The days of summer have waned as we’ve toiled endlessly in our gardens and played with the carefree abandon of a child. One last task remains before putting the land to bed for the winter and that is bringing in the grape harvest. Traditionally, grapes are harvested and pressed for wine now, giving us the alternate name for this moon – the full Wine Moon.

As the Harvest Moon is the full moon closest to the Autumnal equinox, a time of balance, great balancing powers stream from the light of the silver orb. Use this energy to regain perspective and sweep away the clutter of your mind, body, spirit and surroundings. Refocus on the manifestation of your goals and dreams by asking the gods for their blessings on the path you have plotted to the destiny you dream of. Use this moon’s energy in mediation to cleanse your senses and clear away the clutter that may be impeding their sensitivity.

It is also a good time for spiritual initiation or rededication. Under the light of a full moon with a glass of white wine or grape juice in hand, allow the moon to illuminate the surface of the liquid. Feel it being instilled with the powers of the moon, of balance, spiritual awareness and completeness. Take a sip and feel those qualities illuminate in your being as you rededicate yourself to your chosen path. Use the rest of the wine as an offering to the land and gods as thanks for their blessings and guidance.

ACTIVITIES
· Bring in the last of the harvest, including grapes and apples
· Make your own homemade wines or grape preserves
· Continue garden cleanup by cutting back all faded plant material
· Plant fall flowers for autumn color
· Refocus and redefine your goals
· Rededicate yourself to your chosen path

FULL MOON INCENSE(burn on incense charcoal or cast into the fire)
1 scoops sandalwood powder – protection, healing, spirituality
1 granule amber – renewal, alertness, cleansing, protection, purification
3 drops vanilla – love, lust, mental powers
1 part Copal - cleansing and aid in mental and spiritual endeavors; opens the soul and stimulates creativity and imagination
1 granule gum mastic - cleansing, clarifying and mentally refreshing, meditation and reflection, its bright radiant energy is helpful when you need clarity
1 part bergamot - ceativity, luck
1 part fennel - protection, healing
1 part cinnamon - success, healing, psychic powers

Posted in: Lunar Lore