All About the Hunter's Moon - The Full Moon in October

Learn about the Hunter’s Moon, October’s Full Moon. Learn about the history, alternative names, correspondences, and how to utilize its energy in your magickal workings.

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What is the Hunter’s Moon?

The name Hunter’s Moon could have derived from the term “Hunting Moon” which was the term used by both the Mahican and Tunica peoples; this name is applied to whichever moon falls after the Harvest Moon, sometimes in October, and sometimes in November. The significance of the Hunter’s moon is that this time of the year signalled the end of the harvest season, and the beginning of relying on hunting to bring in fresh food until the next Spring.

Other Names for the Hunter’s Moon

Falling Leaves Moon – Ojibwe
Someone Stores Food Moon – Oneida
Kindly Moon – Chinese
Harvest Moon – Celtic, Cherokee
Blood Moon – Old English
Blackberry Moon – Choctaw
Moon when Quilling and Beading is Done – Dakotah Sioux

Hunter’s Moon Magickal Workings

This moon is usually the closest to the Sabbat Samhain, and therefore shares many of the same magickal connections & correspondences. Harvest season is ending or has ended, the Wheel is turning into the darkness of Winter and our days grow short as our nights grow long. The veil is thin, so communicating with other worldly beings is easier during this time.

Shadow Work
Self Reflection
Darkness
Ancestor Work
Gratitude/Appreciation
Working with Sprits
Divination
Psychic Messages
Dreamwork
Balance
Transitions/Change
Diety Work (particularly with Psychopomps, or ferriers/guides of the dead)

Hunter’s Moon Correspondences

Colors: Red, Purple, Black, Orange, Silver, Dark Blue, Gold

Crystals: Amethyst, Beryl, Black Touramline, Bloodstone, Carnelian, Moonstone, Obsidian, Opal, Quartz, Turquoise

Deities: Apollo, Anubis, Azrael, Cernunnos, Charon, Hades, Hecate, Hel, Hermes, Herne, Mercury, Shiva

Herbs: Calendula, Marigold, Angelica, Burdock, Pennyroyal, Thyme, Catnip

Trees: Apple, Yew

Element: Air

Hunter Moon Tarot Spread

Further connect to the energies of this Full Moon with this tarot spread!

What do I need to do to prepare for the darker days ahead?
What messages am I missing from the spirits who guide me?
How can I best make use of my time in the colder months?

Try it out for yourself! If you want to share you results feel free to comment below, join our discord server, or use the hashtag #feralwoodcoven on social media!

Shadow Work Prompts for the Hunter’s Moon

What are your thoughts toward spirits and guides? Do you believe in them? Do you think they have an effect on your day to day life? Why or why not?
What are your feelings towards the darker half of the year? Are there any steps or precautions you need to take to get prepared for the darker time of the year?
How do you feel about the concept of death? Do you see it as an end, a beginning, or a cycle? Why? What beliefs or experiences have led you to have these thoughts?