The Barley Moon

It's the full moon, and the February full moon goes by many names, Grain, Sturgeon, Red, Wyrt, Corn, Dog,  and Barley Moon.

The name Sturgeon comes from the North American fishing tribes due to the Sturgeon's being in abundance this time of year. In other parts it is known as the red moon due to the red colouring it takes on due to the summer haze.

In Anglo-Saxon culture it is referred to as the Grain Moon and this is due to when the first grain and fruit harvests of the season began and that mid-summer has been reached. Time to start preparing for the cooler months ahead.

It is a time of celebration with the Pagan festival for Lammas also celebrated around this time, it is where we give thanks for the abundance of the harvests.

The Barley moon is important as grain holds the mysteries and cycles of life, death and rebirth. Each kernel represents the first grain ever grown and it renews itself each year.

By celebrating the Barley moon we remind ourselves that we too are descended from the first two humans, and that their blood fills our veins, sustaining and energising us.

Ways to celebrate the Barley Moon.

Dress in shades that represent the harvest, yellow-gold, tan and warm brown.

Use yellow-gold candles and burn full moon incense - anise, lavender and rosemary.

Decorate your alter with paper chains, photos of your ancestors, and wheat or other grains from the season.

Write a thank you note or a letter of gratitude to your ancestors and burn it with the incense letting the smoke carry your message to the ancestors.

Happy Barley Moon.