October Full Moon: Discover the Origin and Meaning of the Hunter’s Moon

The October Full Moon makes an appearance shortly before Halloween this year. It’s bright and a little spooky. Don’t forget your telescope or a set of binoculars because you don’t want to miss this annual event. Keep reading to discover the origin and meaning of the Hunter’s Moon. 

Introduction: Exploring the Fascinating World of Full Moons and Their Significance

Historically, a new or full moon tracks the changing seasons. The Moon’s phases and the length of each calendar month are connected. In fact, it takes about 29.5 days to complete every phase, giving each month an average of one full moon. Keep in mind that this differs from the time it takes the Moon to orbit the Earth, which is 27.3 days. However, the modern calendar doesn’t exactly align with the phases. That’s why we sometimes get more in a month. When this happens, we get a blue moon.

October’s full moon is the Hunter’s Moon. In the Northern Hemisphere, it will be visible in the eastern sky shortly after sunset several nights in a row: October 27, 28, and 29. It will appear almost full for three consecutive nights. However, in the Southern Hemisphere, it will rise after dark rather than shortly after sunset. The crest takes place at 20:24 UTC on October 28 or 3:24 P.M. CDT. 

Origin of the Hunter’s Moon: The Cultural and Historical Origins of the Name

The first written record of the name “Hunter’s Moon” in the Oxford English Dictionary dates back to 1710. However, it has gone by different names worldwide for as long as time. The Maine’s Farmer’s Almanac published the names used by various Indigenous groups in 1930. As a result, these names are more common now. 

Names from the Algonquin and Cree people include the Travel Moon or the Migrating Moon. It’s believed to come from the migration pattern of birds and other animals traveling south to warmer climates for winter. The Anishinaabe named it the Falling Leaves Moon because leaves fall from the trees around this time of year, signifying the transition from summer to fall. They also call it the Freezing Moon, which is similar to the Haida people, who call it the Ice Moon.

Another name is the Drying Rice Moon for the time spent drying and preparing rice by the Dakota. It’s also called the Sanguine Moon or Blood Moon, not to be confused with the name given to the lunar eclipse. This name signifies the leaves turning red or the blood of the hunted animals. 

Lunar Traditions and Beliefs: Understanding the Symbolic Meanings and Interpretations Associated with the Hunter’s Moon

October’s Full Moon is succeeded by September’s Corn or Harvest Moon. The Harvest Moon is among the most familiar names because it marks the autumnal equinox. Following the beginning of autumn is the Hunter’s Moon. The September and October Full Moon are similar because they provide enough light for farmers, hunters, and gatherers to finish their outdoor tasks at night.

Autumn is the time of year after the harvesters have reaped the fields, making it easier to spot the fattened game animals in the fields. Game animals are fattened up for winter, so it’s time to hunt and store provisions. Some northern species also travel to the south to evade the cold, providing more food for those in the south for the season.   

During the pre-industrial times, the Hunter’s Moon signified the possibility of going hungry if food wasn’t caught and preserved before winter. A lack of food meant starving to death. In addition to being the time of year to hunt and gather, it was a time to reflect on one’s life and seasonal accomplishments. Those in Europe and North America particularly saw this as a time to feast before the cold came in.   

Astronomical Phenomena: Examining Any Unique Astronomical Events or Features Associated with the Hunter’s Moon

The Hunter’s Moon appears bigger, brighter, and redder, but only because the horizon provides a different perspective, called the Moon Illusion. The spooky red or orange color is the result of how the light rays travel through space and are interpreted by our eyes. However, it does provide extra light for three days. Enjoy the beautiful sight during a late stroll or drive down the road. 

Jupiter is one of the brightest features in the sky throughout 2023. During the October Full Moon, Jupiter will be shining directly below it. Furthermore, there will be a partial lunar eclipse the same night. 

Celebration and Rituals: Exploring the Various Ways Different Cultures Celebrate and Honor the Hunter’s Moon

October’s Full Moon this year lands in Aries. In other years, it’s in Pieces. And occasionally, it aligns with Cetus the Whale, a large, neighboring constellation in the South.  

Aries, the Ram, is characterized by confidence and passion. An Aries moon brings immense energy, which can feel intense depending on what’s happening in your life. Feelings of heightened energy are common. You may feel compelled to make significant changes in your life. Aries is a cardinal sign and the zodiac’s first sign, associated with primal new beginnings. 

As the end of the year draws to a close, it may be time to assess where you are and what you desire from your life. This time of year symbolizes preservation, balance, and transition. To connect with the celestial being’s energy, you can perform a cleansing ritual or write down your intentions for the new season on paper. You can also take some time to reflect on the thing you’re grateful for and how this new phase relates to your life. 

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Ricardo Bayerlein/Shutterstock.com