Corn Moon
The September full moon of gathering, for gratitude, reaping rewards and finishing what you began.
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Where the name comes from
Corn Moon is one of the traditional North American full moon names popularized by the Old Farmer's Almanac, which gathered them from Algonquin and other Native American sources and from colonial American usage. The name points to the corn harvest, gathered in late summer and early autumn across much of North America. In most years the September full moon is also the Harvest Moon, because it falls closest to the autumn equinox. In years when October's full moon is closer to the equinox, the September moon keeps the name Corn Moon. Another traditional name sometimes used for it is the Barley Moon, for the grain harvested at the same season.
Corn Moon magick
In the Northern Hemisphere the Corn Moon shines over full fields and the first cool evenings. Its themes are gathering, gratitude, reward and completion. This is a good full moon for finishing projects you started in spring, for counting your blessings honestly, and for prosperity work rooted in what you have already earned. It also supports community and sharing, since harvest was never meant to be done alone. Look at what your efforts have produced this year. Some crops will be generous and others thin, and both carry lessons. Give thanks for all of it and decide what to save for next year.
Southern Hemisphere: In the Southern Hemisphere this full moon falls in early spring, so work with new beginnings, planting and fresh growth instead.
Correspondences
A simple Corn Moon gathering ritual
- Set a yellow candle on a fire-safe dish and place a citrine in front of it. Add an ear of corn, a few grains or a sunflower head. Never leave a burning candle unattended.
- Light a small piece of benzoin resin on a charcoal disc in a heatproof dish, with a window open, or use benzoin incense instead.
- Light the candle and list out loud what you have accomplished since spring, both large and small.
- Hold the citrine and choose one unfinished task you will complete before the year ends. Speak it as a promise to yourself.
- Snuff the candle when you are done. Save a few sunflower seeds or grains in a small jar on your altar as a token of your harvest.
Journal prompts
- What have I gathered in this year that I am proud of?
- Which project am I ready to finish before winter?
- What seeds from this harvest do I want to save for next year?
Corn Moon dates
Shown in your time zone.
- Sun, Sep 3, 2028, 7:48 PM ETMicromoon in Pisces
- Mon, Sep 1, 2031, 5:21 AM ETCorn Moon in Pisces
- Fri, Sep 5, 2036, 2:46 PM ETCorn Moon in Pisces
- Fri, Sep 2, 2039, 3:24 PM ETCorn Moon in Pisces