Historically, people have given seasonal moons their own names, which varied greatly depending on location and culture. Many of these names are preserved to this day — and, as it happens, names from Northern American tribes, picked up by early European settlers, lasted the longest. Originally, these names were used to mark important cyclic events, like Harvest Moon for the September yield season, Hunter’s for the October hunting season, or November’s Beaver Moon, marking the need to set beaver traps and stock up on fur for winter.
However, lunar cycles also have a spiritual meaning besides a purely practical side. So, let’s find out what important traditions are tied to the Beaver Moon, what is the spiritual significance of this time, and which rituals can help one tune in for success during Beaver Moon 2024, which starts on Nov 1 and reaches its most potent full phase on Nov 15.
What is the spiritual significance of the Beaver Moon?
Beaver Moon’s spiritual meaning is, first of all, about preparation for the long winter months. This is not the time for quiet reflection, though — it’s the period to wrap up your affairs and make sure you have all the resources to wait out the coming winter slumber. While the main spiritual emphasis is on endurance, this period is also associated with effort — you have to work hard now to reap the rewards of your toils later.
From an astrological perspective, Beaver Moon 2024 is under the sign of Taurus, which further strengthens the message of aspiring for comfort, stability, and security. One should make use of this time to reinforce one’s foundations — both material and spiritual ones — and prepare for the challenges ahead. In other words, this is a good time to take a good critical look at your relationships, career, or other affairs to determine weak areas that call for improvement — the time to act is now!
What is the folklore of the Beaver Moon?
Expectedly, the folklore of the Beaver Moon is penetrated with themes of resilience, survival, and perseverance. Besides, every plenilune phase traditionally marks the end of something old and the beginning of something new, emphasising the cyclic nature of life. Some of the Beaver moon traditions in North American culture include a combination of activities associated with the previous moon phases – final harvest (even though its peak time is in September) and final hunts, with their high season in October. November offers an opportunity to finish those, too – along with wrapping up other winter preparations.
Other folklore tales speak of a connection between the physical and spiritual worlds, and during full moon phases, the barriers between these worlds become thinner. Considering that Beaver Moon 2024 will also be a supermoon — that is, a phenomenon when our satellite approaches the planet at its closest and appears larger than usual, the connection to the world of spirits is also stronger.
And while established space news resources, including the website that covers the latest space news Orbital Today, explain that there is no scientific evidence proving the link between moon phases and human health, they also acknowledge the fact that our psychological ‘tune’ can affect our moods and well-being. In this regard, Beaver Supermoon 2024 could also become a time for prophetic dreams — or, scientifically speaking, tuning up to the subconscious messages from our inner selves.
What to do on the Beaver Moon?
Since you’re unlikely to set any beaver traps to stock up on winter furs, is there anything else you could do to tune into the Beaver Moon energy? As you have probably guessed from the spiritual meaning of this last autumn phase, it is the right time to look back and make sure your affairs are in perfect order for the upcoming winter period. This also includes a potential reevaluation of career or personal goals because November finalises the transition period into a new stage, which will only be successful if you prepare the ground for this change.
Here are some notable Beaver Moon rituals that can help you get in the right mood:
- Organise and declutter your home, pretty much like beavers work on their dams to get them ready for winter;
- Set long-term goals, especially the ones that require some effort and perseverance on your part, because the patronage of a diligent beaver may yet help you achieve those;
- Spend more time in nature because these are the last non-frosty days of the year and a perfect opportunity to think about your goals and ambitions, as well as things that won’t let you come forward with your plans.
Any of these rituals can help you strengthen the spiritual message of the Beaver Moon, but even if the sheer magic alone will not work, the time you spend planning, decluttering, and enjoying the fresh autumn air will not go to waste. After all, this is what the meaning of any plenilune is truly about – taking a moment to reflect, let go of the old, and get ready to embrace the new.
Author: Emma Thorpe