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CNAS Moon Phases

The Anishinaabeg people live in a large area within what is now the United States and Canada. There are actually 13 moons each year, but most cycles follow the 12-month calendar.

The Anishinaabe designated the names of the moon to correspond with the seasonal influence within a given location. Because the region the Anishinaabe lived was so large, the moons may not be called the same thing for all areas.

For example, the Anishinaabeg in lower Michigan would not have the same activities as the Anishinaabeg in Minnesota.   

The Center for Native American Studies adopted this version of moon cycles. 

January-June

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 - December

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