The moon appears every night and every day, each looking the same, but the truth is there are different kinds of moons. Have you ever wondered why you sometimes see a full moon and sometimes look up at night and notice a half moon? Do you know that there are different kinds of full moon? Have you ever heard of the harvest moon? Well, you are just about to learn.
Why the Harvest Moon Shines Brightest for Farmers
The harvest moon is a kind of moon that lights up the sky whenever it appears. It has a bright orange glow, making the night beautiful and bright. The harvest moon usually occurs every September or sometimes October, but it always aligns with the Autumnal Equinox, occurring at most two weeks before or after. All full moon appear at sunset, but the harvest moon has a peculiar character, and that is the fact that there is no darkness between the sunset and the rise of the harvest moon. It got its name not only for its brightness but majorly for its strategic arrival, which falls precisely when the farmers harvest their summer crop, hence the name “Harvest Moon”!
September’s Full Moon Stands Out in the Sky
The harvest moon is more prominent, brighter, and colorful than the usual moon we see daily. This unusual brightness is because the moon, which is low in the sky, passes through many atmospheric particles. As the moon appears every night, it moves around the earth, moving eastward towards the eclipse. The moon rises for about twenty-five to seventy-five minutes every night. By September, the eclipse meets the horizon at a shallow angle at full moon time. It then moves slightly towards the north. This movement strikes out the normal movement towards the east, which makes September’s full moon shallow. The harvest moon arises when we are beginning to get shorter days and longer nights; it lasts about twenty minutes a night and constantly reappears for a few days before disappearing again.
Life, Work, and Reflection Under the Harvest Moon
The harvest moon has some deep spiritual meaning, as many believe. It was generally believed that the harvest moon signifies a change of season, so when it comes, it casts some light on the life of people and makes them aware of their present, think of the past, and plan for the future. The harvest moon somehow creates an opportunity for people to do a lot of soul-searching and reflection. It also signifies a transition from one stage in life to another. It is believed by astrologers that the harvest moon also signifies life and work. The moon’s light is also said to help people align themselves physically and mentally. Individuals can sit up during a harvest moon and set intentions or make decisions with a clear mind and better perspectives.
Why don’t you plan the harvest moon this time for a better activity than just watching? You might make the best decision of your life.