Mourning Moon

November 1 was considered the beginning of a new year by the early Celts because November is a month of endings and new beginnings. It is a time of transformation; transitioning from Autumn to Winter and entering the dark half of the year. It is also a month of in-between because it is no longer autumn (weather wise) but not yet winter. Pagans recognize in-between times to be very magickal and powerful- the transition from the light half to the dark half, from season to season and even dawn to dusk. November is like the year's twilight and the Mourning Moon's energy lends itself to delving deep within in preparation for the changes ahead.

Correspondences:

* Colors: Gray, blues
* Gemstones: Lapis lazuli, Turquoise, Topaz
* Trees: Cypress, Alder, Hazel
* Gods: Bastet, Isis, Kali, Hecate, Astarte
* Herbs: Thistle, Betony, Verbena, Fennel, Cinquefoil
* Element: Water
*Workings for: New beginnings, Letting go of past baggage, bad habits, toxic relationships, Strengthen connection with Deity, Prepare for the coming Winter.
*Affirmation: I learn and grow from the past.

Bright Blessings
~City

Harvest Moon

Harvest Moon September 4

September is a month normally centered around the home and a time to prepare your space for the coming fall and winter. The Harvest Moon itself was traditionally a time for farmers to gather the remaining crops before the cold. The light of the full moon allowed them to harvest long into the night.
In modern day with our advanced technology and lights, this Full Moon has become more of a time to clear clutter (Both physical and otherwise) and organize your space before having to spend most of your time indoors.

Harvest Moon Correspondences:

* Colors: Brown, green, earth tones

* Gemstones: Citrine, Chrysolite, Peridot, Bloodstone, Olivine

* Trees: Bay, Hawthorn, Hazel

* Deities: Demeter, Brigid, Freya, Vesta, Hestia

* Herbs: Wheat, Valerian, Witch Hazel, Skullcap, Fennel, Rye

* Element: Earth

* Nature Spirits: Trooping Faeries

* Workings for: Balance, Cleansing, Removing negativity and all clutter (physical, mental, emotional and spiritual), Creating change

* Activities: Picnic with lots of locally grown fruits and vegetables, Cleaning, Organizing, Magick up your living space (ie, create a kitchen altar)

Have fun and Bright Blessings!
~City

Corn Moon

On August 5 we celebrate the Corn Moon.

The Corn Moon and the month of August in general is a time for harvesting, gathering, sacrificing unwanted influences, appreciation vitality, relationships and spiritual and physical health.

Corn Moon Correspondences:
Colors: Red, Yellow, Orange
Herbs: Basil, Chamomile, Rosemary, Rue
Gemstones: Tiger's Eye, Carnelian, Garnet, Red Agate
Element: Fire

Corn Moon Ritual

Decorate your altar with a cloth of yellow, gold, orange or red, ears of corn and a chalice of wine. Have a cauldron ready in which you can burn paper and a black candle.
Cast a circle and create sacred space.
Light the candle.
Prepare a list of things you are ready to remove from your life. Focus on letting go of the unnecessary things or habits in your life that you wish to be free of.
Touch the paper to the flame and when it ignites, drop it into the cauldron. Offer the list to the spirit of the first harvest.
Affirmation of the Corn Moon: I sacrifice that which is no longer useful in my life.

(Ritual adapted from Llelwellyn's Witches Date Book)

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