Moon June 2022, in the sensitive sign of Cancer, kicked off Cancer Season 2022 and Neptune retrograde 2022. The July Full Moon 2022 lights up the sky in the sign of Capricorn and calls for you to speak your truth.

Although the passing of Summer Solstice 2022 means the longest day has been and gone - this Supermoon stands out in the Moon calendar 2022 for plenty of reasons.

Not only is it falling just about half way through the year (no, we can't believe it's half way either!), the Buck Moon 2022 is a Supermoon, and as we all know that means supercharged lunar energy.

You may want to flex your manifestation muscles with some Full Moon rituals, as Supermoons are a prime opportunity to manifest your truest desires, and check in with your 2022 horoscope to see how things are going. Have you noticed any shifts that reflect the stars' predictions? 

The July Full Moon also orbits nearer to planet Earth than any other in 2022 - which explains how huge it looks, hanging low in the night sky.

Buck Moon 2022: Starry sky at night, mono lake, california, usa

(Image credit: Getty Images)

WHAT'S THE MEANING BEHIND THE BUCK MOON 2022?

Each month's Full Moon has its very own nickname.  So far this year we've seen the Wolf Moon, the Snow Moon, the Worm Moon, the Pink Moon, and Strawberry Moon too - but did you ever wonder where these names come from?

In Western astrology, each month's Full Moon gets its name from a combination of Native American, European, and Colonial American sources. According to the Farmers Almanac, The Full Moon July 2022 is known as the Buck Moon 2022, "because the antlers of male deer (bucks) are in full-growth mode at this time."

The publication explains further, "Bucks shed and regrow their antlers each year, producing a larger and more impressive set as the years go by."

How to view the Buck Moon 2022

Buck Moon 2021, Wild Stag silhouetted with a full moon. English Peak District - stock photo

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Per NASA, the Buck Moon 2022 will rise on Wednesday afternoon, July 13, 2022, at 2.38pm EDT.

Luckily, unlike many astrological events 2022, this lunation is visible with the human eye. In fact, we dare you to try and miss it! Unless the sky is grey, which is always a possibility, you'll be able to see it from when the Moon rises and it will appear full for approximately four days.

Aoife Hanna
Junior News Editor

Aoife is an Irish journalist and writer with a background in creative writing, comedy, and TV production.

Formerly woman&home's junior news editor and a contributing writer at Bustle, her words can be found in the Metro, Huffpost, Delicious, Imperica and EVOKE.

Her poetry features in the Queer Life, Queer Love anthology.

Outside of work you might bump into her at a garden center, charity shop, yoga studio, lifting heavy weights, or (most likely) supping/eating some sort of delicious drink/meal.