The last harvest is here. The portal to Samhain is open. And the Full Hunters Moon is staring down at us from its mystical, starry abode. The energy during this time is palpable and hard to contain. But for pagans, witches, and spiritual folk, it’s also a powerful night to perform rituals for boosting psychic abilities, communing with the ancestors, bringing love and abundance into your life, and much more. Learn all about the Full Hunters Moon in October, its magical meaning, and try one of our potent Full Moon rituals below.
Where did the name Full Hunter’s Moon come from? Is this an ancient name for the Full Moon or something more modern? The truth is, the Full Hunter’s Moon is the name for the Full Moon that follows the Harvest Moon (which is the Full Moon that occurs closest to the Autumn Equinox). Which means that the Full Hunter’s Moon frequently occurs in the month of October, but it can sometimes occur in November depending on the lunar cycles that year. This year, in 2023, the Full Hunter’s Moon will occur on October 28th in the Northern Hemisphere. Which makes it awfully close to Samhain/Halloween on October 31st…adding to its power.
The Full Hunter’s Moon is a name that was given to this particular Full Moon because of the ancient practice of hunting at this time. Particularly when it comes to the indigenous peoples of North America and their practices of hunting game before the cold Winter came. In truth, we know that the name was used as early as 1710 but likely dates back even earlier. But even though it might not have been called the “Hunter’s Moon” by the Natives many centuries before, the practice of hunting on this Full Moon most definitely has.
As you can imagine, any Full Moon close to Samhain, Halloween, and Alfablot, will be a powerful time. The energy will indeed be strong and pull at the hearts and minds of many. We know the Full Moon pulls at the ocean’s tides, and believe it or not, it pulls at us as well. Why? Because we are made up of at least sixty percent water and we are born from the water! Naturally we will feel the Full Moon’s potency every time it comes. And the Full Hunter’s Moon vibrations will be even stronger since it coincides with the season of the ancestors and the nights when the spirits are most active.
It should go without saying that if you are a magical individual and also work in the community, to be prepared for the emotions to run high. And things might be a little chaotic. Most nurses and police officers know Full Moon nights tend to be the busiest and craziest each month. And the Full Hunter’s Moon closest to Samhain? Sometimes it’s even crazier than the others. If you can schedule your shifts around the Full Hunter’s Moon, I recommend it!
On a Full Hunter’s Moon, not only are human beings pulled in different directions because of the strong lunar energy, but so are the animals, ocean tides, and even the spirits. A long time ago, we talked in detail about how the Full Moon affects paranormal activity. About how the Full Moon brings the waters closer to us which in turn brings the spirit world closer to ours. Water is a vehicle for spirits, ancestors, gods, and the like. So it makes sense how the Full Hunters Moon would increase spirit activity…particularly being during a time when the “veil” is already thin.
Magical folks, pagans, witches, etc. can expect to feel this energy in different ways. You might have vivid dreams of your ancestors and familiars and be unable to get a good night sleep. Spirits might visit you in broad daylight, sending you omens and signs in repetitive patterns that you can’t ignore or deny. You might hear your ancestor’s voice calling your name at random times. Or you’ll hear strange, far-off music. I’ve noticed on the Full Hunter’s Moon that animal, insect, and bird signs are especially amplified. For instance, you’re driving down a residential road with neighborhoods, schools, and cars everywhere. Suddenly, a huge coyote runs down the street right next to your car (I tell this story, because this actually happened to me!)
My advice: expect the unexpected. And also expect that any rituals you perform or spells cast will either be super powerful or potentially go awry. In addition, divination of any kind will open channels freely between you and the spirit world. So choose your divination method, style, and space wisely. I recommend cleansing your space before and after, as well as your tools if used. Then providing an offering to any spirits in gratitude for their presence and wisdom. Discernment is a big factor here too – you may meet trickster spirits during this season and on this night, in particular.
So, if you plan to perform ritual, cast spells, or engage in a little fortune telling this Full Hunter’s Moon, you might consider crafting your own ritual and spells yourself. And use magical items, tools, and energies in alignment with the Full Moon in October. Including:
Herbs | Tools | Divination | Crystals | Animals | Colors |
Hibiscus | Mirror | Scrying | Obsidian | Moth | Red |
Red rose | Candle | Tarot | Moonstone | Wolf | Black |
Lotus | Moon Water | Witch’s Runes | Bloodstone | Stag | Orange |
Passionfruit | Oils | Tea leaf reading | Red jasper | Cat | White |
Now it’s time to decide what you want to manifest on the Full Hunters Moon. Do you need protection from evil spirits, illness, and bad luck? Maybe you want to draw love to you. Or perhaps you’re looking to enhance your psychic abilities and be able to connect with the spirit world in some way. Here we provide you with three formidable rituals.
Every warrior has their weapon to attack and their shield to defend. When you become a magical practitioner, whatever you may call yourself, you automatically become a warrior in the spirit world. YES I said it. You are called to defend yourself and those who can’t protect themselves. SO if you haven’t been shielding yourself spiritually lately, here’s how to do it. And this will be extraordinary if done on the Full Hunters Moon.
I’m the kind of witch who likes to use things that I have on-hand and sometimes these things are unorthodox. But that’s what makes magick fun, right? When I think of the Full Hunter’s Moon, I want to do something that represents attacking or hunting my goals/intentions. What’s a dialed down version of arrows? Darts!
This entire ritual is symbolic of the Hunt. You are hunting your goals (posting them to the board), catching them (with darts), then “cooking” them (burning them) magically in order to manifest your desires in real life. This is best done on the Full Hunter’s Moon for obvious reasons.
This ritual is simple yet effective. It’s one that I’ve used to contact ancient ancestors of whom most have forgotten. And recent ancestors too. It’s especially powerful on a Full Moon in the season of Samhain.
Since the Full Hunter’s Moon occurs close to Samhain, we are already feeling the spirits at work. And most of us are obsessed with “spooky season”. So why not celebrate the season in your Full Moon activities? Here are more ideas for magical activities that night:
The mist filled path leading to an ancient moss-cloaked graveyard. The feeling of your soul …
September 24, 2023There’s something about the Autumn season that makes everyone feel cozy and magical…including the wildlife! …
September 18, 2023
Leave A Comment