There’s something magical about fall. As the nights grow longer and the air turns crisp, our thoughts begin to shift inward. It’s a more contemplative, nurturing energy than the heydays of summer, so it’s the perfect time for deepening spiritual and self-care practices. Enter the full moon ritual.
Humans have long celebrated and even planned their lives around the phases of the moon. Without modern electricity, a full moon meant you could work or gather longer into the evening thanks to its benevolent glow. Nowadays, it’s much easier to sequester ourselves from the natural world. We huddle around our television screens like the hearth of a fire and let the days slide by in a flurry of to-do lists and chores. A full moon is a chance to slow down, reflect, and remind ourselves that we do not exist separately from the universe; we are a part of it.
“A full moon is a chance to slow down, reflect, and remind ourselves that we do not exist separately from the universe; we are a part of it.”
There are (usually) 12 full moons a year, three of which will occur in autumn. In the guide below, we’ll explore what makes these autumn full moons especially potent, the historical significance of each moon, and how you can channel its unique energy for self-care and celebration. 🌝
(Even more moon-curious? Learn how your menstrual cycle can align with the moon phases, or how to set intentions during the next supermoon on October 6, 2025.)
What’s the significance of the full moon?
For thousands of years, the moon has swayed human life. Full moons have historically marked time via lunar calendars, which were vital for both agriculture and hunting. It is believed that the first of these calendars was developed some 30,000 years ago, when ancient people would track each full moon by marking it on animal bones.
“Throughout folklore, a full moon has long been linked to fertility, divinity, emotions, and transformation.”
The moon’s gravitational pull also influences tides, leading to the widespread (though scientifically inconclusive) belief that it affects human behavior and health. Throughout folklore, a full moon has long been linked to fertility, divinity, emotions, and transformation.
Across continents and centuries, the story is the same: When the moon is full, people gather. Witches were said to commune and cast spells under the full moon. Ancient Egyptians used full moon rituals to seek spiritual clarity. Celtic practitioners gathered for storytelling, dances, and bonfires. People use the full moon to feast, pray, dance, and connect, all in search of that magical energy that turns the oceans and lights the night.
The full moons of autumn
In autumn, there are three full moons. Thanks to centuries of moon lovers before us, each full moon has a poetic and seasonally indicative name. Many of these names were coined by Indigenous tribes centuries ago, though some are Celtic or European in origin. These names speak to what is ripening, what is needed, and what is sacred in that month.
“The full moons of fall are especially potent because they carry the weight of transition.”
The full moons of fall are especially potent because they carry the weight of transition.
“Unlike the energetic growth of spring or the high vitality of summer, autumn full moons reflect a turning point,” says Janet Rae Orth, a Tucson-based Intuitive Life Coach & Clairvoyant. “They mark the gathering in, endings that feed beginnings, of the conscious shift from outward expansion to inward reflection.”
September: The Corn Moon
In September, we have the Corn Moon. During this period, crops have ripened and are ready for harvest. This signals a season of abundance and gratitude. As we begin the transition into fall, this moon inspires us to gather all we can of summer’s magic before the Earth grows quiet, whether that’s food, resources, or days spent soaking up the sun.
In 2025, the Full Corn Moon rises on Sunday, September 7.
October: The Harvest Moon
The Harvest Moon is the full moon that’s closest to the Fall Equinox. In 2025, this comes in October. “The Harvest Moon is special in that it rises immediately after sunset for several nights in a row, giving extended hours of moonlight, brighter and more prolonged than any other full moon of the year,” explains Orth. “Historically, this extra light allowed farmers to harvest their crops well into the night, making it the quintessential ‘harvest’ moon.”
In 2025, the Full Harvest Moon rises on Monday, October 6. This special lunation is a time for gathering, celebration, feasting, and preparing for the colder months. It’s also going to be a supermoon this year!
November: The Beaver Moon
In November, the Beaver Moon marks a time of rest and inner reflection. As the winter slowly begins to take hold, there is one final month of essential hunting. Other names for the November moon speak to the early onsets of winter: First Snow Moon, Little Winter Moon, etc.
In 2025, the Full Beaver Moon rises on Wednesday, November 5. This moon signals the final preparations before winter. It reflects our instinct to turn inward, conserve energy, and prepare for the long nights ahead.
Full moon rituals for this fall
Full moons in the spring and summer often signal growth, fertility, and outward expansion. They align with long days, abundant crops, and the joy of movement. But the full moons of autumn invite us inward, calling us to slow down, reflect, and tend to the quiet work of the spirit.
“The full moons of autumn invite us inward, calling us to slow down, reflect, and tend to the quiet work of the spirit.”
I selected the rituals below specifically for the full moons of autumn. To make the most of your full moon ritual, start with a few moments of meditation before anything. Take a moment to close your eyes, deepen your breath, and tap into what this season means for you, how it’s manifesting for you in this moment, and why you chose the practice you did.
Afterward, take a few moments to journal on your experience and how it made you feel.
Attend a local fair or community gathering
Full moons were often celebrated in community — a far cry from the shrouded, mysterious air we sometimes give them today. During early fall, these communal celebrations are abundant. County fairs, farmers’ markets, and other community festivals are a wonderful way to honor the harvest spirit. Get together with friends or your partner and load up on candied apples, popcorn, and lemonade under the hazy September sun. Allow yourself to be fully present with those around you and prioritize joy.
Make a summer scrapbook
Use the final breaths of summer to catch up on everything you’ve done this season. Odds are, it’s a lot more than you think! You could make this low-fuss by simply looking back through your photos, perhaps reminiscing with your friends or partner over a glass of wine. If you’re feeling more crafty, print out some of your favorite images, paste them in a journal or scrapbook, and take a moment to write about your experiences and what you’re grateful for. If you set intentions at the beginning of the year, this is a great time to look back and see how far you’ve come in achieving your goals.
Make moon water
This ancient ritual turned TikTok trend is a moon magic fan-favorite. It’s particularly appealing for autumn, as it allows us to harness the festive spirit of harvest season and carry it with us in the challenging winter months.
To make moon water, fill a clean container with spring water or filtered tap water. Glass mason jars are a great option, but a sterling silver container is more traditional, associated with the moon, and is believed to enhance energy collection. To honor the harvest, you could also add some corresponding plants like sage, chamomile, or sunflowers. At night, place your water in a spot where it’ll be directly exposed to the moonlight. When you wake, make sure to retrieve it early in the morning.
For our purposes here, I suggest transferring your moon water to a small mist bottle. Add some essential oils of frankincense, neroli, or bergamot, and maybe even a few small crystals. You now have a lovely room or body spray to help you reconnect to the abundance of the harvest season whenever you need it.
Host a Harvest Moon feast
In traditional Harvest Moon fashion, you could get together with friends and loved ones for a special feast. Serve seasonal food and produce like pumpkin soup, fresh berries, apple pie, or a harvest salad. Gather under dusk and share your meal over fond memories of the past year and the bounty of a plentiful Earth. End with a special bonfire, perhaps inviting everyone to write down one thing they’d like to release to the full moon, and toss it into the fire.
Connect with your ancestors
Autumn is a time of deep connection with the spirit world and our ancestors. Samhain (the traditional Pagan celebration that inspires Halloween) is all about honoring those who have come before us. This coincides beautifully with our Beaver Moon.
In practice, this can be a more intensive experience, like creating an altar to honor lost loved ones or working through past family grievances. Both are lofty but noteworthy endeavors. Alternatively, this can also be a much more straightforward, lighthearted practice. Take a day to spend quality time with family, prompting them to share childhood stories and cherished memories. This simple act of communal storytelling can be incredibly healing and bonding.
Shadow work
Shadow work refers to the process of bringing awareness to the parts of ourselves we tend to keep hidden. This “shadow” can include fears, memories, emotions, learned behaviors, and limiting beliefs formed from past experiences. These are the things we may not consciously acknowledge, but can affect our lives in powerful ways. The meaning of shadow work is to recognize these inner elements and work with them compassionately, ultimately helping us to lead more authentic and empowered lives.
Starting shadow work can be intimidating, but journaling on a few reflective questions can help guide the journey. “What emotions or memories am I resisting?” “What beliefs do I hold about myself that I might be afraid to let go of?” “What habits or patterns do I want to break but feel stuck in?” 🌝
Are you planning to celebrate the full moons this fall? Let us know in the comments what rituals and practices you’re looking forward to.
Sierra Vandervort is a writer and yoga teacher based in Portland, Oregon. When she’s not writing about wellness, culture, or travel, you can find her at a concert, reading a good book, or hiking in the beautiful PNW. Say hi on Instagram or Substack!
The post How To Create A Full Moon Ritual This Fall appeared first on The Good Trade.