The full moon closest to the autumnal equinox is called the Harvest Moon. People around the world use names for each full moon that mark a specific time of year. This full moon holds several names related to autumn and the harvest. For example, the Oneida call it Yeyʌthókwas, Someone Harvests. In China, a lunar festival called the Mid-Autumn Festival is celebrated, and in Japan, Korea, and Vietnam a festival called Moon-Viewing, also sometimes known as bean, potato or chestnut Harvest Moon Celebration is also celebrated this time of year. There is an astronomical reason that makes the Full Moon closest to the autumnal equinox called the Harvest Moon. This time of year the difference in time of moonrise from one day to the next becomes less and less. This means that successive moonrises come around the same time of day, causing it to seem like there are several full moons in a row. "Historically, the extra moonlight meant that farmers could work and harvest their crops for a longer time in the evenings. Hence, the name Harvest Moon." So, what does the Harvest Moon mean on a spiritual level and how can we utilize its energies? The time of harvest represents abundance and the ability to reap what you sow. This is the time of year to reflect upon the seeds of thought you’ve been planting in your mind and the seeds of action you’ve planted in your life, and to contemplate what type of harvest they will yield. Autumn is a time of shedding and releasing and a time to honour your harvest – the fruits of your will and labour. Take a moment to ponder what fresh, new situations are ready to be harvested and honour everything you put in place to make this happen. Give thanks and gratitude for your abundance and give an offering of thanks to the cycles of Nature and Grandmother Moon for guiding you on this journey.
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