Reed Moon

October 26 - November 24

Gender Association: Feminine

Planetary Ruler: Pluto

Animal Association: Hound

Ruling Deity: Pwyll

Magical Properties: Moon of the Home; Hearth Moon; Winter Moon; Moon which Manifests Truth Fertility; Protection; Love; Family Concerns, Wisdom, scholarship, fearlessness, destiny

The celebration of Samhain now known as Halloween, occurs during the Reed Moon. To the Celts this month hailed the end of the year, a time to cull the livestock and to connect with the ancestors. All around the world festivals that honor the dead are celebrated. During the Reed Moon, light a candle for loved ones who have died and you may receive a message from the spirit world.

The Reed Moon is a good time to use divination to gain insights into the year that has passed. Perform spells that will release old energy and burn symbols of illness and negativity in your bonfire on Halloween. Remember the Celtic year does not begin until the Winter Solstice, so use this interval to dream, not to make plans for the future.

The Haunting Sound Of Reed

In the past, the reed was used to make swift-flying arrow shafts that slew both enemies and game. In this way the plant was linked to the season of death and sacrifice, in which trees shed their leaves and the energy of nature became more introspective. Many early musical instruments also used the reed to create a haunting sound that has been connected to rites for the dead and the summoning of spirits.

Wind Instruments

Modern-day wind instruments have developed from the same principle used by original reed instruments, whereby a current of air is vibrated to produce a melodic sound. Other traditional uses for reed include thatching. Rooftops were thatched with reeds, and as the Celts withdrew into their homes for the winter they honored the plant that gave them shelter, making the reed a symbol of royalty and protection.

Ancestor Spirit Altar

Use this ancestral ritual to connect with your ancestors and other loved ones who have crossed to the spirit world. You will need:

*Ancestral images

*Three white candles

*Flowers

First place the ancestral images on a table, with the flowers and candles. Light each candle in turn and offer a prayer in turn and offer a prayer after each in the following order:

Candle One -

"I honor the Ancestors of my blood."

Candle Two -

"I honor the Ancestors of my heart."

Candle Three -

"I honor the Ancestors of my tradition."

Meditate, letting images peacefully drift through your mind, and ask for a sign that your loved ones are still with you in spirit.

Protection Charm

Use this reed charm to protect yourself from negativity. You will need:

*Freshly cut reed

*A black ribbon

1) Visualize yourself within a circle of white light.

2) Tie a knot in a freshly cut reed, as it will be more flexible, and then say: "Royal reed, plant of my protection, keep me safe until the new year."

3) Suspend the knotted reed from the ceiling using the black ribbon.

4) At Christmas or Yule, take it down and burn it.

Samhain Reed Spell

If you need help in letting go of something from your past, use a little reed magic at Samhain (October 31st). You will need:

*Knife

*Pen

*Sea salt

*Matches

*Fireproof dish

1) Go to a spot along the river bank where reeds grow tall and strong.

2) Sprinkle sea salt on the surface of the water and say, "River of birth, river of death, I honor you. Please accept this offering."

3) Now choose a reed, cut it, and carefully draw a symbol, or write a word, to represent what you wish to release on the reed.

4) Light the reed in the fireproof dish and, as it burns, visualize the old energy being transformed into light and disappearing.

5) Once the reed has burned away, pour the ashes into the water and walk away, feeling fully cleansed of the past.

Traditional Magic

Try bringing some reed magic into your life with these traditional rituals.

*Leap over a small bonfire to leave behind the old year.

*Eat an apple on Samhain at midnight to dream of your spirit guide.

*Carve out a turnip or pumpkin as a lantern of protection.

*Bury an apple at a crossroads as an offering to the spirits of the dead.

*Use the runes for divination or to gain insight into your current situation.

Source: Mind Body Spirit