Origins of the Name “Hunter’s Moon”
As leaves fall and the air turns crisp, the October full moon rises with a golden fire in the sky. Known as the Hunter’s Moon, this moon casts long light across the land, illuminating the final harvests, the rustling forests, and the sacred preparations for the darker half of the year.
The Hunter’s Moon name originates from traditional Northern Hemisphere agricultural societies, including Native American and early European cultures. After the harvest moon in September, October’s full moon offered a bright, early-rising moonlight that lasted for several nights, ideal for hunters tracking game in preparation for winter.
This moon marked a time when meat would be gathered, stored, and smoked—a vital step in surviving the colder months. The name reminds us of readiness, instinct, and moving from abundance into careful preservation.
The Hunter’s Moon isn’t tied to a specific month—it’s always the first full moon after the Autumn Equinox, which typically places it in October.
Names in Other Cultures
Many traditions have honored this time with names that reflect the seasonal shifts, the thinning veil between worlds, and the balance of death and life:
Celtic Tradition: Often referred to as the Blood Moon or Shedding Moon, symbolic of sacrifice, ancestral offerings, and spiritual preparation.
Anglo-Saxon: Called the Winterfylleth Moon, marking the full moon that signaled the beginning of winter in their calendar.
Wiccan & Pagan Traditions: Sometimes called the Moon of the Ancestors, especially when it falls close to Samhain, a sacred time of honoring the dead and ancestral wisdom.
Chinese Lunar Calendar: Occasionally aligned with Double Ninth Festival, which honors elders and ancestors, mirroring the themes of memory and reverence.
European Folklore: Referred to in some regions as the Falling Leaf Moon, reflecting the quiet beauty of release and change.
Each of these names reflects a turning inward, a call to prepare for the dark, to gather your strength, and to honor the wisdom of the pas
The Hunter’s Moon is powerful for releasing, grounding, and honoring cycles of death and renewal. It supports shadow work, ancestral connection, and the courage to let go of what can’t be carried forward.
It’s a time to stand in your strength, gather your inner resources, and prepare your spirit for the descent into winter.
Hunter’s Moon Ritual Ideas
Ancestral Altar: Create a space with photos, objects, or offerings for your ancestors. Light a candle in their honor and ask for guidance as the veil thins.
Release Ritual: Write down what you're ready to let go of—fears, regrets, outdated roles. Burn or bury them under the moonlight as a sacred goodbye.
Protection & Grounding Work: Anoint your body or doorway with oils like cedar, clove, or myrrh. Cast a protective circle or grid your space with stones.
Crystal Companions: Use obsidian for shadow work, black tourmaline for protection, or garnet for grounding and courage.
Tarot Spread Prompt:
What truth do I need to face now?
What must I release to move forward?
What wisdom is rising from my roots?
How to Work With the Energy of the Hunter’s Moon
Affirmations for the Hunter’s Moon
I honor the cycles of life, death, and rebirth within me.
I release what no longer serves my path.
I walk forward with the wisdom of those who came before me.
The Hunter’s Moon sharpens your senses and calls you inward. Release what can’t go with you, and move forward with courage. There is strength in stillness and clarity in letting go.
Final Thoughts
