Around 11:50 PM on Monday night, the first supermoon of the year peaked in brightness. As the closest moon for the autumn equinox, it was also at the closest possible point to Earth. Most LHS students would have been able to see it, as it’s the brightest and largest development of the moon cycles. It’s a process that occurs, at the very, most three to four times per year.
Despite the event being referred to by one name, it’s actually two astronomical events in one: The Harvest Moon and Supermoon. Of course, both occur at the same time since the Harvest Moon is October’s supermoon—though it doesn’t mean the following supermoons are also Harvest Moons.
Future supermoons in 2025 actually occur in the next two months—November and December—where both events also happen early into the month as well.
Historical Context
A term popularized from the Old Farmers Almanac, the Harvest Moon originates from the resourceful light that was used to extend productivity towards harvesting crops.
In some instances however, the moon that occurred Monday night is sometimes referred to as a Hunter’s Moon. Similar reasons as the Harvest Moon, though instead of light assisting with harvest—it helped signal the prime time to hunt before the winter season started. Native Americans had used this phrasing and occasionally colonials as well who were influenced by the tradition.
As for the autumn equinox, it’s an astronomical event where the sun perfectly shines over the equator. Both hemispheres then experience night and day equally. The supermoon from Monday night is the closest full moon occurring near this event despite the equinox happening during September.
Spiritual Meanings
Following every other astronomical event, the Harvest Moon has spiritual meanings connected to the moon as well:
Clarity & Culmination – The moon is described to “reveal” truths that were originally hidden prior to the event that will come into sight during and after the event. Emotional breakthroughs were also heavily encouraged for individuals in relation as culmination is defined to be the “highest or climactic point of something, especially as attained after a long time”.
Renewal & Transformation – A rebirth from transformations, transformations that depend on the person’s interpretation of what type of transformation they’ve recently experienced prior to the moon event—alongside that, a harvest of lessons learned and to be learned after the supermoon.
Courage & Compassion – It’s encouraged to not only embrace truths, but to also “release” fears and pursue passions with the courage you have by releasing your fear.
Reflection & Balance – Besides a rebirth from recent “transformations”, it’s also the time for transformations as well to reflect and find inner balance. Though, this balance is miraculously meant to be found before the winter season comes along.