The Hunter Moon

Origin: Native American culture

• Animals would come for field scraps after the harvest. The full moon made it easier to see the deer and other animals hunting successfully

Also Known As:

• Blood Moon
  • English in the Middle Ages were scared of the full moon so close to an ‘evil’ day. This is what is attributed to the ominous name and portrayal of of a blood red moon in the sky over Halloween images.
• Shedding Moon
• Falling Leaf Moon

Element: Air

Gods: Herne, Apollo, Cernunnos, Mercury

Stones: Amethyst, Obsidian and Tourmaline are all used to ward off evil

Trees/Flowers: Apples, Yew trees, and Chrysanthemum and marigolds for working with spirits

Herbs: Apple Blossom, Penny Royal, Mint, Catnip, Sweet Annie

Prior tho the 1700’s the Hunter moon was celebrated with feasts in Native American tribes and in Europe. The tradition was lost after 1700 but is still remembered in re-enactments and with Trick or Treating and feasting on the candy afterwards.

Neo-Pagans consider this moon to be special in the representation of the changing of the seasons and the thinning of the veil (to be discussed more later in a separate post) and the heightened abilities in contacting deceased loved ones.

India also celebrates the Hunter Moon in a tradition called Sharad Purnima. The devotees to this festival fast for the entire day before offering the Moon God delicacies under the light of the moon.

How to Celebrate

Hunting and gathering, stocking up on provisions for winter, and making plans for the winter are all traditionally associated with the Hunter Moon. The cold, dark nights should be considered a reminder of our deceased ancestors and also as a reminder of our own mortality. 

These associations can be honored in several different ways:

• Canning your garden vegetables honors the need to reinforce your food for the winter
• Hanging the remainder of your garden herbs to dry in your home
• Stock up on materials for your hobbies to keep you busy on long winter nights when it is too cold to go outside
• Honor your ancestors with a small altar or shrine. This can be adorned with family heirlooms, treasures of the dearly departed, photos, etc.
• Decorate your personal alter with traditional Samhain decor (to be discussed in a future post). 

This month is a time for spiritual growth. The veil between the living and the dead is at it’s thinnest. This is an ideal time to work on divination, hold a seance, or contact the dead. Dream messages are often more prominent this month so pay close attention to the dreams you have and analyze them thoroughly.

We will later discuss contacting the dead and the possible concerns surrounding the rituals. Please do not contact the dead without proper precaution and skill as this could result in the attraction of negative energy and unwanted consequences.