Hunter's Moon

The Hunter’s Moon: October’s Moon of Preparation, Power, and Sacred Purpose

As the shadows grow longer and the air carries a crisp edge, October welcomes the Hunter’s Moon, a glowing, amber orb that rises just after sunset and lights the path through autumn’s deepening twilight. Named for the time when hunters would stock up on game to prepare for winter, this full moon is a call to prepare, protect, and pursue with purpose.

The Hunter’s Moon represents a powerful blend of instinct, readiness, ancestral wisdom, and spiritual focus, making it one of the most energetically potent moons of the year.

🏹 What Does the Hunter’s Moon Represent?

1. Preparation and Survival

In agrarian societies, the Hunter’s Moon marked a time of gathering resources for the cold months ahead. Spiritually, this moon asks: What do you need to release? What do you need to protect? What are you willing to pursue with focus and intention?

2. Clarity and Focus

This moon illuminates what lies in the shadows. It helps sharpen our intuition and vision, cutting through confusion or hesitation. It supports decisive action, planning, and energetic “hunting” of what is truly aligned with our soul’s purpose.

3. Ancestral Connection

October is a time when the veil between worlds thins. The Hunter’s Moon is deeply connected to ancestral energy, primal wisdom, and spiritual protection. It invites you to listen to the guidance of those who walked before you.

4. Letting Go and Shadow Work

This full moon often coincides with deep emotional release. As we move into the darker half of the year, it’s a time to shed old habits, beliefs, and fears to strip down to what is essential, powerful, and real.

🌕 Ways to Honor the Hunter’s Moon

1. Perform a Fire Release Ritual

Write down what you are ready to release old patterns, self-doubt, fear, or emotional heaviness. Safely burn the paper under the full moon. Let the flames symbolize your willingness to clear space for what matters most.

2. Create a Sacred Protection Charm or Talisman

The Hunter’s Moon is a great time to craft a personal charm using herbs, stones, or symbols that represent strength, safety, and guidance. Carry it with you or place it on your altar to serve as a reminder of your resilience and inner power.

3. Honor Your Ancestors

Set up a small ancestor altar with photos, heirlooms, candles, or offerings of food and drink. Speak their names aloud. Ask for protection, clarity, or support as you move into a more reflective season.

4. Take a Moonlit Walk in Nature

Channel the primal energy of the Hunter by walking under the moonlight. Be silent, aware, and intentional. Ask yourself: What am I hunting in this season of life? What am I being called to track or pursue?

5. Work with Crystals and Herbs for Power and Clarity

Crystals like obsidian, garnet, black tourmaline, and tiger’s eye align well with the Hunter’s Moon. Use grounding herbs like rosemary, mugwort, cedar, or sage in smudging or baths to help clear and focus your energy.

6. Journal on Purpose and Readiness

Reflect on these questions:

  • What do I need to prepare for before winter?
  • Where do I need to focus my energy more intentionally?
  • What am I ready to pursue or protect with passion and clarity?

Final Thoughts

The Hunter’s Moon is not just about hunting in the literal sense, it’s about hunting for truth, purpose, alignment, and soul nourishment. It reminds us to be brave, to listen to our instincts, and to move through the darker seasons with strength and sacred intention. This is a moon that helps you clear the clutter, claim your power, and walk your path with focus.