The Farmer’s Almanac tells us that this full Moon is often referred to as the Full Hunter’s Moon, Blood Moon, or Sanguine Moon. Many moons ago, Native Americans named this bright moon for obvious reasons. The leaves are falling from trees, the deer are fattened, and it’s time to begin storing up meat for the long winter ahead. Because the fields were traditionally reaped in late September or early October, hunters could easily see fox and other animals that come out to glean from the fallen grains. Probably because of the threat of winter looming close, the Hunter’s Moon is generally accorded with special honor, historically serving as an important feast day in both Western Europe and among many Native American tribes.
According to the Wise Witches Society, this full Moon is also referred to as the Full Harvest Moon. “This is the full Moon that occurs closest to the
The Farmer’s Almanac tells us that this full Moon is often referred to as the Full Hunter’s Moon, Blood Moon, or Sanguine Moon. Many moons ago, Native Americans named this bright moon for obvious reasons. The leaves are falling from trees, the deer are fattened, and it’s time to begin storing up meat for the long winter ahead. Because the fields were traditionally reaped in late September or early October, hunters could easily see fox and other animals that come out to glean from the fallen grains. Probably because of the threat of winter looming close, the Hunter’s Moon is generally accorded with special honor, historically serving as an important feast day in both Western Europe and among many Native American tribes.
“Harvest Moon Painting” by Samuel Palmer
According to the Wise Witches Society, this full Moon is also referred to as the Full Harvest Moon. “This is the full Moon that occurs closest to the autumn equinox. In two years out of three, the Harvest Moon comes in September, but in some years it occurs in October. At the peak of harvest, farmers can work late into the night by the light of this Moon. Usually the full Moon rises an average of 50 minutes later each night, but for the few nights around the Harvest Moon, the Moon seems to rise at nearly the same time each night: just 25 to 30 minutes later across the U.S., and only 10 to 20 minutes later for much of Canada and Europe. Corn, pumpkins, squash, beans, and wild rice the chief Indian staples are now ready for gathering.” (This is all generally speaking as this year was a weird year with a supposed “Blue Moon” in August that I think threw things off a bit).
Known as the Blood Moon, “this is the annual slaughter of all but breeding stock that took place at this time of the year (see “Samhain Lore“) . This is the time of seeking inner peace and truth. The zodiac association [generally] is Libra. [1]
“Orange Dream” by Cebarre
OCTOBER: Blood Moon (October) Also known as: Harvest Moon, Shedding Moon, Winterfelleth (Winter Coming), Windermanoth (Vintage Month), Falling Leaf Moon, Ten Colds Moon, Moon of the Changing Season Nature Spirits: frost faeries, plant faeries Herbs: pennyroyal, thyme, catnip, uva ursi, angelica, burdock Colors: dark blue-green Flowers: calendula, marigold, cosmos Scents: strawberry, apple blossom, cherry Stones: opal, tourmaline, beryl, turquoise Trees: yew, cypress, acacia Animals: stag, jackal, elephant, ram, scorpion Birds: heron, crow, robin Deities:Ishtar, Astarte, Demeter, Kore, Lakshmi, Horned God, Belili, Hathor Power Flow: to let go; inner cleansing. Karma and reincarnation. Justice and balance. Inner harmony. [2]
* Check out Mooncircles.com every month, or better yet, subscribe to their monthly newsletter to get the scoop on each month’s Full and New Moons, find out more about Moon Astrology and read blogs. They even have a different 3-Minute Moon Ritual for each Full Moon!
“Tula’s themes are balance, justice and peace. Her symbols are scales and balanced items. This Hindu Goddess is represented by the constellation Libra, Her name even meaning ‘balance’. In all things, Tula teaches us how to harmonize the diverse nature of our hectic lives and reintegrate Goddess-centred ideology within that framework.
People born under the sign of Libra seem to integrate Tula’s characteristics of harmony and balance, especially in aesthetic sense. They cultivate relationships carefully and enjoy fighting for just causes. When those of us not born under this sign would like to do similarly, we can call on Tula for aid. Stand on the bathroom scale first thing in the morning and invoke Her, saying:
“Tula, instill in me a growing sense of harmony.
Between sound and silence let serenity dance;
between the shadow and the light, let peace prance.
Where’er injustice dwells, let equity swell;
in my heart, in my life, bring an end to all strife.”
Afterward, try to dress in balanced tones of clothing (like a white shirt and black pants) and spend the rest of the day monitoring your personal balance – your sense of equilibrium – maintaining your temper, pacing your steps, being aware of your center of gravity. In all these things, Tula’s equitable energy abides.”
(Patricia Telesco, “365 Goddess: a daily guide to the magic and inspiration of the goddess”.)
I could find nothing on this Goddess for today’s entry. The only thing that seemed remotely connected to this Goddess is “Tulabharam (weighing by scale) which apparently is an incident in the life of Rukmini (the principal wife and queen of Krishna at his city of Dwaraka…also considered to be an Avatar of Lakshmi, the Goddess of fortune), that reveals the extent to which humble devotion is worth more than material wealth.” [1]
“Libra” by Josephine Wall
But the theme for today’s entry is balance…the equinox represents balance. Why is it important to set aside time to specifically concentrate and focus on balance or restoring balance? How do you find your balance? One good way, especially for the Autumn Equinox is to clear out that which no longer serves you. Really look at aspects of your life that are draining you or causing you pain and strife, or that are hindering your growth. Are those things heavy? Do they make you feel weighted down? Restore your balance by going through and deciding what you need to weed out and make preparations to get rid of them. It may hurt at first, but in the months ahead it’ll be well worth it.
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