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The Spiritual Meaning of the Full Hunter’s Moon

 


By the spiritual significance of the full Hunter's Moon this October, gather your internal harvest. The phases of the moon that occur throughout the year in North America are named based on traditional Native American and European folklore and customs. These names correspond with the natural fluctuations and transformations in the surroundings during the time of each month's moon and carry spiritual meanings.


The origin of the Hunter's Moon can be traced back to the timing of the autumnal equinox rather than the month itself, setting it apart from most traditional moon names. While the full moon closest to the autumnal equinox is referred to as the Harvest Moon, the subsequent moon is known as the Hunter's Moon and typically appears in either October or November.


During the autumnal equinox, the Harvest Moon rises at a similar time each evening, signifying the final stage of harvest before the onset of winter. Following the harvest, hunting season commences as a means of securing food supplies. This time also attracts many animals to open fields, making them more accessible targets for hunters. It is during this hunting season that the Hunter's Moon emerges.



Although many individuals do not follow the moon's cycle or engage in activities such as hunting, they may still sense the shift in seasons' unique energies.


As we transition through the autumnal equinox, the days become shorter while the nights grow longer. The temperature cools down, and the scent of earthiness fills the air as leaves begin to change color and fall. With earlier nights, the moon becomes more visible in the sky for longer durations, signifying a shift from the bright to the dark half of the year.


These changes encourage introspection and a shift away from the physical activities and sunny pursuits of summer towards inner contemplation. For numerous Indigenous peoples, winter remains a time for gathering around the fire and children learning from their elders. This period also coincides with back-to-school season for many, representing a time to focus on the mind, learn, and get back to work.


For several individuals, September embodies a spiritual New Year, and Jewish people, for example, celebrate the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah, during the September New Moon. This time of year brings a sense of freshness with cool air and new energy that can be quite exhilarating. Even though many may not hunt, this time of year is ideal for setting clear objectives, particularly related to work or learning, and taking action to achieve them.



To connect with the energy of the full Hunter's Moon this year, consider the following:


Evaluate what you have been working on this year and what has been effective or ineffective.


Take the necessary steps to adjust your schedule, ask for assistance, and let go of unproductive or burdensome projects.


Utilize the clear illumination provided by the full moon to define your goals for the upcoming months, focusing on what is most important to you.


Reflect on the values that drive you, identifying what motivates you in various aspects of your life, including work and relationships.


Wishing you a joyous Full Hunter's Moon!

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