The Thirteen Moons and The Turtle

In this article. I will share information with you about the 13 moons and the turtle and how it all connects together.

I absolutely love this way of looking at the moon cycle. No matter if we believe it or not, we are connected to nature's cycle.

The first Nations believe that the 13 cycles of the moon represent the changing seasons and the passage of time.

Looking at the picture up above, you will notice the 28 small scales surrounding the 13 big scales. The smaller scales represent the 28 days of a cycle and each cycle is represented by a different moon. Each moon has its own special name although their name may vary among the nations, it is consistent with the legend that the 13 scales on Old Turtle's back hold the key to these moons.

So if we take a look at the 28 small scales which represent each a day and the moon a month. It is easy to see how it all adds up to 364 days + 1 day of rest.

The Anishinaabeg named the moons according to what was going on in nature. Remember that not all Anishinaabeg lived in the same area, so the moons names may differ.

These are some of the names given to the moons:

January: Minado Giizis (Min-ah-doh Gee-zehs)

Spirit Moon

February:

Makwa Giizis (Mah-kwah) Bear Moon

March:

Onaabidin Giizis (Oh-nah-bid-in) Snow Crust Moon

April:

Popogami Giizis (Poh-poh-gah-mi) Broken Snowshoe Moon

May:

Nimebine Giizis (Nimh-eh-bi-neh) Sucker Moon

June:

Waabigonii Giizis (Wah-bi-goh-nee) Blooming Moon

July:

Miin Giizis (Meehn) Berry Moon

August:

Minoomini Giizis (Min-oh-min-i ) Grain (Wild Rice) Moon

September:

Wabaabagaa Giizis (Wa-bah-ba-gah) Changing Leaves Moon

October:

Binaakwe Giizi (Bi-nah-kway) Falling Leaves Moon

November:

Baashkaakodin Giizis (Bah-shkah-koh-din) Freezing Moon

December:

Minado Giisoonhs (Min-ah-doh Gee-soonhs) Little Spirit Moon