The Promise Moon

This is a time for Prophecy.

This moon requires use of the forethought and far-seeing skills necessary to deciding what to keep and what to discard as we enter the dark uncertainty of survival through the season to come. In the calendar system we have provided as an example, this moon is frequently known as the the Promise Moon. This name reflects the promise of renewal, regeneration and rebirth awaiting us on the other side of the "death" represented by winter.

In many other belief systems there are already time-honored traditions for the establishment of a calendar. We have encluded a few examples here for you to consider.

In the Celtic Tree Calendar the wheel of the year the name of this moon is Gort (Ivy) which runs from September 30th through October 27th.

The Runic Calendar of Nordic traditions, (which is governed by half months rather than full months), divides this moon of the year by Ken (Illumination) from September 13th through September 27th, and Gyfu (Gift) from September 28th through October 12th.

The Goddess Calendar names this moon of the year after Mala and runs from September 6th through October 2nd.

The American Backwoods Calendar refers to this moon of the year as the Hunters Moon and is determined by whichever full moon falls in October.

NOW is the time for prophecy. You already appreciate vitality and the sacrifices which balance it. NOW focus your attention and actions outward to see to the needs of the future. NOW decide what to preserve and what you no longer need. NOW determine the path you follow, and in so doing, also determine the paths which you must abandon. NOW separate what you bear into the coming season from what is an unnecessary burden and should be shed before winter begins.

You may call this the Wine Moon, the Hunters' Moon, the Barley Moon, or the Promise Moon. Whatever the name , you will know it as a time when the energy you have recently channeled into the harvest may be turned to preservation and preparation for the coming season. The waning daylight and growth of darkness with the approach of the Autumnal Equinox is evident. With this turn of the Season Cycle, a final blow completes the sacrifice of the Summer King. Quite simply put... summer dies... The trees lose their leaves... the vines curl and wither in the frost... the growth and fertility of summers' glory fades to await the renewal of spring.

This then, is the time of Atropos, the last of the three fates who cut each thread as it's contribution to the weave of life was completed. Now is the time to cast your gaze fully inward to find and cut the thread of whatever secret regrets you still harbor.

So, with all that information to guide you, think of this moon as the best time to cut the threads of regret, loss, and unhappiness from the pattern you have been weaving in your life.

If you select a personal name for this moon, this name too, should reflect whatever reflects the promise of rebirth, regeneration and future renewal to you.

If you wish to review a completed lunar calendar for this year, please select the icon image to your left labeled "Lunar Calendar".

If you wish to go directly to instructions for creating a lunar calendar of your own using our lunar calendar system, please select the link to your left labeled "Lunar Calendar System".

If you wish to learn more about the individual thirteen moons of a lunar calendar, please use the image links to your left.