The Next Full Moon: September 29, 2023 – See Details and More

The Full Moon on Friday, September 29, 2023, will be 100 percent illuminated at 5:58 AM EDT. To the naked eye, the Moon will appear full between September 28 and 30. What else should you know before the next Full Moon? See details and more below.

What is a Full Moon?

The lunar phase called the Full Moon refers to the time when the Moon is completely illuminated. This occurs because the Moon is on the opposite side of the planet than the Sun. Because of this opposition, the entire surface of the Moon facing Earth is lit up.

What is the Name of the Full Moon on September 29, 2023?

The Full Moon on September 29, 2023, is named the Harvest Moon. This moon rises right around sunset and illuminates the sky all night. Because of this, it traditionally provides extra light to farmers harvesting their summer crops well into the evening after sunset.

Every year, the Full Moon that takes place closest to the Fall Equinox is called the Harvest Moon. Because of its proximity to the equinox, it is also the moon closest to the annual corn harvest in North America. The importance of corn as a staple crop began with the First Nations, and it continued through colonialism into today’s American food culture.

What Are Other Names for the Full Moon on September 29, 2023?

The Harvest Moon is known by other names in indigenous cultures. Some of these names are listed in the table below.

While indigenous tribes did not have a uniform calendar across cultures, the use of the Moon as a way of measuring time was common. The names of these moons usually correspond to the activities taking place at the time. They are also sometimes associated with concurrent observable natural occurrences.

When Was the Last Full Moon on September 29?

The last Full Moon on September 29 was in 2004. The next Full Moon on September 29 will be in 2042. This is because the Full Moon appears on the same calendar day once every 19 years in what is known as the Metonic Cycle.

Full moons occur once every 29.53 days which is a little less than a month apart. Because of this, full moons happen at different dates and times every year.

The Harvest Moon: What is the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival?

The Mid-Autumn Festival in China is a holiday dedicated to the same Full Moon that is called the Harvest Moon in North America. This festival is also called the Mooncake Festival, and the Lantern Festival.

Chinese Emperors dating back to the Zhou Dynasty over 3000 years ago worshipped the Harvest Moon with the hopes that their efforts would bring a big harvest the next year. Since China’s staple crops are not corn, their harvesting is usually finished by the time the mid-autumn Harvest Moon arrives.

However, a bumper crop of rice is often planted after the first harvest. This crop is reaped after the Moon Festival in October or November. Moon worship at this time of the year became a normalized party in China by the Northern Song Dynasty around 1000 years ago.

Mooncakes are a popular treat that are given as gifts to each other during the Mid-Autumn Festival. These cakes can be sweet or savory with fillings like lotus paste, red bean paste, ham, and roast pork. They symbolize love, longevity, and the reunion experienced as families come together to celebrate.

Lanterns are also a big part of the festivities during the Mid-Autumn Festival during the Harvest Moon. They are lit for similar reasons that mooncakes are eaten. They’re meant to bestow good fortune and celebrate reunions of families.

September 29, 2023: What Astrological Sign is the Full Harvest Moon In?

The Full Harvest Moon on September 29, 2023, is in Aries. Since the Moon is in opposition to the Sun during every full moon, it represents the balance between the conscious and subconscious. Astrologically, this means that the overt energy of the Sun in Libra and the subtle energy of the Moon in Aries needs balancing.

The theme during the Harvest Moon of 2023 is balancing authenticity within relationships. Addressing relationships with a propensity for codependence is prudent under this influence. Defining the boundaries of intimacy within relationships is a way to address a loss of personal autonomy in unhealthy situations.

This isn’t limited to romantic interactions. It may also apply to friendships and dynamics with coworkers or bosses. This moon is an especially good time to terminate toxic situations that are no longer serving your personal development.

Each Zodiac Sun Sign: Effects of the Full Harvest Moon on September 29, 2023

Each sign of the zodiac will have a different takeaway from the Full Harvest Moon. Below are pieces of advice for each sun sign as we progress into one of the strongest full moons of the year.

Aries

Since the Full Moon is in your sign, impulsivity is an imminent danger. While it’s a great time to reorganize personal relationships so independence is maintained, refrain from needlessly burning bridges that don’t need to be destroyed.

Taurus

Change is in the air, and that change relates to your need for self-care. Step away from the needs of others and do something nice for yourself during this Full Moon.

Gemini

This Full Moon is going to suck you into a mediation role. Trust your judgement but try not to pick a side.

Cancer

This Harvest Moon addresses your work life. If a project needs to end because it’s wasting everyone’s time, advocate for its termination. If you’re changing jobs, ask for more than what you want as you’ll be surprised by what you get.

Leo

Let someone in your life change how you think. Don’t self-destruct in the face of opposition. Instead, embrace it.

Virgo

It’s time to have difficult conversations because they’ll be beneficial in the end. Right now, you’re spending too much energy on other people. Talk it out and recapture some of that time for yourself.

Libra

This Full Moon is a big deal for Libras. It’s the start of a period of transformation that may kick off as a relationship ends.

Scorpio

You’re so busy that you’ve lost yourself in external things. Take a break and ask for deadline extensions or reschedule appointments if needed.

Capricorn

You’ve been focusing on work too much and this Full Moon is a great time to back up. Family and friends are more important than any job so make sure you hang out with anyone you’ve been neglecting.

Aquarius

You haven’t been true to yourself and you’re about to explode. Under this Harvest Moon, it’s time to be wholly selfish and do exactly what you need to do to set the record straight.

Pisces

This Full Moon is the perfect time to let go of personal relationships that are getting in the way of your ability to build financial stability. Stop paying attention to people that are distracting you from education and career development.