Harvest Moon: September 2013

When was the last time you looked up at the moon and felt its power? I've started paying attention to the cycles of the moon and also the significance of full moons at different times of the year. The full moon that you will see in the sky for the next few days is also called the harvest moon. 

The harvest moon is the full moon closest to the autumnal equinox and gets its name from this time of year. Back in the days of farming and a fall harvest the moon would give the farmers extra light to finish their work because it rises shortly after the sunset. 

There are many other names for this full moon including the Barley Moon, the Corn Moon, or the Fruit Moon. Europeans called this full moon the Fruit moon because a number of fruits ripen at this time. They also call it the Barley Moon because it is the time for harvesting and threshing barley. Native American tribes used the name Corn Moon because it's the time that they gather their main staple crops of corn, pumpkins, squash, and wild rice. 

At some point over the next few days take a moment to look up at the moon and soak in all its beauty. Have a happy Harvest Moon and beginning of fall on Sunday!