September Full ‘Harvest” Moon 2024

 Sept 17, 2024 Full Harvest Moon at 7:34 pm PST/ 8:34 pm MST / 10:34 pm EST

The Old Farmer’s Almanac calls this moon the Full Corn Moon however in the Pagan Traditions it is called the Harvest Moon. Other names for this moon are Chrysanthemum Moon (China), Nut Moon (Cherokee), Mulberry Moon (Choctaw), Singing Moon (Celtic), and Barley Moon (medieval English), Gourd Moon ( Catawba).

Many of the Native American tribes’ staple foods, such as corn, pumpkins, squash, beans, and rice, were ready for harvesting during this month. The strong light of the Harvest Moon allowed European farmers to work late into the night to harvest their crops which is where the name came from. This moon does not always occur in September and traditionally, the name goes to the full moon closest to the autumn equinox, the Harvest Moon sometimes happens in September and sometimes in October.

“Under the harvest moon, 
When the soft silver 
Drips shimmering 
Over the garden nights, 
Death, the gray mocker, 
Comes and whispers to you 
As a beautiful friend 
Who remembers.”
–  Carl Sandburg, Under the Harvest Moon (garden digest)

As Mother Earth begins her journey into the dark part of the year, the sun pulls away and we get that welcome autumn chill. September is a time of hearth and home as well as a time to acknowledge the things that we have accomplished since spring.

To get in the autumn mood and celebrate this month’s element of earth try wearing brown, green, amber and other earthy colors. 

Sacred Stones: Citrine, Peridot, Bloodstone, Amber, Tigers Eye, Aventurine.

Sacred Herbs: Grains, Valerian, Witch Hazel, Flax, Apple

Deities: Hearth Goddesses, Demeter, Brighid, Vesta, Freya

Kitchen and Hearth Magick, Harvest, Preparation, Prosperity and Abundance, Transitions, Balance.

Full moon blessings!

Cat

desertpath.com