The Hunter’s Moon in October 2024 is set to occur on October 17th, which is the full moon following the Harvest Moon (usually in September). The Hunter’s Moon is a traditional name given to the first full moon after the autumnal equinox and after the Harvest Moon, and it historically signified the time when people would prepare for winter by hunting and preserving meat. In this article I’ve prepared a new spread aligned with the energy of the October’s Full Moon. It is called “Are You Ready for Hunting?” This Tarot spread provides a clear roadmap for approaching any goal or challenge, emphasizing action and preparation, which aligns with the energy of the Hunter’s Moon—when it’s time to go after what you need, with precision and strategy, to succeed.
Why is October’s Full Moon called the Hunter’s Moon?
The name Hunter’s Moon is rooted in ancient traditions. After the harvest season, fields would be cleared, and with the open land, it was easier to spot game such as deer or other animals, which would be hunted for food. The bright moon provided additional light at night, helping hunters track and capture prey. The period after the Harvest Moon was also a key time to store up supplies for the coming winter, making hunting an important activity.
Hunter’s Moon Spread: “Are You Ready for Hunting?”
“Are You Ready for Hunting?” is an action-oriented spread, reflecting the essence of the Hunter’s Moon: preparation, focus, and the pursuit of a goal—it is deeply aligned with the themes of preparation, action, and consequences, much like the symbolism of the Hunter’s Moon. This spread can guide you through assessing readiness, taking action, and dealing with the energies surrounding you. This spread contains 5 position, so let’s break them down and see what they represent.
1. What Action Do I Need to Take?
This position reveals the specific action or steps you must take in order to succeed. The card drawn here will highlight the most critical move you need to make at this moment. Whether it is a bold leap forward or a subtle shift in mindset, this card will point out your path.
Example: Drawing the Knight of Wands might suggest you need to act with passion, courage, and speed. It could signal a need for decisive action, chasing your goal with vigor and excitement. On the other hand, if a card like the Two of Swords appears, it could indicate that you need to make a choice, possibly resolving an internal conflict before proceeding.
2. What Will Happen If I Don’t Take Any Action?
This position shows the consequences of inaction. It allows you to see what will unfold if you remain passive or indecisive. The card drawn here helps you understand what is at stake if you don’t move forward, providing insight into potential missed opportunities or stagnation.
Example: If you draw the Four of Cups, it could suggest that by not acting, you will become stuck in a state of apathy or discontent, missing out on new opportunities. If a card like the Ten of Swords appears, it might indicate that avoiding action could lead to painful endings or betrayals.
3. How Am I Going to Prepare for That Action So the Outcome Is Positive?
This position is all about preparation. It explores how you can best get ready for the action you need to take. The card drawn here offers advice on how to cultivate the right mindset, gather resources, or plan strategically so that your efforts lead to a positive outcome.
Example: Drawing the Queen of Pentacles may suggest that you should prepare by grounding yourself, focusing on practical matters, and nurturing your resources. If the Magician appears, it could indicate that preparation involves honing your skills, using your willpower, and aligning your talents to manifest success.
4. What Energies Will Help Me Achieve a Positive Outcome?
This card represents the supportive energies or influences that are available to you. It shows what strengths, external forces, or inner resources you can draw upon to aid you in your pursuit of success. The energies described here can be internal qualities, helpful people, or cosmic forces working in your favor.
Example: If you draw the Ace of Wands, it suggests that creativity, passion, and inspiration are on your side, pushing you toward positive results. If the Strength card appears, it shows that your inner courage, resilience, and determination will guide you to success.
5. What Energies Will Oppose Me Achieving a Positive Outcome?
This position reveals the challenges or obstacles you may face on your path. These energies could be internal doubts, external obstacles, or other forces that may hinder your progress. Understanding these opposing energies helps you prepare for them, allowing you to overcome or mitigate their impact.
Example: Drawing the Five of Wands could indicate that conflict, competition, or scattered energy will oppose your success. If the Devil card appears, it might point to unhealthy attachments, fear, or self-sabotage as the energies working against you.
I truly hope you will find this spread useful. It encourages you to consider what steps you must take (Position 1), while showing the potential consequences of inaction (Position 2), helping you balance risk and reward. I believe it offers guidance on how to best prepare for that action (Position 3) to ensure that you are moving in a direction that will bring positive results. The spread also illuminates the supportive energies available to you (Position 4) and the opposing forces (Position 5), so that you are aware of both the helpers and challenges you will face.
Good luck and I wish you all the best in achieving your goals!