Blood
Moon![](coredapple.gif)
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.