When is the Harvest Moon?

The Harvest Moon is the full moon closest to the Autumnal Equinox.
Northern Hemisphere farmers used the extra light after sunset to continue harvesting crops to store for through the Winter.
We can use this time to celebrate a time of abundance, and the Autumn season.

Keep reading for some simple and rich suggestions…

What is the Harvest moon?

The Harvest Moon is the full moon nearest the autumnal equinox.
This is about March 21 in the Southern Hemisphere and about September 21 in the Northern Hemisphere.

Unlike other full moon names, the Harvest Moon is not associated with a specific month – instead, it relates to the timing of the autumnal equinox (Monday 21st March) with the full Moon that occurs nearest to the equinox being the one to take on the name.

When is the Harvest Moon 2025?

• The Southern Hemisphere Harvest Moon, occurs on March 14th 2025.
• The Northern Hemisphere Harvest Moon, occurs on October 7th 2025.

What makes the Harvest moon special?

e of the autumnal equinox, the angle of the Moon’s orbit relative to Earth’s horizon is at its minimum, causing the full moon to rise above the horizon much faster than usual.

A traditional harvesting aid

For several evenings, the moon rises soon after sunset, extending the light in the early evening. This extra light continues over a few successive nights. This traditionally aided farmers as they harvested summer crops – extending the amount of light in their working day – hence, the name Harvest Moon.

How to celebrate the Harvest Moon?

The timing of this moon calls forth much Autumnal appreciation!
With it being near the  Autumnal Equinox, it can be a special time to celebrate.

Here are some easy ways how:

Watching the moon –

• Watch the moon rise:

  Watching the glowing disc of the moon rise above the horizon is a special sight. It starts as a glow of light, followed by a small slither of bright light as the edge comes into view, then very quickly the full moon rises and glows full and round. How often do we all generally make time do this? So rarely! The moon rises in the East just as the sun does. You can observe the moon rise at the beach, or from your home. Notice it will rise earlier on the watery horizon. Google the moon rise time and see how close it is to when you see the moon.

• Sit and sip:

  Make a hot chocolate and site beneathe the moonlight. Or better yet, harvest herbs from the garden to make your own herbal tea. Notice the sounds and the sights and the smells of the season. Take a moment to be thankful for making space in your life to indulge in this simple act.

• Dancing in the moonlight:

  The kids LOVE moon parties. It’s a small and simple affair with snacks and a fizzy drink and watching the moon and dancing. But they remembered how fun and special it was, and often, on noticing the full moon, ask to have a moon party as it was a delightful night!

In the garden –

• Harvest from the garden:

  The garden is bountiful also with lots to eat and preserve – tomatoes, beans, apple cucumbers, snow peas, calendula flowers, and seeds of all the plants we supported to complete their cycle.

• Pick fruit:

  Here we have much fruit to harvest from fruit trees – figs, apples, elderberries, grapes that are fully ripe, cape gooseberries and early feijoas. What grows near you?

• Make a seasonal meal:

  There is so much to make with right now from the garden or market. Buying what is in season means it is fresh and plentiful, and also affordable. Make a feast! Celebrate the abundance of the harvest.

Seasonal nature noticing –

• What is in seed now?

  Many plants have completed their summer growing, have flowered, and are coming into full maturity. They set their seed to continue growth in the coming seasons. What do you notice now? What is in seed on native trees? What is in seed in the garden? What is in fruit now (these will have their little seeds inside!) Wander with aim to seek out seeds.

   

• What fruits are on neighborhood trees?

  Not all homes have space for fruit trees. But take a walk through the neighborhood and see what you can notice. Community gardens or plots also hold space for growing. Seek these out, take notice, or join in!

   

• What is the weather like now?

  There is a subtle, noticeable shift from the summer season. Where I live the sun is still hot through the middle of the day, but the mornings and evening are cool. The sea is still warm for swimming. In different parts of the country or the world there will be changes that occur each season. Take notice. Each year you will attune more and more.

Quiet rituals –

• Moon bathing:

  Setup a comfortable mattress outside and snug up under the moonlight for some time. Take in the moon rays. Feel the stillness. Mentally appreciate this time alone.

   

• Full moon meditation:

  There are numerous guided meditations available online that guide you with focus on the full moon. Have a look through YouTube, Spotify, Sound Cloud or Insight Timer to find a meditation that resonates with you, or perhaps even one themed for the Harvest Moon.

   

• Journalling:

  The full moon is a special time to reflect. All you need is a pen and notebook, time alone, and a journalling prompt: It is time to consider what you are grateful for in your life, what you can celebrate, what you have achieved. Hold gratitude for these things.

   

• Create:
  

  Sing, paint, draw, use this time to hold space for creative activity. We are all creative and can find our own pleasure and pride from creating with the mediums that lifts our hearts and spirits.