Once a month, there is a shift in the world that we can all witness with our own eyes. As we gaze up at the sky at night we can watch the moon emerge from the dark into fullness and then fade again into darkness and this cycle happens every 4 weeks.
Each full moon has a name that reflects what is happening in the natural world at this time. The Farmers Almanac most often refers to the names that Native Americans gave to the full moons. Other people may refer back to the old European names for them.
So for example the August full moon is referred to as the Green Corn or the Barley Moon, both taking their names from the big staple food crops being harvested this time of year, plus, of course, the melons, peaches and early fruits like berries. The Harvest Moon is always the name for the full moon in September, and that is when we get the winter squash, pumpkins, apples, grapes, nuts, and root vegetables. The October full moon is the Hunter's Moon, the time when meat and firewood were stored for winter. Harvests are done in stages, and many of our goals are accomplished in stages.
In the spring, there are 3 consecutive full moons when we are preparing for the spring planting season. In the fall there are 2 consecutive full moons that refer to the harvest season.
Why would we care about these things if we are not gardeners or farmers? We take note of them because metaphorically, we are always sewing seeds for things that we want to have grow in our life and we always take time to give thanks for all the good things we have harvested in our life.
For example, looking for a new home, new job or new partner would be seeds we are planting and nurturing. When we get the new home, job or partner, we would celebrate that harvest. I mention these 3 because these are some of the biggest choices we make. Of course, there can be other big quests too, like new car, new website, successful completion of a health or healing initiative, successful completion of a course, etc.
By keeping in touch with the cycles of nature, we have a prompt about our progress on these big quests that may take longer than a month, but we can evaluate our progress and clarify or reinforce our plans and goals.
How do we do this? How do we do a ritual at the full moon time? You can be very flexible. Just about any method you can come up with will work. You can light a candle and incense and meditate. You can decorate a table with seasonal plants, like tomatoes or peppers from your garden, leaves from the trees,etc.
Or you can display a certificate of completion, or a picture of something you have accomplished, or some other symbol. You could play or sing seasonal music. You could say a prayer. You could make a special drink, such as wine, mead, beer or a cup of tea, coffee or cocoa. Have a bite of a seasonal food. You could make a list of goals or things accomplished. You can thank your spirit guides for all the help they have given you. You can celebrate the full moon in any way you want. Be creative.
When we celebrate a full moon, there is a 3 day window for the best timing. So our full moon for August is tomorrow, Monday, but we can celebrate tonight, Sunday, Monday or Tuesday. You can see how the moon looks full starting tonight even though technically it is tomorrow at 2:26 pm ET. Most of us cannot do things on that precise a schedule, thus, the 3 day window.
Why would we stop and make note of things on a monthly basis? Because it makes sense. Some of the big things we want to accomplish may take all year, or longer, but we can assess if we are on track or need to make adjustments.
Keeping the balance in life is important. Pausing our normal activities for an evening to acknowledge where we are in life is a refreshing note in the middle of a busy schedule. If you are not in the habit of observing full moons, you might find it a very beautiful habit to adapt.
Every year about this time is when the new farmers almanacs and calendars are released. Our ancestors, as well as anyone who works outdoors has used this information for centuries. Not only farmers and gardeners, but hunters fishermen, sailors and others need to be aware of patterns in nature. Not only are there tips for growing your garden, they also have articles about healing herbs, recipes and other practical ideas. They also feature astronomy and astrology, and a pleasant degree of humor, as it says on the cover :)
Are you wondering why the new ones come out at this time of year? Because as we harvest from this year's plantings, we give thought to what we want to plant next year. While we savor the energy of harvest, we also plan ahead. Metaphorically, that still makes sense, doesn't it? What are you completing now and what are you planning next?
Since our bodies are mostly water, the moon moves our tides too. And there are always pages in the almanacs that gives us the best times to do all kinds of things, like start new business and end old business, trim your hair, go camping, cut firewood, or host parties. Working with the cycles of nature produces good results. And finding reasons to celebrate every month keeps us on a positive track.
I always love hearing from you, so if you feel like sending me a note, calling or coming to see me, please do!
If any of you has any idea you would like me to include in my newsletters, I will consider all suggestions.
Have a wonderful day! | 
