The Worm Moon -March’s Full Moon & the Story Behind My Art

Behind the scenes of March’s full moon illustration.

Did you know full moons have names? Each one is tied to nature, the seasons, and old traditions—ways people once tracked time before calendars. March’s full moon is called the Worm Moon, named for the earthworms and beetle larvae that begin to emerge as the ground softens, signaling the return of robins and the arrival of spring. It’s a moon of change, of winter thawing into something new.

This year’s Worm Moon, which occurs on March 14th, is even more special because it coincides with a lunar eclipse, also known as a Blood Moon. During a total eclipse, the Earth casts its shadow on the moon, turning it a deep reddish color—an eerie, beautiful phenomenon that makes this year’s March full moon even more striking.

Last year, I started a project illustrating all 12 full moons, capturing their names and meanings in art. The collection is now part of my Full Moon Calendar, and I’m sharing a behind-the-scenes look at each piece throughout the year. 

I’ve already written about the art for January’s Wolf Moon and February’s Snow Moon, and read on for a closer look at my artwork for the Full Worm Moon.

Why Is It Called the Worm Moon?

The name Worm Moon has its roots in Native American and colonial traditions. As the temperatures rise in March, the frozen ground begins to thaw, and earthworms make their way to the surface. Their return brings the robins, marking a clear sign that winter is giving way to spring. Some interpretations also suggest that the name could refer to beetle larvae that start appearing in tree bark as the season shifts. As much as I love drawing beetles, I chose the earthworm theme for this one!

The Inspiration Behind My Worm Moon Illustration

For this piece, I leaned into the warmth of early spring, using a rusty red-orange color palette to reflect the earthy tones of thawing soil, sunrise-lit mornings, and the natural color of robins.

At the center, the full moon glows behind three robins—one actively pulling an earthworm from the border. I wanted to capture that classic first sign of spring: spotting a robin hopping through the grass, tugging at its meal. The other two robins fly nearby, stretching their wings and waiting for their turn.

The border follows the same intricate, circular design as the other moons in the series, this time featuring earthworms weaving through the pattern, along with budding spring flowers. I liked the idea of showing that quiet movement happening beneath the surface—things shifting, growing, waking up after the stillness of winter.

Knowing that this year’s Worm Moon is also a Blood Moon adds an interesting layer to the piece. The natural red-orange color of the illustration already fits the look of an eclipsed moon, making it feel even more connected to this particular year. Sometimes, things just line up in ways that make a design feel extra special.

This is the third full moon in my series, and each one has its own unique symbolism and story. I’m looking forward to sharing more in the coming months! If you’d like to see the full collection, you can check out the Full Moon Calendar here.