Happy Harvest Moon
On September 10th, our 9th full moon of the year lights up the sky.
Since this full moon sits closest to the Fall Equinox, it's called the Harvest Moon. If that were true about October's (which does happen, just not as often), then September's moon would be known as the Corn or Barley Moon.
Perhaps we can also think of it as Persephone's Moon.
According to Pagan lore, the number nine represents the Goddess. As nine is the sum of three trinities, it speaks specifically to the Triple Goddess – a culmination of the Maiden, Mother, and Crone.
In Greek Mythology, nine was associated with The Muses, the nine sisters of prophecy. The Muses' abilities were vast. Mankind called upon them for assistance with many endeavors, like sweetening their words and increasing artistic expression.
In Norse Mythology, Yggdrasil, the World Tree holds nine realms in its roots and branches. The Nine Worlds represent the various homelands available to humans, gods, goddesses, elves, giants, dwarves, and the dead. Additionally, in his quest for knowledge, the god Odin hung from the World Tree for nine days to acquire the wisdom of the runes.
If we flip through the Major Arcana cards of our tarot deck, we'll discover the Hermit as the ninth enigma. The Hermit doesn't say much, but he is a master in observation. He can teach us how to sit still, wade into the depths of the unconscious, and use knowledge to illuminate our path.
According to numerology, the number 9 is associated with completion, but also renewal and the idea that all are one.
There are nine planets that make up our solar system. Lucky number nine is Pluto, a curious, dwarf planet that, according to astrology and mythology, packs an ample amount of destruction (followed by transformation, rebirth, reframing) within its tiny body.
Our ninth planet was named after the King of the Underworld, who also happens to be partner to Proserpina – the Roman version of our beloved Persephone.
When we step up to another full moon, and especially when it arrives near an equinox, we're asked to reflect and realign, weigh our earthly ambitions against our spiritual, will against wisdom, and rebalance our compasses.
So, in honor of Mother Nature and the next cycle of our unfolding, a full moon spell for you:
Spell ingredients: Pen, paper, a handful of red or pink flowers or herbs, a bay leaf, biodegradable twine, the full moon.
When the Harvest Moon rises, grab a piece of parchment and write a letter of encouragement. Last June, beneath the Strawberry Moon, we addressed a letter to the version of ourselves that had it all figured out – but for this cycle, address it to the version that is undergoing a period of transformation.
You know the one - the human who is doing the hard thing, following intuition instead of expectation, and discovering their shapeshift-ability in the process. It doesn't matter if this person lives in the past, present, or future, whether they're an archetype, ancestor, or descendent – You are their torch. You are their friend. Alongside Persephone, you are their Underworld guide.
As you write the letter, include 9 suggestions/stories/words of wisdom that offer alternate perspectives, and that portray our shadows as allies in disguise. When finished, sign your name and fold the paper in half. Sprinkle a handful of flowers inside. Fold the paper in half again and again, until you're holding a small bundle. Write a word or sigil on the bay leaf to seal and guide your message, and then secure to the bundle with twine.
With the earth's blessing, dig a small hole in the garden or near the base of a favorite tree. Place the bundle inside and, while the earth remains open and receptive, summon Persephone. Speak your intentions. If you feel called, request her support during your seasonal unfolding so that you may in turn, support others. If you desire a sign, ask for one.
Once the message is delivered, cover the bundle with earth so that no evidence of the hole remains. Brew yourself a cup of tea and reflect on the spell you've cast.
Happy Harvest Moon, Witches! If you missed September’s newsletter about Persephone and Demeter’s story, you can read it on the blog here.
Little Witch Hosts Samhain Supper: A Pagan Children's book about autumn, ancestors, and the Season of the Witch' is now available to order on our website! In the mood for fairy tales, folk magick, and book-related updates? Hop over to Little Witch's Instagram and join the discussion.
