Perhaps it’s about a shift. Maybe it’s about slowing down to reflect. Or it might be about endings and new beginnings. Whatever the full moon means to you, it’s coming – and in a big way with the Harvest Moon.
(If you're reading this article in 2022, the Harvest Moon comes into full view in the Northern Hemisphere on Saturday, September 10th at 5:59 a.m. Eastern Time.)
This gorgeous giant-size Harvest Moon is the full moon that is closest to the autumn equinox, an event that marks the beginning of the harvest season.
Ancient cultures used the moon as a calendar in the sky. The Harvest Moon was a big deal because it represented a seasonal shift, a time of transition. For the ancient Greeks, it was the time of the second sowing. They tracked the moon and sun cycles with precision because their food supply—and therefore their lives—depended on it.
While most of us no longer track the sky for our survival, we can still find deep meaning and benefit for our lives by tuning into lunar and solar cycles.
How will you tune in to this Harvest Moon? We have a few ideas to spark your imagination…
3 Harvest Moon Rituals to Bring Meaning Into Your Life
Rituals help us tap into the deeper meanings in life, and allow us to embrace change. They offer us a chance to reflect on our past wins and misses, to take stock of what we need to release, and what we want to create in the future.
Smudge Your Space with New Moon Rituals
The full moon tends to mark an accumulation of energies—both light and dark. This makes the Harvest Moon a perfect time to cleanse your space energetically to remove or let go of any built-up negative vibes, renewing your surroundings with fresh energy.
From Native Americans to Buddhists, cultures that turn to smudging are some of the most connected on earth. The sacred ritual of smudging clears stale energy and shifts us into a higher place.
Full Moon Rituals & Tips on Smudging
Take a few moments before you start your smudging ritual to clear your mind and calm your heart. Our intention is one of the most important aspects of smudging so reflect on the kind of energy you want in your home.
Open the windows or ring a bell in each room to awaken the energy so it can be shifted. Then light your Sage or Palo Santo, ask for renewed energy, and walk around the perimeter of each room you want to cleanse. Invite the smoke into all the shadows and corners of your home, where negative energy likes to lurk.
Once finished, extinguish the sage in a bowl of sand or simply let it burn out on its own. Thank Mother Earth for the gift of cleansing and renewal.
Enter a Time of Reflection & Harvest Moon Meaning
The Harvest Moon marks an ending and a beginning, so it’s an ideal time to reflect. Sit quietly, and ask yourself some important questions.
- Is there something you need to release?
- Do you need to forgive or ask for forgiveness?
- What energy would you like to bring in for the new beginning after the Harvest Moon?
Take your time to reflect deeply. The energies at this time are supporting you in where you put your attention and intention.
Cleanse, Recharge & Program Your Crystals
Like our cell phones, crystals need to be recharged. Crystals do a lot of heavy lifting since they are always working to clear toxic energy away, and as a result, they need care, too.
Here are a few powerful ways to restore your crystals...
By the Light of the Harvest Moon
Moonlight washes away negative energy, and using the Harvest Moon to cleanse, recharge, and program your crystals is very powerful.
All crystals can benefit from a full moon bath. Simply place your crystals on a windowsill in the light of the full moon, or place them in a safe spot outside. Leave your gemstones under the full moon and allow it to work its magic.
By Smudging
Bring out the Palo Santo and fire up your Sage. Smudging sweeps away bad vibes and can be applied to your crystals, too. Simply hold the crystal in your hand as you waft the smoke using your other hand.
Allow the cleansing smoke to surround the crystal for at least 30 seconds. This cleansing ritual will send negative energy packing and will allow your crystal to open to its full potential.
With A Singing Bowl
Bathe and recharge your crystal with the healing vibrations of a singing bowl. Simply place your crystal in a clean space next to the singing bowl. Gently strike the bowl so it emits a ringing sound, and rub your singing bowl mallet against the outside of the bowl so the sound continues.
Singing bowls are a powerful way to cleanse and charge your crystals and your surroundings. It sounds pretty, too.
Program Your Crystals
After you’ve cleansed and charged your crystals, it’s time to program them with your intention. Hold your crystals with love as you set your intentions for the month. Your crystals are here to help you on your journey.
Simply quiet your mind, focus on your intention and let that energy radiate into the gem. Be as clear and as specific as possible. When we program our crystals, they can help us on a highly intuitive level.
The Takeaway
Whatever way you choose to spend this Harvest Moon, it’s a good idea for it to feel reflective and conclusive. Turn your focus to what you have done since the last full moon.
- What harvest of good have you reaped?
- What do you need to release?
- What do you want to keep or improve?
Harvest Moon rituals help us on our journey when we use them to cleanse, recharge, and reflect. Revel in the calm of the moonlight for a moment and charge your energy with this new moon. Then, let the energies support you. Start Your Journey Here: Shop Our Smudging Kits
