The Honey Moon
Apellaios Full Moon
The Honey Moon, also known as The Honey Bee Moon, is a celebration of the start of summer and the sweetness of the Sun. Typically occurring after Kalokaíri, this moon celebrates the full force of Summer and the glory of the Sun. It is a time to honor the natural world, and all that is brought to life through the warmth and grace of the Sun. Without the Sun, no life on Earth would exist; and without the honey bee, the world would be far less sweet.
Creating a Bee Watering Station and the consumption of local honey is auspicious, as are brightly lit nighttime celebrations.
symbols & Decore
hair binding / veiling
No Recommendation
Jewelry / Adornments
No Recommendation
foods of significance
Dandelion Tea & Honey Sweetened Beverages
Salads or Dishes with Greens
Lemon Cookies
colors of significance
Yellow
Orange
Amber
symbols of significance
Dandelions & Dandelion Crowns
Honey Bees & Bee Imagery
The Sun & Sun Imagery
history vs modern day
While full moons may have been celebrated in ancient times, there is little to no record of a specific festival or observance for these lunar events (unlike Noumenia, etc.)
The traditions, alignments, and recommendations for our Full Moon Festivals come from a variety of places - not all of which are Hellenic in nature. Our Full Moon Festivals are also inspired by the local flora and fauna of South Carolina (where our Temple is located) as well as from other pagan and neo-pagan Full Moon traditions.
The Honey Moon is named in honor of the Western Honey Bee (also known as the European Honey Bee). While there are fourteen species of bee found in South Carolina (source: Bird Watching HQ), the Western Honey Bee is the only species that produces honey. While all bee species serve a vital role in the environment, we choose to honor the Western Honey Bee during the month of Apellaios to honor honey and the important role it has played in human life throughout history.
Apellaios is also the month in which we honor Lord Apollo, God of Music and Light; our Temple's patron and the lover of Prince Hyacinthus. In this, The Honey Moon is a wonderful time to connect with any of the many aspects of Lord Apollo. Music, poetry, medicine, divination, archery - there are so many ways to honor and connect with Lord Apollo.