Hunter's Moon in Libra
Contributor: Cristin D. Smith
Photographer: Saffron & Sage
The October New Moon is referred to by Native American tribes as the Hunter's Moon or the Travel Moon. The Hunter's Moon is preceded by the Harvest Moon which occurs closest to the Autumn Equinox.
It's name was given because it is the time of year when the fields were reaped and hunters could more easily see foxes and other animals come out to glean the grains that had fallen to the ground. The Hunter's Moon serves as a symbol that Winter is coming and preparations must be made.
As we explore our relationship to the earth and the season's effects on our lives this Hunter's Moon also invites us to look at our relationship with others. The Libra archetype beckons us to embrace balance and right relationships. Her symbol is of the scales always looking for the best for both sides. She holds space for both "me" and "us". It's here where we can take a step back and evaluate our present exchanges in our relationships. Where are we experiencing balance in our relationships? Where are we out of balance?
We explore this idea of balance by looking at the relationship between the yin and yang, the masculine and feminine, the self and the other. Libra represents partnership and connection and her shadow side is all about sweeping things under the rug. Where might you be avoiding things that need your attention?
The things that lie below the surface of our soul are bound to come out. We can draw them up as they call out or we can continue to wrestle with their physical or emotional manifestations.
As we navigate this lunar cycle we have a choice to embrace our rage, anger or sadness. Balance begins with identification. Which emotions need to be recognized and released?
Autumn brings us back to a place of letting go - of deep release. We release what no longer serves us so that we can move into a place of partnership and integration.
Integration emerges as a result of listening to our intuition - a place of deep knowing. If you find yourself unable to connect to your intuition and instead are filled with doubt or confusion this may be a result of disconnection. In that case your invitation is to begin by reconnecting to yourself. How can you embrace your inner landscape or the darker territories contained within? Again this exercise beckons us to embrace the shadow.
As we embrace the power of this New Moon we are traveling towards the bigger picture - a clear image of the life we desire. As we move forward we set our sights on the daily decisions that will guide us towards that image and ultimately an integrated experience of those desires.