October Moon
In the Celtic year, October’s full moon was named the Blood Moon after 2 particular aspects of life in this autumn season. The first was the preservation of meat from the abundant game of the woodlands and of fish from rivers and seas. Hunting season enabled people to stock up and store provisions that would see them safely through the winter. The end of the growing season and the last harvest in October also gave their name to the Seed Moon as time was spent collecting grain, berries and nuts.
The second aspect of Celtic life was the gathering together of families and relatives to remember and show respect for those in their bloodline that had passed away. At a time of the year when fields are cleared, leaves fall and nature becomes quiet, beginnings and endings come into focus. The completion of the harvest was celebrated with fire and light, lanterns created from turnips and pumpkins, candles made from tallow and stories of the past told around the hearth.
Light and dark, death and life, these are the themes that shape our October traditions today. This year’s October full moon rises on 26th of the month, a few nights before All Hallow’s Eve and the remembering of our ancestors on All Saints Day.
Eat some Venison Sausages Make a Hazelnut Tart
Help a Hedgehog Hibernate Watch some October Wildlife