Blood Moon

   This is when hunting season opens, so this is where this moon gets its name from. While in ancient times, hunting was necessary to feed families, its not really necessary these days.  Still, it is a sacred ritual for many people.  As hunter, we take responsibility for the life we harvest. We not only eat the meat, but - just as our ancestors before us - make a swift use of the animal's other gifts, giving it immortality it might not have had otherwise.

    During this moon, give thanks to the animals that gave their lives that yours might continue.  Include the world of fruits and vegetables as well, for make no mistake: each time one is picked from the vine to feed you, its life is cut short, too.  Then give some thought to how you might immortalize these wonderful, caring creatures in your magick. Apple seeds for love charms, and small bones used in efforts of strength and power can really boost results.

Things to Do for the Blood Moon:

• Wear shades of red, wine, and scarlet to commemorate the lives lost so that you might live.
• Use red candles and burn Full Moon incense, or burn a spicy incense, such as cinnamon, nutmeg or ginger.
• Decorate the altar with animal pictures, autumn leaves, Indian corn, apples, and pumpkins.
• Serve red apple cider (just add a bit of red food coloring) or red wine and ginger snaps for libation.
• Light a red seven-day candle in thanksgiving to the animal and plant worlds, then place it in a window.  Invite any departed creatures to visit, saying:
                  I light this candle in thanksgiving
                  For the part you've played in my everyday living
                  Please come to visit and be my guest
                  Until this flame subsides in rest
                  And teach me that which I should know
                  Until the time comes for you to go
                  And when it does, I beg you, rest
                  In peace and quiet 'til your next quest.
• If you have pets, invite them into Circle.  Give them a special treat and an extra dose of attention.  Let them know how much you love them, and how much their love for you enriches your life.  If you don't have pets, make plans to visit your local animal shelter.  Play with the animals there, and bring a little joy into their lives.
• Soak some fruit or vegetable seeds in water to soften them, then string them into a necklace.  Enchant the necklace in honor of the life cycle and its continuity by saying:
                  Seeds with life sealed well within
                  I honor you for where you've been
                  You've been a plant and you've born fruit
                  Then back to seed and leaf and root
                  You've lived and died and lived again
                  You're life personified without end
                  And so I thread you on this string
                  And tie you well into a ring
                  A circle that is now complete
                  Like life and death and birth, so sweet
                  Please aid me in my Circles, round
                  And in all magick that abounds
                  I, in return, shall be your friend
                  And give you back to Earth again.
  Keep the necklace for one year and wear it whenever you perform magick of any kind.  At the end of the year, keep your promise by burying it in the ground and replace the necklace with a new one.