October’s harvest full moon: You belong among the wildflowers

October is enchanting + mystical. It’s darker + cozier. And it’s filled with natural + spiritual symbols that constantly speak to us about letting go. The growing season is now complete, and it’s time to settle in. To let go of all that has been, to enter into the last part of this year, and to finally turn inward, with our harvest in our arms, so we can gather together all that we need for this next, slow, solitary period of the year.ย  And with October’s full moon, we begin by wondering where we belong.

It is a mysterious month, that starts off with a big, bountiful harvest moon and ends with the celebration of Halloween/All Hallow’s Eve. It’s a month, I believe, that helps us to ponder our place in this world + give thanks for all that has been completed, fulfilled, and gone before. A month for listening to the quiet whispers of nature and of spirit. To consider our own mortality, to listen to the ancient wisdom of the world, and to discover what unique role we have for this next phase in life.

Basically, it feels like October is infused with quiet, cozy inspiring moments meant to help us to prepare to begin again.

But the beginning again is very slow and intentional. It’s not like spring where we feel as if we are bursting with life, eager to get out + get busy. No, October is more somber and solemn. It’s mellow. We’ve not quite slowed down into hibernation, but, instead, we are consciously, mindfully, moving through the actions of our days. Seeing what magic there is to behold. Remembering the messages of surrender + letting go that nature shares with us as the leaves change colors and descend to their resting place on the ground below. Because that’s where they belong right now. That’s the purpose they serve.

And, in all of this, we begin to think about where we belong in the world. How we fit in. What our purpose is. And what lies out there on the horizon for us.

Enter in October’s harvest moon… giving us the perfect opportunity for us to sit with these questions. You know, it’s not so much that full moons have some magical answer that they send down to us. It’s more that they are an obvious, natural, cosmic monthly occurrence which remind us that life moves in cycles. That everything continues to evolve and change.

Full moons are simply good markers to check in with ourselves. To simply look up, remind ourselves to breathe for just a moment, and ponder what is being illuminated in our lives right now. What do we feel right now? What do we need right now? And how do we go forward?

October’s full moon, the harvest moon, gives us a chance to gather all that we have learned + harvested, and think about where we belong, what our purpose is. So, consider taking a few moments to wonder about that in your life. Write in your journal. Take a walk + just breathe + observe. Go out + gaze at the full moon. And just think… where do I belong? What do I have to offer?

If the moon is lovely, but you just don’t know or feel any answers to those questions, then let me share a little something with you by the inspiring, rebellious, true-to-himself artist, Tom Petty, who passed away a few days ago.

There is a song of his, maybe not his most well-known track, that spoke to me, at just the right time, years + years ago. Like yeaaaaaars ago. I’m talking 20+. In any case, the song, “Wildflowers”, inspired me to embrace who I am. Somehow the sweet little tune gave me a sense of empowerment. It reminded me that I am meant to live the life that I dream of… that we all are. Something about the song captured my spirit in lyrics + music. It awakened and affirmed those feeling of longing to be free + wild, and to to live a deeply content, connected, and meaningful life. That life is really about all of those simple, authentic moments. And, each of us are meant to live out our truth.

And so, on this full harvest moon day in October, as we enter this slow, dark season, calling us to ponder who we are, why we are here, and what power we have to share with the world, “Wildflowers” seems to do it again for me. I haven’t thought about this song in many, many years; and somehow, it landed on my heart just this week. And, once again, it’s mellow tune tells me to just be me. To simply embrace the simple greatness that is this life, to listen to my heart, and to be happy + free.

That’s what this moon is saying to us. Slow down. Listen. Embrace. Be free. And share who you are with the world.

Read the lyrics and listen to this cover in the YouTube video below. And then listen to Tom Petty’s version rightย โ†’ here. See what you think. And how you feel.

Wildflowers
You belong among the wildflowers
You belong in a boat out at sea
Sail away, kill off the hours
You belong somewhere you feel free
Run away, find you a lover
Go away somewhere all bright and new
I have seen no other
Who compares with you
You belong among the wildflowers
You belong in a boat out at sea
You belong with your love on your arm
You belong somewhere you feel free
Run away, go find a lover
Run away, let your heart be your guide
You deserve the deepest of cover
You belong in that home by and byย 
You belong among the wildflowers
You belong somewhere close to me
Far away from your trouble and worries
You belong somewhere you feel free
You belong somewhere you feel free

And should you ever find yourself doubting if, or where, you belong again. Look up at the moon + remember that you belong among the wildflowers.

Mystical harvest moon blessings, wild ones. xoxo. liz.

5 thoughts on “October’s harvest full moon: You belong among the wildflowers

  1. What a lovely rendition on that song. Thanks for posting it here. You know I’ve said we don’t have the same taste in music. but you were listening to some song on Spotify the other day. I checked it out and really liked it. I wanted to tell you and now I can’t remember what it was, of course! I do like folk music, but it just seems to be a different type than your preference. Yours are usually quite mellow and I do love that aspect.

    On another note, I had no idea that we had a full moon so that’s for the heads up. You write so well and I always feel transported to some other place. It’s really nice. Have you ever considered writing for Elephant Journal? Your style of writing would go well there. Have a great day!

    1. Oooo, I’m so glad you liked it! Over the past day, I’ve found quite a few different beautiful covers of it! Haha. I’m glad that you like one of the songs I was listening to. Wonder what it was. ๐Ÿ™‚ And, yes, I am pretty heavy into folk music. I think it’s because it reminds me of my roots, of North Carolina, and home. Plus, I’m pretty much a consistently mellow person. ๐Ÿ˜‰

      Glad that you found out about the full moon here! Yay! And, thank you so much for such an incredible compliment. Wow. I love Elephant Journal and have pondered submitting something there, but just never do. Your comment has given me pause… a chance to really think through actually doing it. Thank you so very much!!

      Good luck studying! I think I read somewhere that you’ve got a lot going on right now! xoxo

  2. Yes, I do have a lot going on. I’ve been adjusting to my son not being here since he’s going to college where his dad lives. Also, I’ve had to adjust to some medication changes for my mental health. Those types of med changes are never easy and I’ve been doing this while trying to keep up with 4 classes.

    You should definitely consider submitting to Elephant Journal, if that interests you. You are certainly a great enough writer. Let me know if you do decide to! I’d like to do that some day but I’ve got to come out of my shell and blog first. I think taking photos intimidates me because I don’t go many places. Maybe that would give me a good reason to do so! xo

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