HARVEST MOON
REAP WHAT YOU SOW
September 4th brings a powerful Harvest Moon. Also known as Barley Moon or Singing Moon, this is the final Full Moon before Mabon (Autumn Equinox). The Full Moon is a time of fulfillment, and with this Moon the bounty of Summer is coming to fruition.
As we prepare for the Wheel of the Year to turn once more, we must face what has come to be in this season. The seeds have been sown, and for better or worse, the time of harvest has come. Naturally this is the time of year for agricultural harvest, but it is also the time for symbolic harvest. Have you planted seeds of love and light, or seeds of fear and hate?
The theme of harvest is strengthened by (asteroid, or dwarf planet) Ceres, the Goddess of grain. She is predominant in one of the most significant aspects of this Moon, a yod discussed later.
The grain – the seed – is what remains of a life cycle now finished – dead, dry, small and insignificant in appearance. Yet within this seed lies the strength to survive the winter, and the power to spring forth an entirely new existence. This gives us a clue of how to make use of these energies.
Often the results of our efforts are not as grand as we had hoped, sometimes even appearing as failure. If you find yourself facing disappointment as the Moon sheds light on what kind of harvest you have to reap – think of the seed. In the dead, dull appearance of failure and disappointment lies the strength of experience and the power of wisdom.
The Full Moon illuminates challenges and opportunities; hopes and sorrows. It reminds us to let go of what has passed, and embrace what is to come. This is a time for accepting responsibility, not only for what you have done but what you will do. This Full Moon comes on the Pisces Virgo axis. Virgo relates to the Earthy, solid and definable; Pisces is a Water sign relating to feelings and possibilities, the illusive and fantastic.
Against this backdrop of struggle for balance between Earth and Water, body and spirit, mind and soul – there are several potent aspects occurring. The most notable is a yod occurring between Venus, Chiron and the Moon – with the Sun at the activation point. Yods are complex configurations, and quite potent spiritually. Often called the hand of fate, they are associated with karma and destiny.
This Moon reminds us of our place in the world. The Pisces Moon relates to oneness, where there are no boundaries. We are keenly aware that Mother Earth flows into us, and we into her. Meanwhile the Virgo Sun reminds us that, like the tiny seed, we are each individual – a solid and unique manifestation, yet quiet insignificant unless the hidden potential is realized.
Ceres and Venus, the other two planets involved in this yod bring to light the need for harmony and growth. Venus is the cosmic peace-maker, and the keeper of the scales of justice. Perpetually tipping and balancing the scales, she herself is associated with karma. The light or dark you project upon the other side of the scales, eventually returns to you. Ceres, Goddess of grain and fertility, guides the seeds (whatever they might be) you have sown to fruition.
The yod is considered a fated aspect, bringing to pass events beyond our control. Under this Moon, you are likely to experience a powerful manifestation of fate – be it a physical manifestation, or simply manifested in your awareness.
Take some time on this Moon to contemplate fate and destiny. You are likely to find that the fate you have created for yourself – through karma, or conscious decisions – is beginning to manifest in some way. Likewise destiny, the opportunities and challenges offered by the universe, the Gods and Goddesses, or the spirits are manifesting in some form.
Although this Moon brings nearly unlimited opportunity for spiritual, personal growth and development – it may not come easily. Mercury will turn retrograde in only two days. He is already slowing and changing course, much like a car preparing to make a U-turn. This adds an element of confusion, making it a bit more difficult to decipher events, or messages. The week surrounding the very beginning or end of a retrograde can be the most confusing. Like the car beginning it’s turn he is focused neither ahead nor back, but focused on the transition.
Mercury is strong in the chart for this Full Moon, as we find the Sun in Mercury-ruled Virgo. Mercury himself is squaring Mars. This brings a degree of impatience, and often short tempers. As Venus and Ceres (involved in the yod, discussed above) are also associated with relationships – this could result in some destructive arguments. Think before you speak or act on impulsive temper, especially with those close to you.
The Full Moon itself is a quite powerful one, lending power to magickal works. Spirits, forces, and deities are likely to be active. Yods encourage the presence of powerful beings, and can add an element of fate to your spells/rituals. This can be a bit of a ‘watch what you wish for’ time, so give your wishes some thought.
In planning for this waning Moon – don’t forget Mercury Retrograde! It will take up nearly the entire month of September, so expect more confusion and communication problems than usual. Waning Moon is naturally not the time for beginning new projects, but it is typically good for finishing things. However, don’t be surprised if you find yourself with more loose ends hanging that you expect throughout this one. On a positive note, Mercury retrogrades are perfect for looking inside. The waning, Crone Moon always encourages us to integrate our experiences into wisdom. The retrograde can be quite helpful with this.
Above all, remember Full Moon is a time of illumination. Don’t hide in the shadows. Face, embrace, and work with whatever may come to light.
