The 2025 October Full Moon is known as the Harvest Moon, the full moon closest to the autumnal equinox. In 2025, it rises on Monday, October 6th at 9:48 PM Mountain Time (MT). This is the brightest and most iconic of moons, celebrated by our ancestors as the great light in the sky, providing extra light into the night hours, which would help get them through the final gathering of the fields.
For the scholars, the Harvest Moon is the name given annually to the full moon that falls closest to the Autumn Equinox, which in many modern pagan and witchcraft traditions is celebrated as Mabon. Its name comes from an agricultural heritage that stretches back centuries, when communities were deeply tied to the cycles of the land. Around this time of year, the moon rises soon after sunset for several nights in a row, providing extended hours of light just as farmers were bringing in the final and often most critical harvest of grains, fruits, and vegetables. Before modern lighting, this extra illumination was vital, allowing field work to continue into the night and ensuring crops were gathered before the arrival of colder weather or storms.
The Harvest Moon thus became a symbol of abundance, completion, and gratitude — themes that align closely with Mabon’s focus on balance, thanksgiving, and preparation for the darker half of the year. In both folklore and modern spiritual practice, it represents a time to honor the Earth’s generosity, reflect on personal “harvests,” and give thanks for the sustenance carried forward into winter. But beyond its agricultural significance, the Harvest Moon marks a threshold. The light wanes, shadows stretch longer, and the boundary between seen and unseen grows thin. This is the season when witches, seers, and spirit-speakers step into their full power. The veil of autumn calls us inward, and the whispers of the old ways remind us: The Season of the Witch is Now.
In other years, the full moon of October carries many traditional names, each reflecting the season’s character and the lives of the people who observed it. Most commonly, it is known as the Hunter’s Moon, a time when game animals were plentiful and hunters prepared food stores for the winter ahead. This connection to the hunt also gave rise to the name Blood Moon, which refers both to the blood of the animals taken and to the reddish hue the moon sometimes casts in crisp autumn skies. Other cultures called it the Travel Moon, marking a season of migration and long journeys taken under the brightness of the moonlight. The Dying Grass Moon speaks to the natural world, with fields and meadows turning brown as the frosts of winter approach. Some European traditions also used the name Sanguine Moon, echoing the deep red tones of autumn and the harvest season, while the Kindly Moon highlighted the way its light extended working hours for farmers finishing their last harvests. In certain years, when the full moon falls closest to the autumn equinox, October’s moon may also be called the Harvest Moon, a name usually associated with September. Together, these names show the deep ties between lunar cycles, survival, and the rhythms of the natural world.
On this night, we gather not just in gratitude for harvests, but in recognition of our craft — the power we carry, the wisdom we honor, and the paths we walk. Under the Harvest Moon, we claim our place as witches, guardians of the in-between.
Any words between <> are unspoken, and should be seen as instructional to whomever is leading the ritual
Preparing For This Harvest Moon Ritual
Quarter candles (yellow, red, blue, green)
A black or deep purple altar cloth
A cauldron or fireproof bowl
A white candle (center, spirit flame)
Seasonal offerings: apples, gourds, squashes, grains, and nuts
Witch’s tools: broom, athame, or wand for symbolism
Paper and pen for the main working
This ritual should be performed outdoors, preferably around a bonfire
Opening the Circle
<Ritual Leader should stand in the center of the circle with arms overhead>
By the harvest moon’s glow and autumn’s breath, by shadow’s edge and harvest’s depth, the Season of the Witch is now. With this circle I cast, this space I seal, between the worlds we gather to honor the turning Wheel.
<The ritual leader points their wand or athame in each direction as the group turns with them.>
East
Look to the East – Feel the winds of October, crisp and cutting, bringing us renewed vision and a much-needed clarity. Stir the mind as the broom stirs the dust, sweeping away illusion. <Light yellow candle>
South
Turn to the South – Embrace the flames of the hearth and flames of the spirit, for they burn within us now and shall burn within us for our many years to come. Ignite our craft, our courage, and our magick and bring heat into our circle. <Light red candle>
West
Now West – As the skies open and the tides of autumn rain fall, filling the moonlit rivers and ponds, we can feel something new washing over us. Feel the great release as dreams and visions flow freely tonight courtesy of the depth within our circle. <Light blue candle>
North
And finally look to the North – Take comfort knowing the roots of the harvest, the bones of the land, and the stones of our ancestors are there to ground us. We stand now together, firm in our convictions as the great wheel turns. <Light green candle>
Center
Far above us, the harvest moon shines across the land. Embracing the powerful lunar energies, we call upon the unseen, the old ones, and the witches who’ve walked before us. Join us beneath the Harvest Moon. The Season of the Witch is Now. <Light white candle>
The Season of the Witch – Claiming Your Witch Powers
Witchcraft is not a religion. There are closed practices, and some which believe in initiation and the earning of certain ranks, but most forms of folk witchcraft, green witchery, kitchen witchery, hedge craft, lunar magic, eclectic witchcraft, chaos magic, divination, spell work, and seasonal Sabbat celebrations are open to all. It isn’t necessary to be born a witch, and witchcraft isn’t restricted to a bloodline, family, or specific heritage. At its core, it’s a practice and a path of connection — to nature, cycles of the moon and seasons, energy, symbols, and personal power.
There are a few universal truths that most witches agree on. Being a witch is a choice. You claim the title of “Witch” when you choose to walk the path and practice it with intent. Secondly, witchcraft is diverse. There are many types of witches, such as kitchen witches, green witches, hedge witches, eclectic witches, ceremonial magicians, and many more. Third, like paganism, there is no single “right way” to practice.
Not everyone who feels attracted to witchcraft will be successful. Many will find learning about it, educational or fun, but that’s it and that’s OK. Those who are called will answer, eventually. And even then, it’s about practice, not perfection. You grow into it by learning, experimenting, and creating your own rituals, spells, and traditions. But like many other practices, witchcraft is ‘buyer beware’ – it requires respect. Witchcraft draws on ancient traditions, symbols, and folklore. A sincere witch studies, honors, and practices with respect, not just aesthetic. It’s deeply personal. Some witches are solitary, some work in covens, some are religious, others are secular.
So yes — anyone can become a witch, but it’s not just about adopting the name. It’s about living the practice: honoring nature, working with energy, embracing the cycles, and cultivating personal power with responsibility.
Celebrating The Gifts We Have Been Given
<Have each participant write on paper a gift of their craft they wish to celebrate (intuition, healing, divination, courage, etc.)>
We all possess gifts that serve us, some are luckier than others and have abilities that go far beyond those of the common person. Others contribute to the community with skills such as brewing, farming, or building. Still others provide us with direction by writing, teaching, and doing research. One common thread among all of us and all of these things, is that we do them with intention. Every bit of energy is focused on achieving the desired results. For these gifts, tonight we are thankful.
When ready, step to the fire and speak aloud these words:
“I honor the witch within me. I celebrate my gift of xxxxx. I claim my power under this Harvest Moon.”
Cast the paper into the fire. Let the smoke rise into the night as a declaration of freedom and power.
After all participants have shared, join hands in a circle and chant:
“By earth, by air, by flame, and sea — the Season of the Witch has come to me!”
<Repeat until the energy peaks, then instruct everyone to release it skyward with a loud cry or cackle.>
Reflection and Meditation
Now sit, meditate, take time to embrace the lunar energy, feel the witch energy as it settles. This is your time to commune with the Harvest Moon and reflect upon the changing of the season, your path, how you fit into the world, and the wisdom you seek.
How do I embody the witch’s path? Where in my life am I ready to embrace shadow and power? What wisdom do I carry from the witches who came before me? Are there negative things, spiritual baggage, or people who have a position of power in my life, and what am I doing to move on from them?
Each month we devote time to cleansing and clearing negativity from ourselves, choosing to call out and burn those things which no longer serve us. As you ponder things, feel free to release as you see fit.
<provide ample time for meditation and releasing>
Closing the Harvest Moon Circle
North
As we prepare to close this Harvest Moon circle, rise and join me in looking to the North. Great powers of the North, keepers of stone and soil, we honor you on this full moon night. You have held us steady through the planting, through the tending, and through the harvest. You remind us that all things return to the earth: seed to soil, fruit to root, flesh to bone. As we close this circle, may we carry your grounding strength within us, so that when the cold winds rise and the ground freezes hard, we may endure with patience and resilience. Depart now in peace but leave your blessing of steadiness upon our path. <Extinguish the green candle.>
West
Now shift your attention West. Spirits of the West, guardians of the setting sun and keepers of the deep tides, we honor you. You have washed us in intuition, carried us into dreams, and reminded us of the cycles of ending and renewal. Like rivers that carve valleys and rains that nourish the earth, you shape us with quiet power. As the Harvest Moon sets upon us, let your flow remain within our hearts — guiding us to release what no longer serves, and to embrace what heals. Depart now in peace but leave your blessing of compassion and depth.
<Extinguish the blue candle.>
South
Now turn to the South. Mighty flames of the South, fed and nourished by the great forges, torchbearers of passion and transformation, we honor you. Your heat ripened the fields, your light fed the crops, and your fire burned within us as we worked and toiled for this bounty. Now, as the nights grow longer and colder, you remind us that fire lives within as well as without. In the hearth and in the spirit, your spark remains unquenched. Depart now in peace, but leave your blessing of courage and will, so that we may shine brightly even in the dark half of the year. <Extinguish the red candle.>
East
Once again, turn your attention to the East. Crisp and stirring winds of the East, breath of dawn and messengers of thought, we honor you. You ferried the whispers of our ancestors through the trees, lifted our prayers to the heavens, and refreshed our spirits with clarity and insight. In the cool night air of October, under this mesmerizing Harvest Moon, we are reminded that change is inevitable and necessary — the falling leaves, the turning skies, the shift of the wheel itself. As we close this circle, let your breath stay within our lungs and your wisdom stay within our minds. Depart now in peace but leave your blessing of vision and renewal. <Extinguish the yellow candle.>
Center
Look skyward and offer praises to the great spirit of the universe, the Gods and Goddesses and their great mysteries, together we honor them. In the glow of the Harvest Moon, each of us have had one who walked with us — in our laughter, in our magic, in our gratitude. Their spark was your flame, your safe passage across a raging river, your warm breath that could be felt in the frigid wind, and the foundation, like stone beneath your feet. Although unseen, we know that the threads weaving us together across time, across distance, across generations, are more than just coincidences. As we close this rite, we do not release you — for you live within us always. Instead, we honor you and carry you with us as we step from this circle into the world beyond. Depart now in peace but leave your blessing of unity and magic. <Extinguish the white candle.>
The circle is open, yet its power remains. The moon shall soon wane, yet her light endures. The harvest is gathered, yet life continues to grow. We step from this sacred space nourished, renewed, and empowered. The Season of the Witch is now and forever shall be.
Blessed Be!
Additional Reading
The 2025 Pagan Calendar – Sabbats, Moon Celebrations & Astrological Events
How To Become A Witch: A Guide To Find Your Path
- Litha Ritual 2026 – Midsummer and the Endless Sun - June 5, 2026
- Midsummer Celebrations Across the World - May 6, 2026
- Lughnasadh or Lammas – What is the Difference? - April 13, 2026
