Cancel any plans you have tonight: Did you know tonight’s the Harvest Moon? Take a peek outside, sit on your porch with a glass of wine and a cozy blanket, and take in the sight of a gorgeous Harvest Moon.
Why is it called the Harvest Moon?
Every fall (for the Nothern Hemisphere) and for several evenings, the moon will rise just after sunset. Due to the reflection of light from the sun, the moon will be abundantly bright, very early in the evening. Historically, before the invention of electric lights, this extra light was incredibly helpful to farmers harvesting their summer crops. That’s why it’s called a “Harvest” Moon! The light of the moon allowed farmers to keep harvesting, despite the dwindling daylight hours.
The name “Harvest Moon” was also popularized in the early 20th century by the song Shine On Harvest Moon:
Shine On Harvest Moon
By Nora Bayes and Jack Norworth (1903)
Shine on, shine on harvest moon
Up in the sky,
I ain’t had no lovin’
Since January, February, June or July
Snowtime ain’t no time to stay
Outdoors and spoon,
So shine on, shine on harvest moon,
For me and my gal.
What makes the Harvest Moon different?
The Harvest Moon is the full moon closest to the autumnal equinox when the sun sets just as the moon rises in the Nothern Hemisphere. Because the Harvest Moon rises right after sunset several nights in a row, the moon appears to be much bigger and brighter in the sky. In 2019 the Harvest Moon occurs tonight, September 13th! Look for it shortly after sunset, and watch the show!
The Harvest Moon also carries a powerful mystique because of its size and orange color. But the orange color of the moon is actually due to the fact that you’re looking through a greater thickness of Eath’s atmosphere than when you look directly up.
The fact that the moon looks bigger is actually a different visual trick called the Moon Illusion, and we still don’t know quite how it works, adding to the mysticism of the illusion.
Harvest Moon Essential Oil Blend
Celebrate this gorgeous natural even with Plant Therapy’s Harvest Moon fall blend! Reminiscent of freshly fallen autumn leaves crunching below your feet on a crisp fall morning. Bergamot provides a subtle hint of sweetness and Cedarwood amps up the woodsy forest aroma. Fir Needle and Juniper Berry give this blend a crisp, clean mountain air feel, while Cardamom shines through bringing a warmth to the blend. Together, these oils can help to ease congestion during times of seasonal illness and soothe sore muscles due to overexertion.
Harvest Moon Salve
What you’ll need:
- ¼ cup of Almond Carrier Oil
- 2 tbsp of Beeswax Pearls
- 45-50 drops of Harvest Moon blend
- Half-pint jar
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What you’ll do:
Place the metal band from the jar in the bottom of a pan of water, and then place your half-pint jar on it. Melt completely, stirring occasionally. Carefully remove from the heat and stir in 45-50 drops of Harvest Moon. Allow the salve to fully cool with the lid on to prevent the oils from evaporating. This salve can be rubbed on the chest to clear congestion or onto sore muscles.
And be sure to check out our blog post on what else you should be diffusing this fall!
