October’s Full Hunter’s Moon
Date: October 13, 2019
Time: 2:07 pm PST/ 3:07 pm MST/ 5:07 pm  EDT

The Old Farmer’s Almanac calls October’s moon the Hunter’s Moon, where pagan almanacs call it the Blood Moon, both are correct. The reference of the Hunter’s Moon is very similar to the Harvest Moon as work or in this case hunting could be done into the evening hours due to the brightness of the moon itself. However, the name Blood Moon has nothing to do with hunting. Like Septembers Harvest Moon the debris in the earth’s atmosphere (like dust, smoke, etc.) cause the rising moon to appear reddish, thus the name Blood Moon. Other names for this moon are the Shedding Moon, Falling Leaf Moon, Hunter’s Moon, White Moon (china), Harvest Moon (Cherokee & Celtic), Blackberry Moon (Choctaw), Moon When Quilling & Beading Is Done (Dakota).

From the beginning of October until Samhain the veil between our world and the spirit world becomes thinner. The Blood Moon is the perfect time to begin decorating your altar for the upcoming Sabbat or creating an Ancestor Altar. Use autumn flowers and seed pods, Indian corn, pumpkins and gourds, pictures of departed loved ones, acorns and nuts, bones or apples and pomegranates to help set the tone. Divination is also at it’s best from now until Samhain as is contacting departed loved ones. Dreams are another thing to pay close attention to at this time. The information may become clearer and stronger than it does at other times of the year. This is also a time of spiritual growth. It is time to finish harvesting and take stock of our labors from the past year. Discard what no longer serves you to make room for the new ideas and thought forms that will begin germinating in the coming dark season.

To help bring the magic of this full moon into your day try wearing dark colors, blue, purple or black and ornamenting yourself with sacred stones like amethyst, obsidian or even tourmaline. The Hunter’s Moon is a powerful and magical time so use it wisely and enjoy the benefits.

Full Moon Blessings!

Cat