The Hunter’s Moon Will Shine Over The UK Later This Month

3 months ago

Here’s what to expect

This post may contain affiliate links. Learn more

Another month, another full moon – and this time, it comes with sporting associations. Here’s the history and meaning behind the Hunter’s Moon, plus how best to see it.

What Is The Hunter’s Moon?

The Hunter’s Moon is the annual full moon that we see in October, taking its name from a Native American tradition. Also known as the blood moon or sanguine moon, the name can be traced back to hunting season, when the First Nations would track and kill deer under the bright full-moon light. It’s the first full moon after the Harvest Moon, too, meaning fields are clear and there are fewer places for animals to hide. Historically, people would hunt as many animals as they could, storing their meat for the winter months when prey became more scarce.

The Hunter’s Moon is also special because it rises 20 minutes earlier than other moons, meaning it rises shortly after dusk, prolonging the light and making for a relatively bright evening (perfect for hunting, of course).

When & How To See It

This year, the Hunter’s Moon will rise on 17 October at 5.56pm and cast its glow across the land. This is just six minutes before sunset, meaning the full moon may well shine through a pretty dusk sky.

It’s special because it’s also a Supermoon, meaning it will appear brighter and larger in the sky because it’s slightly closer to Earth. This is due to its location in the moon’s elliptical orbit around our planet. You can read all about what that means here.

Is There A Spiritual Significance?

The Hunter’s Moon is imbued with meaning across cultures and belief systems. It’s an ideal time for manifestation: harvesting the abundance of the Hunter’s Moon and the recent Harvest Moon and channelling it into your personal goals. Just as hunters focus on their pursuits, this time also encourages determination and clarity in achieving personal objectives – making it an apt time to set clear and actionable goals as well as manifesting them.

As the darker months and longer nights approach, many also view the Hunter’s Moon as a time to invoke protective energies, safeguarding yourself and loved ones as life gets a little tougher. But it’s also a time to embrace the dark: exploring the hidden aspects of yourself, also known as shadow work.

Away from spirituality, the Hunter’s Moon marks the transition from autumn to winter, and can be a welcome nudge to let go of the old and ready yourself for new beginnings.