Hunter's Moon (October Full Moon)

Overview

The hunter's moon is October's full moon. The name comes from the Indigenous and Anglo-Saxon practice of hunting during October — when deer and elk had fattened on autumn grasses, leaves had fallen off the trees making the animals more visible, and winter was close enough that preserving meat became necessary. The hunter's moon provided extra evening light for this final pre-winter hunt, which is why the name describes human activity rather than a celestial event.

As a ritual phase, the hunter's moon is the full moon of sharp decisions. Unlike the harvest moon, which gathers what has already grown, the hunter's moon requires you to actively pursue something before winter arrives. It is a moon of willingness to make uncomfortable but necessary choices — what you will cut, what you will keep, what you will actively go out and secure while you still can.

This is a moon that does not reward gentleness. Samhain is approaching (October 31), and the veil between worlds is thinning. The hunter's moon is often when people become more direct, more willing to break patterns that have been tolerated for months. It is not cruel — it is clear. Winter is coming. There is no more time for ambiguous half-decisions.

Spellwork guidance

Hunter's moon spellwork is strong for decisive action, boundary-setting, banishing, and any magic that requires willingness to cut cleanly. This is one of the year's best moons for cord-cutting and releasing relationships that should have ended months ago.

Traditional workings include protection magic for the home (preparing for winter and Samhain), banishing rituals, and spells that require the kind of clarity that can feel cold. The hunter's moon pairs well with iron and dark crystals for ritual focus.

Avoid tender or tentative workings during this phase. The energy is too sharp. Pink-moon-style receptive rituals will feel mismatched. Save soft work for the softer moons.

Ritual ideas

Write down the one thing in your life you have been avoiding deciding. Not the small annoyances — the one big one you keep circling. Write it down. Light a black or dark red candle. Make the decision, in writing, under the candlelight. Do not softly consider. Decide. Take the first concrete step within 48 hours.

Go through your home and actively release anything you are keeping out of guilt. Objects, clothes, books — anything you know doesn't belong in your next season. Donate or discard it before Samhain. The hunter's moon rewards unsentimental clearing.

Light a fire — fireplace, firepit, or a single candle if that's what you have. Burn a list of people, situations, or patterns you are willing to release. Say their names aloud. Do not apologize. This ritual is not mean. It is honest.

Journal prompts

• What have I been avoiding deciding for too long?
• What would I release right now if I had no guilt about it?
• Where is my kindness actually keeping me stuck?
• What am I willing to hunt for before winter?

Herbs for this phase

Crystals for this phase

Frequently asked questions