November’s Full “Mourning” Moon

November 3/4, 2017
10:22 pm PST/11:22 pm MST/ 1:23 am EST

After Samhain we enter the dark time of year. Mother Earth begins to slow down as she prepares for her winter’s sleep. It was during this time that the ancient people also readied themselves for the coming winter. The last harvest was over and they prepared their final provisions and made their homes as winter-proof as possible.

In the Pagan traditions the November moon is called the Mourning Moon. it is a time to let go of old things and habits so that the New Celtic Year can welcome new blessings. It is a time of mourning as we join the Goddess in remembering her love who has gone on to the Otherworld. But is also a time when we must also remember that all periods of mourning DO come to an end. The Crone is now the womb and will become the Mother in about six weeks time. While the “outer growth” is slowing down, we find it a good time to work on inner growth. While the Earth Mother rests it is a good time for tying up the loose ends in our lives. Let go of what no longer serves us and say farewell to bad relationships and habits. It is also a time of contemplation when we can strengthen our personal connection to the Divine Source.

Other names for this moon are:  the Beaver Moon ( Colonial. Farmers Almanac says this was the last time to set beaver traps before the ponds froze over, however, the beavers themselves were making ready for the winter just as the people were!) White Moon (China), Trading Moon (Cherokee), Sassafras Moon (Choctaw), Moon When Horns Are Broken Off (Dakota), Dark Moon (Celtic), Snow Moon (Medieval English), Tree Moon (Neo-Pagan), Fog Moon, Frosty Moon, Full Frost Moon, Hunter’s Moon.

November’s moon also honors dark goddesses like Kali, Hecate, and Bast. Use purple candles for your Full Moon observance and burn Full Moon Incense of anise, lavender and rosemary or single blends of patchouli or mugwort. This is also a good time to cleanse and charge your moonstones, just place them on a windowsill during the night of the full moon.

To celebrate this full moon try wearing colors in grays or blues and adorn yourself with lapis, turquoise, moonstone or topaz.

May the Goddess bless you in this new cycle!

Cat

(C) LBolotin 2017

Laura (Cat) Bolotin has been following an eclectic pagan/spiritual path for over 25 years. She currently lives in Western Colorado where she enjoys communing with nature, desert crawling, belly dancing, nature photography, jewelry crafting and writing stuff she hopes will help others along their path. She is married and owned by ” A Clowder of Cats”.

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Please feel free to check out my websites!

The Desert Path: The Dusty Ramblings of a Desert Pagan. https://catsister.wordpress.com

Sacred Spirals on Facebook: The Place Where All Paths Meet  https://www.facebook.com/groups/sacredSpirals/