September’s sky has a special kind of mystery. Tonight, the Corn Moon—sometimes called the Reap Moon or Barley Moon—rises bright and full, bathing everything in a silvery glow. As the last full moon before the Fall Equinox, it carries deep meaning for anyone who feels the pull of the seasons, the cycles, and the magic of the harvest.
Why Is It Called the Corn Moon?
Traditionally, this full moon earned its name because it appears during the time when corn, barley, and other crops are ready for gathering. Farmers used the extra light of the moon to work late into the night, bringing in the final harvest before the cooler days of autumn arrived. For centuries, it’s been a marker of both abundance and transition—a perfect reminder that nature’s cycles are never-ending.
The Witchy Energy of the Corn Moon
There’s something undeniably spooky about a bright, glowing moon hanging low in a crisp September sky. The Corn Moon invites us to honor balance: light and dark, work and rest, endings and beginnings. In witchy traditions, this moon is the perfect time to:
- Release what no longer serves you (like the dying stalks after the corn is gathered).
- Manifest abundance for the months ahead.
- Cleanse your space to welcome autumn magic.
- Connect with ancestors—this moon whispers reminders of the thinning veil.
As the shadows grow longer, the Corn Moon feels like a doorway into the season of mystery. Light a candle, set intentions, and trust that this night holds more power than most.
Simple Rituals for Tonight
If you’re feeling the pull of the Corn Moon, here are a few small rituals you can try:
- Moon Bathing: Step outside, breathe in the cool night air, and let the glow of the full moon wash over you. Imagine it recharging your energy.
- Harvest Feast: Cook with corn, apples, squash, or pumpkins—foods tied to the harvest season—and share with loved ones.
- Candle Magic: Light a gold or orange candle. As the flame burns, write down one thing you’re letting go of, and one thing you’re calling into your life.
- Divination: Pull a tarot card, toss runes, or simply meditate. Tonight, messages come easier.
The Corn Moon as a Seasonal Turning Point
For me, the Corn Moon feels like the beginning of the spooky season. It’s that whisper in the night that fall is arriving, with its pumpkins, its shadows, and its cozy evenings. If you’ve been waiting to start decorating for Halloween or leaning into that witchy side of yourself, tonight is your sign.
Final Thoughts
The Corn Moon is more than just a pretty sight—it’s a reminder that life moves in cycles. This is a night to honor what’s been harvested in your own life, and to prepare for the darker, more mysterious months ahead. So step outside, breathe deep, and let the Corn Moon’s magic guide you into fall.
Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a true crime junkie and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings and Southern Bred True Crime Junkie. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and fifteen grandchildren.