? In Georgia, we have been blessed with rain after a trying time of drought.
So, we cannot see the beautiful full moon tonight. Maybe we will have an opportunity before Tuesday morning to catch a glimpse. ?
This full moon is called the Hunter’s Moon (also, Blood Moon, Sanguine Moon, Travel Moon and Dying Grass Moon).
But, primarily, in today’s almanacs, it is defined as the Hunter’s Moon, a seasonal full moon dependent upon the date of the Harvest Moon (which occurred in September this year).
☀️ Both the Harvest and Hunter’s Moons usually rise 30 minutes later on each successive night, which means that sunset and moonrise are not far apart. This means there are prolonged periods of light during this time of the year, which is the reason why these moons have traditionally been used by hunters and farmers to finish their work.
The Hunter’s Moon is the last full moon of 2019 before the “end of the lunar year.” First recorded by the Europeans in the 1700s, who were taught by the Indigenous Americans, it comes to reason that the Native wisdom was critical for this moon was a “signal” of the impending Winter and of the potential of going hungry. So, as the harvests of August and September left fields of stubble, the prey would venture and glean as the moon would give light and illuminate the hunt – making it easier to successfully kill. ?
Fun fact: The Hunter’s Moon will look large as it straddles the horizon more closely – causing the “moon illusion.”
Fun fact: The Hunter’s Moon will be a shade of orange/red as you gaze through a greater thickness of Earth’s atmosphere – scattering blue light and letting red light pass through to our eyes. ?
Why does this matter to us as gardeners and herbalists?
? Some powerful medicine is made during Full Moons (more on that later).
? As the days of old, we have more light outside to work.
? During a moon such as this, while light is increasing, sow and transplant cold hardy flowering annuals and other short-lived plants from which you’ll harvest leaves, seeds, flowers, or fruits, especially in row covers.
? The increased flow of moisture in long-lived plants makes this moon a good time for grafting shrubs and trees, if season-appropriate.
? Root medicine plants can be planted, transplanted, and harvested at this time.
? Root veggies can still be transplanted/planted with protection.