Harvest moon - So many things are signified by the full moon! But not as much as a Harvest moon. I attended a Harvest moon circle on September 29, 2023. It was my first moon circle. Late at night, in a dimly lit park, in Boise, Idaho. The glow of the fire was the only light (picture to the left).
These are things that other people do, right? Not me?
But something about sitting in a circle of women in the light of the Harvest moon, drew me to be there. I even put on my flowy-est black shirt/dress, because that's what you are supposed to wear, right?
But you know what I found? There were women of all ages, experiences, and clothing choices (I was one of the only ones in black :)). They were professionals, teachers, therapists, Moms, retirees, young women, addicts, everyone. And we shared under that moon. What we had learned over our years on this Earth and what we were going to "reap" in the coming month of October, setting our intentions.
So many meanings to the full Harvest moon and activities that signify moving through the next lunar cycle. As Autumn is now upon us, the leaves changing and dying. But after our hard summer of "labor", we have so many things to "harvest." We shared, we listened, we thanked, we hoped. What they want isn't different than what I want, but something about that circle, the women and the moon made me feel the power we all hold.
Hunter's moon - I arrived in Palmer, Alaska (approximately 45 minutes from Anchorage) on Friday, October 27, 2023, in time for a Hunter's moon circle. Amazing that I would have an opportunity to go to another circle within a month's time. It happens as it should. As the Harvest moon has many significances, so does the Hunter's moon.
The holiday season is rapidly approaching. And we will be "rooting down" and will be with family and friends. Family is so important to me. I was lucky to grown up with a large extended family. I have 24 cousins combined from my dad and mom's families. And, I had the wonderful opportunity to see many of them at the holidays. Holidays are comfort and happiness for me. Just like the Autumnal season is. Staying under blankets, with a fire and warmth from our homes.
The Hunter's moon is the also called the Blood moon, because of being associated with the hunt (of animals) to gather food for the winter months. This time of year includes Halloween and All Saints Day. These are the holidays where we celebrate or acknowledge the death of our ancestors. Death is a part of life. And through death (of animals, crops etc.) we are given life. And in the Christian religion, it's Jesus's death that gives us life. And we celebrate that beautiful life.
This Hunter's moon circle was in a warm and cozy yurt!! The lights twinkling and a beautiful center alter piece with flowers, and other objects from the four elements; Air, Earth, Fire, Water. Quite different from the spookier Harvest moon circle. But just as impactful. And I wore jeans and a shirt, no special black clothing.
We were asked to identify how we felt coming to the circle. And we were asked to express that feeling as one of the elements. Immediately, a pine tree (Earth) came to my mind. And when I vocalized what it meant, I said I felt this is a "time to grow my roots deeper while simultaneously stretching towards the sky". The pine tree has so many significant meanings in my life. Symbols from my college sorority, pine trees in Idaho my home for the last 4.5 years. I have a tattoo of 3 pine trees on my arm. They are majestic, beautiful, bold, mighty and forever green! And being in the pines and nature is a happy place for me.
As I reflect on the last month, so much growth, both in standing firm and growing tall as I continue on my gap year journey. And closing a chapter that has lasted for a couple years and moving on. But at the same time, honoring and appreciating every moment I've had. Because, without those moments, I would not be where I am today. Life is all about choices. And I've had so many opportunities to make choices. Some better than others. But they are mine, and I am grateful and blessed. The opportunities presented to me over these last 6 months have been one of the most exciting things.
A blog, for instance!! If you would have told me 6 months ago, I would be starting a blog, I would have said, "umm, no." No question. I'm not a writer! I like to talk. But it's through this time reflecting, pausing, being in awareness that I am learning to "talk" using the written word. I am a storyteller. And these are the stories happening in my life. We all have different stories, but in some respects, they are the same as well. Just different colors. And the Harvest moon and Hunter's moon circles magnified that for me. Different but similar.
In the Hunter's moon circle, again, we were all women of different ages, backgrounds, histories, but all coming together to celebrate where we have been and where we will go. And being in a community of women is a powerful thing! The feminine energy was palatable, uplifting, joyful and dignified! And in that Hunter's moon circle, I felt MY power again with the others beside me. The power to be me! To root, grow, be comfortable as I "hunker down" for the winter months! Truly appreciate being me and those who came before me! And living in full color!
Photo credit: Amber Rose Photography
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