To the Cherokee, October is the Harvest Moon, as this is when people gather and preserve most of their food. To the Choctaw, this is the Blackberry Moon. In warmer regions, late-cropping berries ripen now and are often dried or preserved for winter use. The Dakota Sioux call this the Moon When Quilling and Beading is Done. These creative pursuits take many hours, so people favour them when less outdoor work can be done but enough daylight still remains to see fine details.
Elizabeth Barrette
We are moving fast toward the festival of Samhain and this harvest moon, so big and beautiful hanging in our skies tonight give just enough light for the last of the harvest to be brought in. I have watched it for hours now as it travels across the sky, hiding behind clouds, then coming out again with a flourish of light. I did notice a red glow around the moon tonight but it was not as red as the one in the picture. The reddish colour is caused by dust particles and is truly beautiful at its best.
It is not only because of the colour that this late moon is called The Blood Moon. It is also called that for it was a time for shedding the blood of animals which could not be fed during the long winter months. They would be despatched and preserved to feed people during the winter-time.
This is a good time to start making crafty items for Halloween or Samhain as we call it. There is much to be done as we head into our New Year.
When I was learning Wicca, I started in the run up to Samhain. To be a witch, it takes a year and a day. That is considered to be a good time span to be sure that you want to go further with your commitment and your studies. After one year and a day I had been through all the moons and all the Sabbats and I felt ready to go deeper.
Take some time tonight to look at the moon if you feel so inclined. Draw down the energy that she provides for us so freely.
