The Hunter’s Moon rises each October, following the Harvest Moon. Where the Harvest Moon illuminates the fields for gathering crops, the Hunter’s Moon brings her light to assist the chase.
The Hunter’s Moon and Her Origins
For our ancestors, this Full Moon was all about survival. The glow of the Moon allowed hunters to track game late into the night, enabling them to fill their stores with food and skins before the first frosts arrived.
The name reflects the rhythm of the old year. After the fields stood empty and the barns were filled with grain, the focus shifted to the forests. Deer and other animals moved under the bright light, and hunters could easily see across the land. Families relied on this work to carry them through the long, cold season, and so the Hunter’s Moon came to symbolise readiness, skill, and preparation.
Folklore and Symbolism
Across cultures, the Hunter’s Moon carried both practical and spiritual weight. She marked the seasonal transition from plenty to preservation, a reminder that the bounty of summer must be guarded for the winter ahead. Folklore often linked this Moon with courage, resourcefulness, and the wisdom to take only what was needed.
Spiritually, the Hunter’s Moon invites us to think about our own inner hunt. She asks us to look closely at what we need to pursue and what we must let go of. Her clear light strips away shadow and confusion, urging us to move forward with focus. This Moon calls us to prepare for the colder months not only with supplies, but also with clarity and intention.
A Simple Hunter’s Moon Ritual
You do not need anything elaborate for this ritual. A candle, a journal, and a quiet space will do. If possible, step outside and let the moonlight touch you. If the sky hides the moon, know that her glow will still reach you.
- Light your candle and breathe deeply three times. See the flame as your inner strength, steady and sure.
- Think about what you wish to hunt for in the weeks ahead. This could be a goal, a feeling, or a change. Speak it aloud to the night.
- Write down three things you need to release to move forward. These may be fears, doubts, or habits. Hold your list to your heart and whisper, “I let these go.” Imagine the moonlight carrying them away.
- Write down three things you wish to call in this season. Be simple and clear. When you finish, place your journal in the candlelight for a moment, then close it with intention.
- End with gratitude. Thank the moon for her guidance and thank yourself for the courage to ask. Blow out the candle and trust that the work has begun.
The Hunter’s Moon stands as a guide for both the outer and inner hunt. She reminds us that preparation brings strength and that light always appears when we seek it. Whether you honour her with a ritual or simply pause to admire her glow, the Hunter’s Moon offers a moment to steady yourself, gather what you need, and step into the colder months with courage.