Join us on a journey to explore the fascinating world of moon nicknames! In this article, we will be focusing on the Full Hunter’s Moon, which is set to grace the night sky in October 2023. We’ll uncover the origins of this unique moniker and discover other interesting facts about this celestial event. So, mark your calendars and get ready to immerse yourself in the enchanting world of moon mythology and folklore. Let’s dive into our list of moon nicknames and uncover the secrets of the October Full Moon.
Moon Nicknames
The moon has always captured our imagination, and throughout history, it has been given various nicknames based on cultural beliefs and traditions. Here are three popular moon nicknames associated with the month of October.
Full Hunter’s Moon
One of the nicknames for the full moon in October is the Full Hunter’s Moon. This name originated with Native Americans who used the changing seasons as a guide for their activities. During this time of the year, they would start gathering provisions to prepare for the upcoming winter season. The Full Hunter’s Moon represents a time of preparation and abundance, a time when people would stock up on food and supplies.
Full Harvest Moon
Another nickname for the October full moon is the Full Harvest Moon. This name is used when the full moon occurs closer to the Fall Equinox and the September full moon. The Full Harvest Moon is associated with the completion of the harvest season when farmers traditionally gather their crops before winter. It symbolizes a time of gratitude and celebration for the abundance of the harvest.
Blood Moon
The Blood Moon is yet another nickname for the full moon in October. The name “Blood Moon” comes from the reddish hue that the moon sometimes takes on during a total lunar eclipse. During a lunar eclipse, the Earth casts its shadow on the moon, giving it a reddish glow. This natural phenomenon has been associated with various superstitions and beliefs throughout history.
Full Moon in October 2023
Date and Time
Mark your calendars for the next October full moon, which will occur on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at 4:24 PM EDT or 8:24 PM UTC. This timing is based on the data provided by NASA. Keep in mind that the dates and times may vary slightly depending on your time zone.
Moon Phase: Full Moon in Taurus
The October 2023 full moon will be in the zodiac sign of Taurus. The zodiac sign in which the full moon occurs can influence the energy and emotions associated with it. Taurus is an earth sign known for its stability and practicality. This full moon in Taurus may bring a sense of grounding and encourage us to focus on our physical and material well-being.
Moon Activities for October
The full moon is a time of heightened energy and can provide an opportunity for reflection, release, and intention-setting. Here are some moon activities you can consider for the October full moon:
-
Journaling: Take some time to reflect on the past month and set intentions for the upcoming month. Write down your thoughts, goals, and desires.
-
Moon Bathing: Find a peaceful spot outdoors where you can relax and soak in the moon’s energy. This can be particularly powerful during the full moon.
-
Moon Ritual: Create a ritual that resonates with you. It could involve lighting candles, meditating, or performing a specific ceremony to honor the energy of the full moon.
-
Gratitude Practice: Express gratitude for the blessings in your life. Consider keeping a gratitude journal and jot down things you are grateful for each day.
Remember, these activities are meant to enhance your connection with the moon and allow you to tap into its energy. Feel free to customize them according to your preferences and beliefs.
October Full Moon in the Autumn Season
Second Full Moon of Autumn
The October full moon holds significance in the context of the autumn season. In 2023, it will be the second full moon of autumn and will occur after the Autumnal Equinox. The Autumnal Equinox marks the beginning of astronomical autumn and the end of astronomical summer in the Northern Hemisphere. It is a time of transition and balance between light and dark, as the days start to get shorter.
The October full moon in the autumn season symbolizes the continuation of this transitional period. It serves as a reminder to embrace change and adapt as we move deeper into the season.
Autumnal Equinox
The Autumnal Equinox, which precedes the October full moon, plays a significant role in determining the timing of the full moon. In 2023, the Autumnal Equinox will occur on Saturday, September 23, 2023, at 2:50 AM EDT or 6:50 AM UTC.
During this equinox, the sun crosses the celestial equator, and day and night are approximately equal in length. It symbolizes a time of balance and harmony in nature. The Autumnal Equinox sets the stage for the autumn season and sets in motion the changes that will unfold until the arrival of winter.
New Moon for the 2023 Full Hunter’s Moon
Date and Time
The lunar cycle for the October full moon begins with the new moon in October 2023. The New Hunter’s Moon will occur on Saturday, October 14, 2023, at 1:55 PM EDT or 5:55 PM UTC. This marks the beginning of a new lunar cycle, a time for new beginnings and fresh starts.
New Moon in Scorpio
The new moon in October 2023 will be in the zodiac sign of Scorpio. Scorpio is a water sign associated with transformation, intuition, and deep emotions. This new moon in Scorpio may invite us to delve into our subconscious, explore our deepest desires, and embrace personal growth and transformation.
The energy of this new moon can be harnessed for introspection, setting intentions, and initiating changes in our lives. It is a potent time for self-reflection and aligning our actions with our innermost aspirations.
Full Supermoon or Not?
Definition of Supermoon
A supermoon is a full moon that nearly coincides with the closest point that the Moon comes to the Earth in its orbit, called perigee. This proximity to Earth can make the moon appear larger and brighter in the sky. However, there isn’t an official definition for how close the moon must be to the Earth to be considered a supermoon.
Distance of October Full Moon
The full moon in October 2023 will not be a full supermoon. During the peak of the full moon, it will be more than 360,000 kilometers away from Earth. However, it’s worth noting that the year 2023 will have two supermoons in August and two additional full supermoons, depending on the definition used.
Even though the October full moon won’t be a supermoon, it will still illuminate the night sky with its radiant presence, inviting us to connect with its mystical energy.
Lunar Eclipse during the October Full Moon
Partial Lunar Eclipse
The full moon in October 2023 will coincide with a partial lunar eclipse. A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth casts its shadow on the moon, obscuring its brightness and causing it to take on a reddish hue. During the partial lunar eclipse, only a portion of the moon will be covered by the Earth’s shadow.
Lunar eclipses have long fascinated humanity, stirring a sense of wonder and curiosity. They represent moments of cosmic alignment and can have a profound impact on our emotions and spiritual awareness.
Other Lunar Eclipses in 2023
The October full moon will be the second of two lunar eclipses in 2023. The first lunar eclipse, a penumbral lunar eclipse, will occur during the May full moon. Lunar eclipses offer a unique opportunity to witness the celestial dance between the Earth, moon, and sun, and they serve as a reminder of the interconnectedness of the universe.
October 2023 Moon Phases
Lunar Phases in Eastern Time
Here are the lunar phases for October 2023, including the new moon, first quarter, full moon, and last quarter, in both Eastern Time (ET) and Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) adjusted for daylight saving time:
- October Last Quarter: October 6, 2023, 9:48 AM EDT / October 6, 2023, 1:48 PM UTC
- October New Moon: October 14, 2023, 1:55 PM EDT / October 14, 2023, 5:55 PM UTC
- October First Quarter: October 21, 2023, 11:29 PM EDT / October 22, 2023, 3:29 AM UTC
- October Full Moon: October 28, 2023, 4:24 PM EDT / October 28, 2023, 8:24 PM UTC
These dates and times can help you plan your lunar observations and connect more deeply with the moon’s phases and energies.
Lunar Phases in UTC
For our readers in different time zones, here are the lunar phases for October 2023 in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC):
- October Last Quarter: October 6, 2023, 1:48 PM UTC
- October New Moon: October 14, 2023, 5:55 PM UTC
- October First Quarter: October 22, 2023, 3:29 AM UTC
- October Full Moon: October 28, 2023, 8:24 PM UTC
Remember to adjust the dates and times according to your local time zone to plan your moon-gazing adventures.
Future October Full Moons
Curious about the upcoming full moons in October? Here’s a list of the full moon dates for October from 2024 to 2029:
- 2024: Thursday, October 17, 2024, 7:26 AM EDT
- 2025: Monday, October 6, 2025, 11:48 PM EDT
- 2026: Sunday, October 25, 2026, 11:12 PM EDT
- 2027: Friday, October 15, 2027, 9:47 AM EDT
- 2028: Tuesday, October 3, 2028, 12:25 PM EDT
- 2029: Monday, October 22, 2029, 5:28 AM EDT
These dates give you a glimpse into the future full moons and can be a helpful reference for planning future moon-related activities or rituals.
Past October Full Moons
Interested in the full moons that have occurred in October in the past? Here are the full moon dates for October from 2017 to 2022:
- 2022: Sunday, October 9, 2022, 4:55 PM EDT
- 2021: Wednesday, October 20, 2021, 10:57 AM EDT
- 2020: Saturday, October 31, 2020, 9:49 AM EDT (Blue Moon)
- 2020: Thursday, October 1, 2020, 5:05 PM EDT
- 2019: Sunday, October 13, 2019, 5:08 PM EDT
- 2018: Wednesday, October 24, 2018, 12:45 PM EDT
- 2017: Thursday, October 5, 2017, 2:40 PM EDT
Reflecting on past full moons can deepen our understanding and appreciation of the moon’s influence on our lives and the recurring cycles of nature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Number of Full Moons in October 2023
In 2023, there will be one full moon in October, which is the Full Hunter’s Moon. It will occur on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at 4:24 PM EDT or 8:24 PM UTC.
Future Full Moon Calendars
If you’re interested in knowing when the full moon will occur for the rest of the year, you can refer to future full moon calendars. These calendars provide a comprehensive overview of the full moons in each month and can help you plan your moon observations and rituals.
By exploring the various aspects of the October full moon, such as its nicknames, moon phases, and astronomical significance, we can deepen our connection with the lunar cycles and gain a greater appreciation for the beauty and mystery of the moon. So mark your calendars, gather your lunar-inspired activities, and prepare to embrace the enchanting energy of the October full moon in 2023!
