September's Full Harvest Moon Ritual for 2024

September’s Full Harvest Moon (or full corn moon) will peak on the 17th at 8:36 PM, MST. Unlike other full moons, the Harvest Moon rises at nearly the same time each night, right around sunset. This lucky timing was very beneficial to our ancestors, as it would allow them to work for several extra hours each night bringing in crops before the frost hit.

In the fall, the Full Moon which occurs closest to Mabon (autumn equinox – September 22 or 23, depending on the year) is called the Harvest Moon. If October’s Full Moon was closer, the September moon would generally be called the Corn Moon. Other names for this month’s full moon are the Child Moon, Autumn Moon, the Falling Leaves Moon, the Mating Moon, the Singing Moon, the Yellow Leaf Moon, the Corn Harvest or Corn Maker Moon, and the Rutting Moon. Each name is directly tied to the events happening in autumn.

Preparing for our 2024 Full Harvest Moon Ritual

Decorate your Altar with anything fall – leaves, seasonal herbs, foliage, etc.
Quarter Candles (4 total) in these colors – Red (South), Yellow (East), Green (North), and Blue (West)
Goddess Candle – White, 3 wick type if possible
Paper & pencils
Fire pit, bonfire, or open flame (it is recommended that everyone be familiar with fire safety protocol and be cautious to not start a wildfire)

Throughout this ritual, any text surrounded by these symbols < > should be considered instructional and not spoken aloud but done in accordance with the directions

Ritual Begins

This circle forming all around, high above, across the ground, everything becoming clear, a sacred sphere has gathered here – stop, look and listen as we are now between the worlds!

Opening the Circle

Join me and look first to the East, the direction of new beginnings, a new day, and new life. For tonight, the connection to our souls and our breath of life is strong. Watch as listen as the spirits of Air blow away both negativity and negative influences. Focus, and seek wisdom, mental clarity and reassurances from the gathered wind. <light yellow candle>

Next turn to the South, the direction of the midday sun, and the direction connected to the strength of will and pure energy. Open your self to the understanding of the spirits of Fire. Find wisdom in how they create, destroy, and give rise to great and wonderful things from the ashes. Look beyond this world and into the next as we ask for everlasting protection, warmth, heat and the essential light necessary for guiding our bodies and souls through the season of cold and darkness, that will soon be upon us. <light red candle>

Look now to the West, the direction the setting sun, closure, and that of raw passion and emotion. Contemplate the spirits of Water and how they continuously refresh and regenerate all that makes contact. Remember that water, like the other elements shall never abandon us in the constant desire to aid us in our healing, purification, and growth. <light blue candle>

And the North, gaze in the direction of Mother Earth, the central point of our lives and the source of all things. On this full Harvest Moon, we seek to see both a glimpse of the future in one eye and a glimpse of the past in the other. This center focus will stabilize our existence, keep us grounded, and remain comfortable, regardless of changes occurring around us. <light green candle>

Look to the vast expanse of space above us as we honor the Great Goddess. For it is she who gives life to all things, both large and small, she who raises the seeds from the soil, and she whos provide the many pathways for enlightenment. We ask not for great gifts of wealth or material good, but only for her presence and her blessings under the light of this Harvest Moon. <Light Goddess candle>

Introduction

Welcome and blessings, it has been a long summer and we’ve not gathered over that time. Tonight we shall cleanse all those things which no longer serve us, bathing under this beautiful Harvest Moon light. Soon Mabon, the second harvest will be upon us. It is time to make preparations for winter, and the time of contemplation.

Musical Interlude

Music is one of the most powerful and primitive methods of raising energy. Thunderous drumming and rhythmic chanting stir something deep within each of us, bringing forth the endless energies of our very existence, yet other times a long-lost flute and chant will do the same thing. Regardless of the type of music, as we listen, we release, and as we release, we grow and our thoughts multiply, entwine, and expand. Tonight we are listening to Opeth, the song titled Harvest.

Looking Into the Future

On this Full Harvest Moon, I challenge each and ever one, to look ahead. Take time to look inside and ask yourselves the important questions, such as where do I see myself in the near and distant future? Will you continue on this, the same path as you are now, or will you engage in study to rise to a new and higher plane? Remember those thoughts as time moves ahead and autumn turns to winter. For that will be your time to improve yourself, spiritually, emotionally, physically, and mentally. Do not waste the hours in idleness, instead indulge in knowledge, networking, and thought.

Cleansing & Clearing Away Negative Energy

As we do each month, we gather under the light of the full moon to release negative energy, emotional baggage, and the polluted feeling that often accompanies things we’d rather not talk about. Despite our efforts to live our highest and best lives, negativity finds many ways to insert itself into our lives and subsequently holds us back from true spiritual growth. It can be enormous or something tiny and almost hidden to the naked eye. That is why it is so important to approach clearing with a broad view. Negativity exists in one-off situations, such as tolerating bad behavior from your family or partner, and allowing others to take advantage of you. When left unchecked, things like this are the seed for resentment, and it will flourish quickly. Other things or relationships may have been useful at one time, but are no longer of service. They actually turn against you and prevent you from reaching your higher self. Think about those things as a box of keepsakes. You keep them around, but only because you can’t seem to get rid of them. Unfortunately, you also keep the negative thoughts, feelings, and pain they are attached to. Trust me when I say, old photographs, trinkets, and other physical items can hold a heavy weight.

Other sources of negativity may have been thrust upon us, without any chance to deflect them. These weights hang over our heads, sometimes for decades. The dark ominous clouds of trauma, toxic relationships, and unwanted situations, seems to be huge barriers around us, stretching out in every direction. Usually these types of negative energy are connected to families, childhood, and bad relationships. We’ve all observed how some people cannot seem to exist without holding onto their past, even if it was horrible and caused them great suffering. That negativity has become a crutch, or a rationalization for their current behavior, or an excuse for just not trying. People blame all of their problems on that bad childhood or person who harmed them deeply. Insecurity and emotional pain often steals the will to move forward. Many members of the younger generation use it as an excuse to not grow up or take responsibility for their own actions.

These are only a few of the sources for negative energy latching onto us. Whatever the source, we must acknowledge that baggage is baggage. Without action, it will remain with you, usually growing heavier as the years go by. Freeing yourself from it is complicated, sometimes dangerous, worrisome, and problematic. Life just seems to be that way, always making it a challenge to move forward by throwing a stone in our paths. But the good news is that, even in a terrible situation, you are still in control. Even if you can’t release all of the negativity today, you can at least identify it, compartmentalize it, minimize how it affects your life, and start to work on a solution to ridding yourself of it as soon as possible. It’s important to clear these hurdles out of our lives, as they prevent us from reaching a higher vibration. We cannot be free to fly to dizzying heights if the anchors of negativity are chained to our ankles.

Now take a moment, especially as cleansing thoughts are flowing and the lunar energy of the full Harvest Moon is supportive. Take time to dive deeply into your subconscious and seek out the things that are holding you back. Find the fears, the self-imposed limitations, the energy vampires and manipulators who are trying to run your life for their benefit and not yours. Look for the places that make you sad, the actions that steal your time without any real value, and the moments that lead to your sadness and tears. You know what is in your way. But you also know that you have the power to clear the path. Now, I invite you to write them down and prepare to release them.

<offer paper and pencil to all participants to write down the things they wish to banish from their lives>

This journey of healing and casting off that which no longer serves us is often difficult. But as always, we stand united to help one other cut the cords of energy thieves; we open up our bounty of goodness and positivity to fill this circle with comforting strength; we support because we care. If you need a shoulder to lean upon, let mine be the first, and the person next to me the second, and the person next to them the third, until all shoulders are there, along with strong supportive arms. And if you shed tears, we all share in your struggle. And if you are struggling with your spirituality, call upon your ancestors and the ancestors of those ancestors, for they wait on the other side to do battle with the forces of darkness; call upon them and they will answer. My hands are clasped and I call upon the powerful lunar energy of the Harvest Moon to give you the strength you need, today and forever more to rise up and above.

Now, if you have something you wish to release, then please approach the flames, commit the sheet to the fire, watch it burn away and send it to the skies above in an act of permanent banishment.

As you burn your paper or items, say “I banish that which no longer serves me”.

<allow plenty of time here, and once all have participated who wish to, continue>

Cleansing is both uplifting and exhausting. It’s an emotional battle within. And yet, it’s a battle which must be fought and must be won. We are lighter, more agile and nimble with the weight of that unwanted baggage lifted from our spiritual selves. Yet, do not leave here thinking this is permanent. Those who had the cords will certainly feel them being cut away. The places of negativity will still exist, waiting to lure you back inside. Bad habits are easy to fall back into. Cleansing leaves an empty space in your heart and soul. That space must be filled with positive things or it’s susceptible to negativity again. Do not break the resolve you have committed to on this night. Follow through on your commitment to yourself. Set new goals, find new things, commune with nature, use your time wisely and effectively. Step forth with a purpose and do not look behind you, as you aren’t going backwards. You are going forward with a newfound passion for life, growth, and above all, your own happiness.

harvest moon depiction

Closing the Full Harvest Moon Circle

Now join me once again as we draw down this glorious Harvest Moon night, and look to the North. As the magnificent lunar energy washes across the land, and each of us has shed the burdensome weight of negativity, we have a new perspective on things. Our circle shall come to a close, but not the teachings, moments of fellowship, and stimulating thoughts. Take with you a renewed sense of spirituality and a wiser outlook on the coming days. <extinguish green candle>

Again we look to the West for closure. The setting sun has entrenched such a powerful symbol in each of us, throughout our lives. It indeed is an ending point for our days, but says so much more. For tomorrow, there is a new awakening. Trust in that simplicity. Understand that all things are cyclic and that all endings can have fresh beginnings. <extinguish blue candle>

Now to the South, for on full moon nights, we are reminded of the power of fire, in all of it’s majesty and mystery. For even now, as the embers are still aglow, we can look deep into the subtle movements to scry hidden messages. We must take notice and believe in the eternity of the spark of life, the never-ending emergence of new life, and the perpetual change always happening. <extinguish red candle>

And finally we turn our gaze once again to the East, and we do so with fondness and gratitude in our hearts. For we have been enlightened by the teachings of abundance, and recharged by the moon. We have been blessed to share space with one another, and we leave here knowing that we are not alone in this world. The spirits of air are constant companions, encouraging us, guiding us, and passing the messages from our ancestors and the universe on the whispering breeze. <extinguish yellow candle>

We gather strength from many sources but understand that all point towards the Goddesses. We bask in the powerful lunar energy, and the grounding energy of the very earth itself, and yet it is but a small portion of the many energy sources of the universe. As we part, for each and all, I ask for blessings, fortitude, and the love and compassion that brings us together. We are stronger together and our bonds forever. Go now in peace. This circle is open, but the connection is never broken.