The mourning moon of November 🌰
Releasing what has been, preparing my home for the season, and settling in for a long winter's rest
I prefer winter and fall, when you feel the bone structure of the landscape-the loneliness of it, the dead feeling of winter. Something waits beneath it, the whole story doesn't show. - Andrew Wyeth
Hello, you.
And happy new week. We’re in the final days of November now, and tonight the next to last full moon of the year shines over us. I feel that I am at the crossroads of winter. The Thanksgiving turkey has been eaten, the holiday season has officially kicked off in my home, and it is time to soak in the last moments of this dark, cozy, melancholic November before December begins.
I love a good ending and beginning. And the energy around full moons is always just that. It’s a sense of fullness, completion, and release. November’s full moon just may be the epitome of that, in my opinion.
During this time of year, animals are busy creating their dens and spaces that will keep them warm and cozy all winter long. Whether they hibernate or not, all of the forest and woodland and field critters need to put their finishing touches and preparations on gathering all they need for the next few cold, dark months.
In pagan times, this full moon, on the cusp and beginning of winter, was known as the mourning moon. It was a practical time to finish up all preparations before the hard winter set in. A time to let go and release.
I love that. And I think it feels like an absolutely perfect match for closing out moody, melancholic November.
It’s not so much a sad moon, this mourning moon, but a reflective one. Now, at the end of the month and as we move into December, closer to the winter solstice, and the holiday season, this full moon gives us a moment to reflect. On one of these last dark, cold November nights, why not spend a bit of time in mourning? That is, create a little space to let go of past troubles, disappointments, and grief, and look forward to a new season and soon, a new year.
Perhaps this full moon nudges us to do the same. To tie up the loose ends we have before 2023 comes to a close. And to shift indoors to take up residence in the warm glow of our holiday homes. To dive deep into a reflective time as the days grow even shorter until the winter solstice. Or to put the final touches on our own homes, as we prepare for winter. Stacking up on candles and firewood, pulling out the chunky sweaters and cozy blankets, gathering the hearty foods that will warm and nourish us all season long.
We may also set aside extra time, by candlelight, to write and journal and reflect and plan. These deep dark days are perfect for creativity and inspiration and magic. Perhaps, we gather around the table, warm mulled wine in our hands, and tell stories and talk of dreams. Or spend time alone with our oracle cards and tarot cards, discovering the messages our souls reveals to us. And, of course, the mystery of the darkness allows us to feel the presence of loved ones who have passed on feel perhaps a tiny bit closer.
But, more than anything, as November comes to a close and the mourning moon shines overhead, personally, I feel ready to put to rest the things that I have outgrown. It is time to bid farewell to the things that I no longer have room for in my life. To soak in the lessons that I have learned this year, and to let them alchemize and become a part of my story. And then, perhaps I scatter their ashes and plant them deep within the earth’s wintery ground. To die and rest and rise again into something new come spring.
What are you letting go of as you bid farewell to November? What do you want to release as we move into the last few weeks of the year? Is there anything you want to bury into the wintery earth? Or are their preparations still to be made to make your home cozy and warm and ready for winter’s chill?
There’s time still. Use this week, inspired by the mourning moon, to prepare and release and settle in for a long winter’s rest.
Warm full moon blessings.
xoxo. liz.
Really enjoyed reading this post.I'm really feeling the pull the let go and release at this time of year, and just to simplify things I guess. I realise that I've been trying to do too much, which has been a blessing to realise this as I can start to let go of the 'shoulds' and just focus on the things I want to do instead. I guess it's about trusting my gut and intuition more too. I'm going to re-read this post and journal around what you've talked about too, to give me more clarity.