The hunter's moon, full moon drumming in October

The spiritual significance of the hunter's moon is focused on inner work and self-reflection. It is a moment when we look back at our ancestors and the lessons they can teach us.

The earliest use of the term hunter's mooncited in the Oxford English Dictionary dates back to 1710. Some sources suggest that other names for the Hunter's Moon include the sanguine or blood moon which is associated with either the blood from the hunt or the color of the changing autumn leaves. The name for the October full moon dates back to European and Native American traditions before industrialization, when it indicated the time when people went hunting to prepare for the coming winter, including butchering and preserving meat for the cold months ahead. At this time, animals begin to overeat and fatten up for the winter, making them the best for humans to hunt and eat. And since farmers had just cleaned their fields under the harvest moon, hunters could easily see the deer and other animals scavenging through the leftovers (as well as the foxes and wolves stalking them). This full moon serves as an indicator and also provides a brighter sky: better lighting to see the prey. It's the best time of year to hunt, as in most areas the harsh winter weather has not yet set in, making hunting easier.

The hunter's moon was a very important feast day in Europe as well as for many Native American tribes. Unfortunately, the tradition of celebrating the Hunter's Moon was lost around 1700, but its spirit lives on in historical re-enactments such as the Feast of the Hunter's Moon or even the Feast of Candy, which is celebrated by trick-or-treaters everywhere on Halloween is enjoyed by trick-or-treaters everywhere.

(The information here comes from: moongiant.com, factsite.com, almanac.com, and timeanddate.com)

Full moon drumming as a ritual

Since 1997, we at feeltone have been drumming for 2.5 - 3 hours every month during the full moon. Either outside by the campfire or inside. Always in a circle and connected to the time quality of the moon.

For us, this is like meditation, which is also practiced worldwide. The purpose of both is similar: it's about pausing and stopping individuality for a moment. We create our realities through our thinking and get caught up in them all too quickly. That's why it's good to stop thinking from time to time. In this way, the brain waves experience new paths and solutions. Afterwards, we are refreshed, calmer and better connected.

Taking part is very simple

Take whatever instruments you can find (including your voice!) and simply make noises - either alone or with friends. It doesn't matter how well you play - all you need to do is create a groove and get into the rhythm of the world's heartbeat.

We are touched by the stories of many of you who have begun to participate in this monthly global community. Feel free to write a comment below this post about what your ritual was like.

Build your own ritual drum

If you want to unleash the power of your own drum, you can build and consecrate your own ritual drum with Martina in the drum making course. Or you can order adrum kit from our store and build your own drum at home.