We have all heard of the Harvest moon and its many celebrations around the world. However, the full moon that follows it, the Hunters moon, or Blood moon, holds just as much significance. Our Wiccan friends call this the shedding moon, or the falling leaf moon. It holds great relevance to those on a spiritual journey. Many believe that the veils between worlds begin thinning on this night. Pay close attention to all visions, and messages received at this time. If you are wondering when these moons occur this year so that you can be prepared to venerate this time properly we have compiled that information for you.

Harvest Moon

Most years the September full moon is called the Harvest Moon, but some years the October full moon gets that nickname. It all depends on which moon is closest to the autumn equinox. This year’s autumn equinox occurred on September 22nd which was after the Corn moon in September. So this year the harvest moon will be the 10th full moon on the 2017 lunar calendar, as well as the first full moon of autumn in the northern hemisphere. The October harvest moon will be at its fullest phase at 2:40 pm October 5th. So as it rises shortly after sunset on the 5th it will look its biggest and brightest.

Hunters Moon

The northern hemispheres full Hunters’ moon for 2017 falls the night of November 3rd. This year’s Hunter’s moon happens fairly close to perigee, which is the moons closest point to earth in its month orbit. Perigee comes on November 6th which means that this year’s Hunter’s moon will also be a super moon. Because of this if you are in the northern hemisphere, you can expect the moon to be bright and full looking for several nights beginning around November 3rd.

The Cold Moon

This year’s Cold Moon falls on December 3 and will be at its brightest at 4.47pm. Cold Moon signifies winter is taking a hold as temperatures plummet. This moon is also called the Long Night Moon as the winter nights lengthen and the moon spends more time above the horizon opposite a low sun. The full moon name often used by Christian settlers is the “Moon before Yule”. Of all the 12 full moons this year, December’s full moon is the only one that comes close enough to Earth (222,443 miles) to maintain supermoon status.