Moon Lore

There's a different theme for each different moon of the year, so click on the name of a month above to learn more!!

Blood/Hunter's Moon

The Blood or Hunter's Moon gets Her name from the fact that She rises to fullness during the opening months of hunting seasons everywhere. While in ancient times, hunting was necessary to feed families, this is no longer the case. Still, it is a sacred ritual for many people. As hunters, we take full responsibility for the life we harvest. We not only eat the meat, but - just as our ancestors before us - make swift use of the animal's other gifts, giving it immortality it might not otherwise have.

During this Moon, give thanks to the animals who gave their lives that yours might continue. Include the world of fruits and vegetables as well, for make no mistake: each time one is plucked from the vine to feed you, its life is cut short, too. Then give some thought to how you might immortalize these wonderful, caring creatures in your magick. Apple seeds for love charms, lemon rind for protection magick, and small bones used in efforts of strength and power can really boost results.

 

Blood/Hunter's Moon Ideas:

  • Wear shades of red, wine, and scarlet to commemorate the lives lost so that you might live.
  • Use red candles and burn Full Moon incense. Alternatively, burn a spicy incense such as cinnamon, nutmeg or ginger.
  • Decorate the altar with animal pictures, autumn leaves, Indian corn, apples and pumpkins.
  • Serve red apple cider (just add a little food coloring) or red wine and gingersnaps for libation.
  • Light a red seven-day candle in thanksgiving to the animal and plant worlds, then place it in a window. Invite any departed creatures to visit, saying:
    • "I light this candle in thanksgiving,
      For the part you've played in my everyday living;
      Please come to visit and be my guest,
      Until this flame subsides in rest. 
      And teach me that which I should know,
      Until the time comes for you to go;
      And when it does, I beg you, rest,
      In peace and quiet 'til your next quest."
  • If you have pets, invite them into Circle. Give them a special treat and an extra dose of attention. Let them know how much you love them, and how much their love for you enriches your life. If you don't have pets, make plans to visit your local animal shelter. Play with the animals there, and bring a little joy into their lives.
  • Soak some fruit or vegetable seeds in water to soften them, then string them into a necklace. Enchant the necklace in honor of the life cycle and its continuity by saying:
    • "Seeds with life sealed well within,
      I honor you for where you've been
      You've been a plant and you've born fruit. 
      Then back to seed and leaf and root. 
      You've lived and died and lived again,
      You're life personified without end. 
      And so I thread you on this string,
      And tie you well into a ring,
      A circle that is now complete;
      Like life and death and birth, so sweet. 
      Please aid me in my Circles, round
      And in all magick that abounds
    • I, in return, shall be your friend,
      And give you back to Earth again."
      • Keep the necklace for one year and wear it whenever you perform magick of any kind. At the end of the year, keep your promise by burying it in the ground and replace the necklace with a new one.

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