In November, the Mourning Moon is upon us. It’s also known as the Fog Moon, Beaver Moon, or Snow Moon, depending on where you live. Some Native American tribes referred to it simply as The Moon When Deer Shed Antlers (although in most regions it’s more accurate to say they’re shedding their velvet—a buck doesn’t usually lose antlers until later in the winter, unless you’re very far north). If you see this month as the beginning of the new year, use the magic of this moon phase to celebrate new beginnings.
When November’s full moon rolls around, the nights are getting longer and colder, and in some years, this may be the last full moon before the winter solstice. For early settlers in North America, this was the time of year when beaver pelts were harvested, in order to make warm clothing, hats, and blankets to help them survive the cold winter.
Colors: Use seasonally appropriate shades like gray, dark blues, and deep purples to reflect the colors of the season. Look to nature for inspiration, and draw color ideas from the darkening skies and the changing landscape around you.
Gemstones: use lapis lazuli, turquoise, and topaz in magical workings for the Mourning Moon.
Trees: cypress, alder, and hazel are associated with this time of year in many areas, so find a way to incorporate them into your workings as needed.
Gods: Bastet, Isis, Kali, Hecate, and Astarte are all deities connected to the darker half of the year, and the realms beyond those of the living. Work with these goddesses of mystery and magic during November’s full moon.
Herbs: as the gardens wind down for the year, thistle, betony, verbena, and fennel can often be found during this season, depending on where you live.
Element: Water is the element most closely associated with the Mourning Moon—in many places, November skies are dark, gloomy, and filled with thunderstorms.
Mourning Moon Magic
This is a time of washing away the baggage of the past and shedding that which no longer serves us. Once you’ve done that, you’ll be able to focus on the joys of the future. During the Mourning Moon phase, say goodbye to bad habits and toxic relationships, and get a fresh start for the new year. Work on developing and strengthening your connection with Deity. Coming on the heels of Samhain, use this month to embrace the darkness, and to mourn or grieve in your own fashion for things you have lost this year. Allow yourself to let go.
- Do a ritual working to help eliminate a bad habit or to end relationships that no longer make your heart sing and soar.
- Take advantage of this month’s illuminating energy and ramp up your communication skills. Is there someone you really need to be honest and open with? Share how you feel, from the heart, with a loved one or friend. Don’t overlook those who have already crossed over—write a letter to someone who’s passed away. This can be particularly powerful if there was something left unsaid between you when they died.
- Perform a new beginnings ritual, and think about all of the possibilities that the future can bring.
- Use this month to focus on self-care and restore your emotions, clearing away all of the stress before the holidays arrive and the nights get long.
- Do a house cleansing ritual, sweeping unnecessary, unwanted, or toxic things and people out of your home and your life.
- Are you dealing with fears and worries? Are they holding you back and preventing you from reaching success and happiness? Get rid of them before they negatively impact your physical, mental, and emotional well being. Write them on a piece of paper, and then burn, bury, or banish them under the full moon to purge them from your life.
Learning Wicca and the Tradition of the Craft 