The Harvest Moon
(GIF art by Days-e)
The September full moon is called the Harvest Moon (AKA the Full Corn Moon, the Barley Moon, or the Vine Moon). What’s interesting about this moon, however, is that it is not tied to a month as much as it is tied to the Autumnal Equinox. The Harvest Moon appears to herald in the fall season. (This means that on some occasions, the Harvest Moon may actually take place in October.)
What does it represent?
Historically, this moon is associated with the harvest of grains and corn as well as below ground crops, hence its name. It also typically provides a ton of moonlight for late night fall harvests.
This moon is a spotlight for working on your fall preparations. Take its time in the sky as an opportunity to think about what emotions you need to “harvest” and what things you have cultivated through the summer that are now ready to be used.
Correspondence cheat sheet: insight, completion, gratitude, harvest, release
Herbs, Flowers, and More
Here are some herbs, flowers, colors, and symbols to use in your Harvest Moon spellwork:
Herbs: Wheat, Witch Hazel, Rosemary, Mint, Chamomile, Sage
Flowers: Aster, Lily, Morning Glory, Narcissus
Colors: Brown, Green, Orange, Yellow
Crystals: Quartz, Citrine, Peridot
Spells and Rituals
Make Moon Water
An obvious choice for every full moon, make some moon water and label it with the Harvest Moon’s correspondences to use when you need it later.
Green/Earth Magic
Make a growth charm with some rich soil, a piece of green cloth, and some of the herbs above. This moon is a time to harvest things from the earth. Think about what you might cultivate from this moon.
Start a Fire
While a fire is a wonderful way to welcome fall, you don’t need to go into the woods and start a bonfire if you don’t want to. Start thinking about how you might light magical fires to prepare to keep yourself warm as the months get colder.
Journal
Take some time to journal about the things you are grateful for and what you think you have “harvested” at this point in the year. What insight have you gained that will make you stronger in the new season?
🌙 Don’t let this seemingly chill (pun intended) moon pass you by! The Harvest Moon is a chance to reflect and think about the end of cycles and preparing for new journeys with the knowledge and resources you have collected so far.
