The Full Moon is on September 15, 2008 at 05:13 EDT.
Looking through various moon lore I found that the September Full Moon is variously referred to as the Hunter's Moon, Harvest Moon and Blood Moon.
Hunter's Moon and Harvest Moon are used interchangeably for the August, September and October Full Moons. These are the months of harvest and preparation for winter. Blood Moon apparently began with shamanistic practices and is set aside as a time to honor the animals in our lives, both those that we use for food and clothing and those that we live with as companions.
I could only find brief information on the name Blood Moon. Anyone who has more information is welcome to correct this.
There is a reason that the Harvest or Hunter's Moons appear to be a little different from other Full Moons and I found a well written and simple explanation in Wikipedia
"In general, the moon rises about 50 minutes later each day, as it moves in orbit around Earth. All full moons rise around the time of sunset. The Harvest Moon and Hunter's Moon are special because - as seen from the northern hemisphere - the time of moonrise on successive evenings is shorter than usual. The moon rises approximately 30 minutes later, from one night to the next, as seen from about 40 degrees N. latitude, for several evenings around the full Hunter's or Harvest Moons.
Thus there is no long period of darkness between sunset and moonrise, around the time of these full moons. In times past, this feature of these autumn moons was said to help hunters tracking their prey (or, in the case of the Harvest Moon, farmers working in the fields). They could continue tracking their prey (or bringing in their crops) by moonlight even when the sun had gone down. Hence the name Hunter's (or Harvest) Moon."
Thus there is no long period of darkness between sunset and moonrise, around the time of these full moons. In times past, this feature of these autumn moons was said to help hunters tracking their prey (or, in the case of the Harvest Moon, farmers working in the fields). They could continue tracking their prey (or bringing in their crops) by moonlight even when the sun had gone down. Hence the name Hunter's (or Harvest) Moon."
The August Full Moon is the early harvest, bringing some fruits and vegetables to the table. Now is the time of the full harvest which must be completed in the next few weeks. Winter is coming.
The early rising, large appearance and frequent reddish or orange cast to this Full Moon lends a wonderful mystical feeling. This is the perfect time to go outside and do your rituals under the light of this Full Moon.
Playing Thunderdrums, loud chanting to cast a circle and dancing skyclad in the backyard while the neighbors call the cops is probably too over-the-top for most of us.
A quiet candle spell, a few moments of communing with the Goddess while appreciating the beauty of the Full Moon is certainly possible for many. If you are in need of help from the deities, raising the energy of the earth during a Full Moon and sending your intention out to be fulfilled is an appropriate way to observe this night.
Enter joyfully into this Harvest time. If you are Pagan, thank the Gods that you are Pagan and have the opportunity in your life to learn their ancient wisdom and to connect with nature and the earth.
The end of the year is only about 6 weeks away and it will be time for an accounting of the past year then. For now, enjoy the Harvest.
Thanks!
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