The Full Flower Moon will culminate on Monday, May 16, at 14 minutes after midnight Eastern Time (00:14), which will be 4:14 AM UTC. A total lunar eclipse will occur at the full Moon, with the maximum eclipse occurring at 11 minutes after midnight Eastern Time (00:11), which will be 4:11 AM UTC. Please see my eclipse article for more information.
The day leading up to the culmination of the full Moon every month is called the purnima tithi in Vedic astrology. It is the most auspicious day of the full Moon cycle, when spiritual and healing energies are at their peak, and sacred practices are most benefical. The purnima tithi this month extends from around 3:20 AM Eastern Time Sunday, May 15, until 00:14 AM Eastern Time on Monday, May 16; and from 7:20 AM UTC Sunday, May 15, until 4:14 AM UTC Monday, May 16.
The May full Moon corresponds with the Buddhist festival known as Buddha Purnima, or Wesak/Vesak). In the Vedic tradition, it is celebrated as Vishakha/Vaishakha Puja. This year, Wesak will be celebrated in North and South America on Sunday, May 15, and in the rest of the world on Monday, May 16, as noted above in the purnima tithi times. Whatever tithi is in place at sunrise is always the tithi of the day for celebration purposes.
Gautama Buddha is said to have been born on the full Moon Purnima in the Vaishakha month of May (Buddha Jayanti). His enlightenment is also celebrated on this day, as is his great exit from the body. According to legend, He promised to come back on this day every year, along with many other divine beings, to bring regenerating and healing forces onto the the Earth for all beings.
The Theosophists teach that the Christ (Maitreya) gathers the entire spiritual hierarchy together in prayer and meditation at this full Moon to invoke the forces of a heavenly realm known as Shambhala, which increases the input and output of the divine light within us on this Earth. Meditation and other contemplative and healing practices are so very rewarding on Buddha Purnima.
I am always particularly drawn to recite and pray the Great Invocation during Wesak:
Original 1945 version by Alice A Bailey and Djwhal Khul adapted by the Lucis Trust
From the point of Light within the Mind of God
Let light stream forth into human minds.
Let Light descend on Earth.From the point of Love within the Heart of God
Let love stream forth into human hearts.
May the Coming One return to Earth.From the center where the Will of God is known
Let purpose guide all little human wills -
The purpose which the Masters know and serve.From the center which we call the human race
Let the Plan of Love and Light work out
And may it seal the door where evil dwells.Let Light and Love and Power restore the Plan on Earth.