Moon's Final Phase in Week of June 15th, 2025 - Strawberry Moon
In the heart of June, the celestial spectacle known as the Strawberry Moon graces the night sky. This full moon holds significant cultural, historical, and spiritual meanings, as well as astrological influences that make it a special event worth celebrating.
The name "Strawberry Moon" originated from Native American tribes, particularly the Algonquin, who named it after the wild strawberries that ripen in June. This full moon serves as a seasonal signpost signaling the period when these berries are ready to be gathered, marking a time of harvest and abundance.
Beyond its cultural significance, the Strawberry Moon carries symbolic meanings tied to nature, growth, and reflection. It encourages individuals to reflect on personal progress and future goals, recognise their achievements so far, and look ahead with optimism. Astrologer Bella Popa explains that it represents a time when one's efforts come to fruition, and when deeper insight and guidance for growth and transformation become illuminated. It is also linked to positive energy that supports the manifestation of dreams and long-term plans.
The 2025 Strawberry Moon will occur in Sagittarius, a fire sign associated with exploration, learning, and expanding one’s worldview. This lunar phase promotes adventure, enthusiasm for new experiences, and heightened connections with others. The alignment with Mars and opposition to Jupiter during this time further imbues it with passion, courage, optimism, and the potential for lucky breakthroughs.
Photographing the Strawberry Moon is an excellent way to commemorate this natural event and metaphorically align with the moon’s themes of reflection and growth. To best capture its beauty, consider shooting when the moon is largest and brightest, typically around the exact date of full moon. The moonrise or moonset times provide dramatic lighting and colour. Find a location with a clear horizon and minimal light pollution, and incorporate natural features like trees, water, or buildings to add scale and context to your shots.
Use a camera with manual settings and a telephoto lens to capture details of the moon’s surface. A tripod is essential to keep the camera steady for sharp images. Use a low ISO to reduce noise, a medium to narrow aperture (around f/8 to f/11) for clarity, and adjust shutter speed to avoid overexposure—typically a faster shutter speed (1/125 sec or faster) works well for the bright moon.
Experiment with creative techniques such as capturing the moon near the horizon to exploit atmospheric conditions that give a warm, reddish "strawberry" hue. You can also try long exposures if capturing the moon alongside a landscape or cityscape at night.
This year, Tuesday night featured a stunning Strawberry Moon, and groups across the globe stayed up late to witness its beauty with their own eyes and through binoculars. For those who missed the opportunity, there's always the chance to watch a recording or vlog of the event, offering an alternative way to appreciate its splendour.
Whether you choose to photograph the Strawberry Moon, watch it through binoculars, or simply gaze at it with wonder, this celestial event is a reminder to reflect on our personal growth, set our sights on future goals, and embrace the adventure that life offers.
On the horizon of outdoor-living, the Strawberry Moon awakens home-and-garden enthusiasts to celebrate a season of growth and bounty, mirroring the ripening of wild strawberries in June. This full moon invites individuals to contemplate their personal growth, future aspirations, and the potential for transformation, echoing the astrological influences of adventure, exploration, and expanded worldview during its occurrence in Sagittarius.
