The Hunter’s Moon, also known as the Blood Moon, is the first full moon after the Harvest Moon (the full moon nearest to autumn equinox.) Both the Harvest and the Hunter’s Moon rises near dusk allowing for prolonged light. Night was once a time to slow down, with only the flickering of candlelit and hearth fires to illuminate a home, beyond that laid only the twinkle of stars. When the moon was full, it was easier to work (or party…) late.
We are nearing Samhain, a time when herds were traditionally culled and their meat preserved for the Winter ahead. Once Samhain was celebrated by the light of this full moon. The three days of this moon are also feast days among some Native American tribes. This is the last breath before the plunge into the chill of Winter. (There is an interesting reenactment of the Feast of the Hunters’ Moon near Lafayette, Indiana each year.)
This moon slipped by nearly unnoticed to me. Had I not have been standing by the window with Damian in arms, I would not have noticed it. I saw him staring with total fixation at something and when I looked up the Hunter’s Moon shone bright in the sky. I stepped outside with him and he kept his eyes unwavering on the moon. Since I didn’t have shoes on and the patio was freezing, I just said a small blessing prayer and came back inside. I laid Damian and my pentacle in the moonlit for the night.
This might be the last time I see the full moon for a few months, our Winter nights tend towards the overcast. I don’t mind, this period of rest is needed for the Earth and as a lesson to us. We must all rest from time to time, as to gather strength. With this renewed strength the fruits of our labor will be even better.