The Pink Full Moon: A Sign of Rebellion and Renewal

There’s a moment when the sun and the moon are on opposite sides of the Earth—one side greets the sun while the other falls into the moon's embrace. This cosmic event marks a fascinating rhythm of nature. The full moon in April is particularly special as it ushers in the arrival of Spring, and it's known as the "pink" moon—named after my favorite color. Although it’s called the pink moon, it often shines with a golden hue instead.

According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, the blooming of the wildflower Phlox subulata coincides with the rise of the pink moon. This led me to reflect on the significance of the pink moon for my ancestors and its connection to celebrations like Easter. How did Black folks historically engage with the sky and its celestial events? How did they use the moon for spiritual and practical purposes?How did Black folks use the sky?

Renewal and growth are what make Spring beautiful to me. As a child, this would mean attending the annual family function, where we would paint boiled eggs and share a feast. This usually consisted of ham or chicken, mac n cheese, and greens.

While I work on some spring cleaning in 2023, my ancestors used this time to plan their liberation. One way of knowing when to attack depended heavily on the phases of the moon.

The Pink Moon, Spring, and Spiritual Renewal

Spring has always symbolized renewal and growth for me. As a child, this season meant attending our annual family gathering, painting boiled eggs, and sharing a hearty feast of ham or chicken, macaroni and cheese, and collard greens. But as I focus on spring cleaning in 2023, I realize my ancestors used this time to plan their liberation. They understood the phases of the moon and used them for strategic purposes, particularly in organizing revolts and planning escapes.

For many enslaved folks, the pink moon was not just a celestial event; it was a tool for survival. The phases of the moon guided them in their quest for freedom, with some using the full moon to time rebellions. The pink moon’s connection to Easter also made it a significant time for resistance, as it marked an opportunity for action.

One of those rebellions occurred in 1816, on the Good Friday before Easter. Enslaved rebel leaders danced their way to freedom. They planned arson attacks on the sugar plantations in Barbados, which began on that Easter Sunday. This revolt came to be known as Bussa’s Rebellion, named after the enslaved African man who served as one of the leaders. Since the pink full moon is one that determines the day of Easter, it was important for rebel leaders to make note of the moon phases. 

The pink full moon served as a symbol for rebellion. 

I’m the type of gal who plans and organizes around the phases of the moon. As a womanist, it is important for me to understand the impact of this great celestial body. Every night I can look up into the sky and never miss anybody, knowing that they are looking at the same sky, the same stars and moon. 

Using the Sky for Guidance: The Importance of Astronomical Knowledge

As a womanist, I am deeply attuned to the spiritual significance of the moon and its cycles. The pink moon, along with the stars, helped enslaved Black people navigate treacherous terrain and resist oppression. This knowledge was not learned from their captors but was carried from the homelands they were stolen from. As astronomer Moiya McTier explains, enslaved people had to rely on observational astronomy to determine when to plant crops and to understand their surroundings.

Many Americans know the story of Harriet Tubman, but they might be surprised to know that she used the stars to help many of the enslaved emancipate themselves. “Follow the Drinking Gourd” is a folksong that was used during the Underground Railroad to indicate the location of the Big Dipper. 

A drinking gourd was a hollowed-out place in the Earth used for drinking water. From this technique, the North Star could be found. 

The Spiritual Meaning of the Pink Moon in Libra

Spiritually, a pink moon in Libra is connected to issues of fairness and justice. It is a sign that is ruled by Venus, and anybody that’s into a little astrology knows that Venus is the signifier for love. Libra is also the great balancer of the astrological signs, with scales of justice as its symbol. The full moon, which represents the completion of a lunar cycle, is also a time for endings and closures, especially in relationships. I firmly believe that the movements of celestial bodies impact our lives on Earth, and that there are no coincidences.

Rituals for the April "Pink" Full Moon

My plans for this full moon include charging my crystals after being dormant for so long. Then I’m going to make moon water. It’s simple, all you need is an empty glass or container of any kind. Fill that glass with some water, then set it outside when the moon rises. 

You must bring the glass inside before the sun comes up though! So, I set an alarm around 4AM to bring the charged moon water to my room and watch the sun rise from my window. 

I have a set of oracle cards on my ancestral altar, so ya girl is going to do a reading of course! I do this every year during the spring time especially. It’s exciting to get a preview of what is up ahead for me. I take whatever resonates with me, and then I write about it. 

Another thing I used to do a lot in high school was moon bathe. I would just stand outside and bask in the rays of the moon. I see it as a form of meditation. 

The next time I look up at the sky, I will always remember the people who had no choice but to follow its star.