In October, the night is longer than the day. The harvest is winding down; people are preparing their homes and their larders for the winter. In Celtic traditions, Samhain (SOW-en), which occurs on October 31st, is the end of the old year, with November 1st being the beginning of the new.

The phrase "Blood Moon" may have referred to animal sacrifices hundreds of years ago. More likely, this was the time when livestock would be slaughtered for food. The word "blood," in some traditions refers to the life force which courses through the Earth and her beings.

 In October, we become aware of a tendency to "nest," rather than exert ourselves, and we stock energy, in the form of food, for the winter. It is also the start of hunting seasons everywhere. It is a time to give thanks for what we have harvested during the year, new friendships, a raise, good fortune, etc. It is also a time to give thanks for the plants and animals that had to die that we might continue to live. It is not a time of guilt, for if nothing had to die, the balance of nature would not be maintained. This is simply a time to acknowledge that we are a part of the natural cycles, and not separate or exempt from their influence

The times of the Waxing and Full Moon are most commonly used for attacting, rather than banishing, energies. This ritual celebrates the life forces which support and nurture us throughout our life.