Moon Map Gazette - October 2025

Rebecca James
Oct 1
3 min read

Welcome

Welcome, fellow stargazers, to the first issue of our Moon Map Gazette. As autumn deepens and crisp leaves whirl, we embark on a journey through October’s night sky and ancient lore. This inaugural edition celebrates the final harvest and the first whisperings of winter. Light a candle, breathe in the cool autumn air and let the Moon guide you.

Moon Phases & Cosmic Energy

October’s Full Moon is known as the Hunter’s Moon. Traditionally, this was the time when hunters pursued fattened deer and foxes in fields left bare after the harvest. Like the Harvest Moon before it, the Hunter’s Moon rises bright and lingers long, giving extra light for nocturnal pursuits. This year, it peaks on 7th at 04:47 BST under the sign of Aries. Aries, first of the zodiac, burns with cardinal fire; its energy is pioneering, bold and fiercely independent. Let this moon stoke your inner fire - celebrate your achievements and dare to take a courageous step forward.

The Third Quarter Moon arrives on 13th at 19:12 BST. As the light wanes, imagine the trees letting go of their leaves; cleanse, declutter and prepare your inner soil for new seeds.

On 21st at 13:25 BST the New Moon unfolds in Libra. Libra is cardinal air: serene, sociable and devoted to harmony and justice. This dark moon is a sacred pause - a moment to set intentions around balance, beauty and relationship. Envision scales perfectly aligned and plant desires that will blossom in your life and community.

The First Quarter Moon on 29th at 16:20 BST marks the waxing momentum. It’s time to act on your intentions, make decisions and build upon your Libra seeds.

Cosmic & Night‑Sky Highlights

Draconid meteor shower – active 6th–10th; dragon‑fire peaks on the evening of 8th. Best viewed right after dusk.
Orionid meteor shower – active 26 Sept–22 Nov; arrows of light peak in the early hours of 21st under the dark new Moon.
Planetary meet‑ups – Saturn nestles below a nearly full Moon on 5th; Jupiter meets the waning Moon on 14th; Venus glows with a slender crescent before dawn on 19th.
Comet C/2025 A6 (Lemmon) – brushes closest to Earth on 21st and may be glimpsed with binoculars.
Honourable mention – the South and North Taurid meteor showers begin late this month and build toward bright fireballs in early November.

Seasonal & Spiritual Celebrations

Navratri (22 Sept–1) – nine nights of devotion to the many facets of Durga.
Diwali (20–21) – the festival of lights when lamps, candles and lanterns chase away the darkness and welcome prosperity.
Samhain (31) – the final harvest and Celtic New Year. Wiccans believe the veil between this world and the afterlife is at its thinnest, making ancestral connection easier. Honour those who have passed and set intentions for the next turn of the wheel.

Moon Magic – An Invitation to Ritual

Hunter’s Moon Fire & Balance Ritual

At the months beginning, gather apples, rosemary and bay leaves to create a small altar - symbols of harvest, remembrance and protection.
At the full Moon, light a candle at your altar or small bonfire in the garden. Write down achievements and fears you wish to release; burn them to transform old energy. Place the ashes in a small dish on your altar.
At the New Moon, take the items from your altar. Whisper to them your Libra New‑Moon wishes for harmony and beauty and bury your tokens in soil to let your desires take root. Close with a sip of spiced apple cider and a gratitude prayer to your ancestors and guardians.

Lunar Lore & Legends

In ancient Greece, the cycle of the seasons was told through the myth of Persephone. She was abducted by Hades to rule as queen of the Underworld; her mother Demeter—goddess of grain—mourned her absence so deeply that nothing grew. When Persephone returned to the earth, Demeter’s joy brought spring and summer; when she descended again, Demeter’s grief was mirrored in the barrenness of autumn and winter. October’s darkening days recall Persephone’s departure, a reminder that life’s cycles include periods of rest and introspection. Like Persephone, we descend into our inner worlds now, trusting that renewal waits on the far side.

Community & Gatherings

10th – Full‑Moon Sound Ceremony: gather under the Hunter’s Moon with crystal bowls and drums; release, dance and kindle courage.
19th – New‑Moon Sound Ceremony: quiet intention‑setting with gongs and chimes to welcome Libra’s balance.
At home - Bring offerings to your ancestors to your altar on Samhain; light candles, share stories and let the warmth of gratitude carry you into the dark season.

Farewell

Until next month, may the Hunter’s Moon illuminate your path, Aries’ fire inspire your courage and Libra’s air bring you grace. Thank you for being part of our very first Moon Map; we look forward to journeying through the heavens with you again. Blessed be.