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The Divine Feminine and the Promise of the Hunter’s Moon

By Robert McDowell

By the time the Full Moon rose over ancient cultures at the end of October, the harvest had usually been completed, leaving the fields wide open and stubbly. Leaf-dropping trees stood stripped and starkly skeletal under this brilliant moon, which illuminated deer, wild boar, foxes, and other animals as they foraged in the fields for leftover nuts, fruit, vegetables, and grains. Hunter-gatherers welcomed this time of year, and this helpful moon, for its promise of abundant and reasonably easy hunting. Appropriately, they referred to their beacon above as the “Full Hunter’s Moon” (or “Blood,” or “Sanguine Moon”).

Their work was urgent, for winter was fast approaching, and woe to the community that failed to stock its larder with enough food to survive the freezing months ahead. Today, many of us in the developed world have no such pressure because our survival no longer hinges on good hunting, yet the power of the Hunter’s Moon persists. If you feel the urge to journey into yourself to your own skeletal core, you may discover your essential vulnerability that gives the lie to your usual reckless bravado. Men in particular may welcome at this time of year a special opportunity to shed their egos by the season’s door and assess the truth of their own nakedness and barren landscapes.

No man can contemplate his place in the world beneath a Hunter’s Moon without conjuring Diana, the huntress, and Venus/Sophia, the lover-mother-Goddess of all creation. Doing so, he perceives The Divine Feminine and arrives at harmony, a place of worship, service, and unselfish love. The Hunter’s Moon looks down on a world that is fully prepared for regeneration and rebirth. It awaits the labor, the bended knee and diligent tilling of physical and emotional soil. This is work in the trenches, and work among the clouds.

It’s work that is especially important for men to be doing now, and the work will go so much better if women are willing to act as companion-guides. Some men need a woman’s masterful mentorship more than they know, others more than they can say, but all men who would serve The Divine Feminine must have it. Until a man submits to The Divine Feminine, he is not wholly a man. The Hunter’s Moon is a perfect moment in time to accept that truth or renew one’s dedication to it.

Here is my poem of this transformation.

The Promise of Hunter’s Moon

At some point we’re all coming back as birds.
We’ll begin in the muck, unrecognizable, stinking,
Until creatures with hands or tools for hands
Scoop us up and start squeezing and pulling.
Suddenly there we are, unmistakably beaked,
Straining against thin leather thongs that someone
Had the good sense to tie around rocks and our twiggy legs.
It’s a good thing, this confinement, because free
We’d rip and tear apart anything we could reach.
The things with hands, or tools like hands, feed us
A mixture of water and the blood of the beheaded,
And with this inside of us we develop fast,
Looking more like giant birds you’d recognize
By the minute. Our feathers grow black and glossy,
And the thicker they become the meaner we feel.
When they just can’t grow anymore they fall out.
Our featherless bodies are disgusting to touch,
Hideous to behold. Where once we were murderous,
We grow timid under the mirror-hot sun. Then
More feathers appear, small at first, white feathers,
Beautiful, snowy plumes that dazzle under a Hunter’s Moon.
When we’re ready She comes. Out of the sea and sky,
Out of the barren ground She comes. Astonishing
Is her loveliness, perfected is Her power. She rises and walks
Among us as we bow, obedient, peaceful, and so in love.

Filed under: Uncategorized

About Robert McDowell

Robert McDowell is the author of five books of poetry and the Amazon.com bestselling Poetry as Spiritual Practice: Reading, Writing, and Using Poetry in Your Daily Rituals, Aspirations, and Intentions (Free Press/Simon & Schuster 2008).

Comments

  1. Debra Hauer says

    Oct 28, 2023 at 9:18 am

    Today, the day of The Hunters Moon. Shall we dance in the light in the dark and let the winds of incoming change penetrate the spirit in which we celebrate? Let the senses awaken to to the changes awaiting us and we shall pursue them with a daring blindness of spiritual sight.

    Reply
  2. Wonder Woman says

    Oct 27, 2023 at 5:23 pm

    I want to love
    and be loved back
    by someone I can trust
    I don’t want lust.
    I want to have faith that we can change our fate.,
    That all cultures whatever religion will unite.
    To only kill poverty and not kill kill but heal people.
    I want to hear happiness from all temples and steeples.
    But this is a sad souls dream
    just a daze
    a hope for a miracle of a new age.
    in how many years will the world blow.
    How many more generations can we go..before time stops dead,
    we all fall asleep,
    A final kiss to your child as you whisper goodnight my sweet..

    Reply
  3. Rie Anders says

    Jan 14, 2020 at 9:58 am

    Good afternoon,

    By way of introduction, my name is Rie Anders and I write contemporary romantic fiction. I would like to use your poem “The Promise of Hunters Moon” in my next novel, appropriately titled, “Hunters Moon.”

    Julie Hunter is the heiress to a Vineyard and lost her first love in a tragic accident. She has become dark, and jaded, and unable to allow a true love back into her life. Your Poem captures the absolute essence of her transformation and I would be honored if you could grant me permission to use it as my introduction.

    Please, advise if you approve, the name of the credit to be given.

    Kind regards,
    Rie

    Reply
  4. Lise says

    Nov 2, 2012 at 12:18 am

    One of the most difficult things in the world is when we leave go of feelings of ‘yes’ and ‘no’, and hence of the responsibility to act fully, knowingly. Life becomes difficult for the person for having lost /abandoned a sense of boundary, a sense of responsibility for being an ‘I’. To give up responsibility for being a separate person and to dream, work, talk of an apparently ideal grand zipless ‘we’ can be a complete abandonment of responsible adulthood lived materially here, now, with many others. I prefer not to have the word ‘submit’ put into the blender and flavored to cover its distaste, then served to me in other words to make it more palatable. I am not at all convinced that submission should be made more palatable. What is it about submission that makes it hard to let go of? What is it about submission that keeps one or the other from saying a clear ‘no’ to it? Masters and submission are about a very particular human relation of power (way beyond the leaves on the tree, which is another discussion) It does not matter who is in which spot (here use any duality you wish). To abandon a sense of judgement and responsibility for being in the world, in hope that eventually we will all be one big melting happy family, keeps us trapped. It is like the zen monk who, having had a bird alight on his hand, can keep the bird from flying away again by constantly draining the and tension from his hand, so that the bird can not use this to take off again. We each have a responsibility to live the human contours we inhabit, to embrace being an ‘I’ in the midst of we, and to know that where I put my ‘weight’ counts. Once more, let me register my firm ‘no’ to language of submission as inspiration.

    Reply
  5. Jasmine says

    Oct 30, 2012 at 9:31 am

    “It’s work that is especially important for men to be doing now, and the work will go so much better if women are willing to act as companion-guides.”

    I think women have become disconnected from our own femininity, thus this stuck out to me, as I and I imagine many (most?) other women don’t even know how to be a companion-guide in this manner. Any advice?

    Also, as with anything, there is a light side and a dark side, same with the concept of submission. It can be a beautiful thing, it can be an ugly thing. I find it helpful to consider other words like acceptance, allowing, receptive, and so on help to remember what can be beautiful about the idea of ‘submitting’ when the word itself triggers negative connotations.

    Reply
    • Robert McDowell says

      Oct 31, 2012 at 4:26 pm

      Hi, Jasmine, Thank you for your thoughtfulness and wisdom. And your question! “Any suggestions?” Oh, depending on the day, I have many, and few! When I am more fully attuned to the better angels of my nature, I’m aware that a woman on this path takes something of a leap of faith, a willingness to trust a man. It’s a huge leap for women who are healing and becoming aware of their power. I think, often, that women need great Goddess patience with men, and even more patience beyond that with their men. A man who truly opens to this path will learn, especially from his woman. He will learn not by didactic pronouncements, but by unwavering observation of her, by listening to her. Women as guides will accept this form of devotion, be rigorous about it, and play with it with compassion. I have no doubt that it’s a tough journey for women, but you are all so blessed and capable! Together, we make each other whole. On a vast scale, isn’t that the connection we’re all after?

      Reply
      • Emily Rollins says

        Oct 17, 2021 at 6:05 pm

        What a wonderful assessment! This yin yang relationship is all about balance and learning to support each other.

        Reply
  6. Robert McDowell says

    Oct 29, 2012 at 4:05 pm

    You are so kind to say so Thank you!

    Reply
  7. Bella Moon says

    Oct 29, 2012 at 11:30 am

    Thank you Robert, a true wordsmith of the soul are you….words, language, what a joy when produced with such grace and heart!

    Blessings to all,

    Aho!

    Reply
  8. Pat says

    Oct 29, 2012 at 7:28 am

    Thank you, Robert McDowell and all at MoonCircles!
    From our family to all of you for helping our family
    live a more abundant and joyful life.

    Reply
    • Robert McDowell says

      Oct 29, 2012 at 9:05 am

      And blessings and peace to you and your family, Pat (and happy gardening!).

      Reply
  9. Jo Coombes says

    Oct 29, 2012 at 3:31 am

    I live in Australia,so it is springtime,a time for planting and sowing.I would like some recognition of the southern hemisphere!

    Reply
    • Pat says

      Oct 29, 2012 at 6:34 am

      Hi Jo, I’m an avid gardener. As for planting and sowing in Australia I
      suggest http://www.gardenate.com You’ll find specific information for Australia
      by region about what to plant and when. The regions listed for Australia are:
      arid
      cool/mountain
      sub-tropical
      temperate
      tropical.
      __Wishing you an abundant planting and harvesting season. Blessings

      Reply
  10. Suzanne says

    Oct 28, 2012 at 3:28 am

    Beautiful!

    Reply
    • Robert McDowell says

      Oct 28, 2012 at 9:56 am

      Thank you, Suzanne. Peace…

      Reply
  11. Lise says

    Oct 27, 2012 at 11:38 pm

    I’ve read a few of your pieces on this site and each time, sooner or late, I read a line in it that has a reference to men’s need to “submit to the divine feminine”, your phrase using the word ‘submit’. And yes, I as a woman, find this problematic. Submission is not in my world something I would advocate – to anything, anyone, any time, or for anything, anyone, any time. Submission lacks relation. It is the absolute lack of I and Thou. It is a thou that wipes out the I. We have had enough submission in the last couple thousand years. Let’s do the work for a real, working I and Thou – with one another, with the earth, with the heavens, with the water and how we treat the resources at our hands. Let’s acknowledge power, vulnerability and relation. And let’s give submission a rest for a few thousand years….

    Reply
    • Robert McDowell says

      Oct 28, 2012 at 11:10 pm

      Thank you, Lise, for writing. I think I understand your problem with the word, “submit.” Women have been repressed for centuries, and it makes sense that many do not see anything positive in submission as a word or concept. But with men it’s different. We have arrived at an evolutionary moment in which men must makes amends and be transformed. Submission and service are necessary, positive steps in this process. Consider the way the leaves submit to the wind, the tides to the moon, the worker bee to the queen and colony. Men have much work to do, including diving deep into the shadows of their own wrecks, before they can fully harmonize and be balanced with women, who, after all, since the time of Gods and Goddesses, have been the true masters.

      Reply
    • Nancy E. Wood says

      Oct 29, 2012 at 6:09 am

      I’m speaking here to Lise’s thoughts AND Robert’s response… I too understand Lise’s resistance to the idea of “submit,” however, we must understand that when speaking about submitting to the divine feminine energy, we are leaving our limited ego’s ideas behind and committing to our greater Knowledge that there is something greater than our limited self — which is our Greater Self, our Source, our seminal Oneness. We submit to our Self, from whence our self comes, where the Truth of All resides. To submit to another person is what rankles, and Lise is correct in that. But we are leaving that duality-world behind in 2012 — when we know that we are submitting to our own Self, our own personal Highest and Best, that Source Self which Knows our own, personal, and innate Well-Being and love, then it makes more sense. In submitting then, we are wise in allowing our Wholeness, and the duality– the separation and its iniquities– no longer exist, no longer have reality, no longer even have meaning except in the remembered lessons we set up to help us transcend. It’s time to leave behind the anger and separation and Know that those fearful and angry stances are no longer necessary or even viable. What an incredible treasure is Robert, who can speak from the masculine side and reflect the balance… many men cannot yet hear the feminine speak the wisdom, but to have a man speak it is, for them, to introduce it, and to us, truly joyous and heart-filling. Thank you so much, Robert (33/6… no wonder!), for beautifully expressing to men (especially, but also to disbelieving or doubting women, as well) the POWER and deep pleasure that live in “holding the Paradox,” holding both seemingly-opposing sides at the same time, proving that there are actually not two separate parts, not a separated I-and-Thou, but actually only the differing, fascinating, and unique whole of One-In-All. “In Lak’ech Ala K’in” — “I am another you”… (a Mayan traditional greeting and acknowledgement). Sincerely, NEW

      Reply
      • Robert McDowell says

        Oct 29, 2012 at 7:22 pm

        Thank you, Nancy, for your kindness, and also for adding your wise thoughts to this issue. Eventually, we’ll arrive at that destination of awareness where one is all. We–women and men–must help each other on the journey and we must all revere The Divine Feminine, everywhere and always.

        Reply
  12. Frances Gilley says

    Oct 27, 2012 at 12:10 pm

    Great story and poem!

    Reply
    • Robert McDowell says

      Oct 27, 2012 at 1:01 pm

      Thank you, Frances. I’m grateful for your praise. Blessings to you, Robert

      Reply

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Astrologers use a variety of house systems, or methods of dividing up the sky into twelve sections. I use the Porphyry house system; another popular house system is Placidus (this is the default on https://astro.com). If the chart I send you looks different from what you are used to seeing, then likely a system other than Porphyry was used. Whole signs, Equal House, Regiomantus, and Campanus are examples of other systems. If you find all of this confusing, do not worry. It is likely not critical to your report.

m  Conjunction:  Like peas in a pod, planets in conjunction tend to come from the same place. They act together, but it’s also hard to tell them apart. This aspect can increase talent, focus, and intensity (“two are better than one”). Or one planet can disappear as the other dominates. Their connection feels so natural, it’s easy to think everyone blends these planetary energies just as you do—but mostly, they don’t!.

p  Sextile:  Planets in sextile are compatible, though without any fireworks. This aspect doesn’t demand your attention. It quietly presents an opportunity. You can join these archetypal forces. Donna Cunningham has called this the “Oh, that!” aspect, because that’s generally what her clients say when she describes their benefits.  To get the most from sextiles you need to actively work them.

q  Square:  Squares are wild and wonderful—but difficult too. The power struggle between these planets was likely defined in your youth, when they were impossibly challenging. People are usually aware of their squares. They force the issues that make you to grow. And that’s their gift. They ensure you learn your lessons. When you rise to the occasion, they bless you with energy, action, and success.

r  Trine:  Michael Munkasey has dubbed this the “goddess aspect” because it’s so lovely. Identifying talents you may have perfected in a previous life, trines can bring you joy. There’s a nice flow of energy between planets in trine. They support and reinforce each another. But without any struggle, you might take them for granted—neither using nor developing their gifts. An unattended trine can sometimes trick you into negative behaviors.

t  Inconjunct/Quincunx:  Your quincunx planets are innately incompatible. Bringing them into harmonious expression requires constant adjustments. This can be stressful, also motivating. You’ve got to keep changing your process, opinions or attitude—which promotes highly creative solutions.

u  Opposition:  They say opposites attract—and planets in opposition are never far from each other, though they’re constantly bickering. You may be triggered into awareness of this aspect by other people who seem to resist or undermine you.  An opposition can make you feel uncertain, insecure, or discontent, until you can accept and see yourself in both energies. Typically people find it easier to identify with one side and project the other onto unsuspecting others in the outer world.

First House: Personality, physical body, beginnings. Includes the Ascendant and rules physical appearance, the image you project to others, your general outlook on life, how you start things; may describe your role in your family system, often guides your first impression of immediate environment.

Second House: Money and personal finances, sense of self-worth and basic values, personal possessions, talents.

Third House: Communication, thoughts, language skills like writing and speaking, early schooling, siblings and neighbors, short trips, coming and going around town.

Fourth House: Your home, psychological foundations and roots, family, parents, domestic life, instinctive behavior, ancestry, your connection with the past, sense of security, domestic life, real estate. conditions at the end of life.

Fifth House: Children, creativity, romance; pleasure, entertainment, self-expression; all forms of “play”, speculation, gambling, and attitude towards taking risks; hobbies, attitude towards romance, lovers as opposed to partners, attitude towards having fun.

Sixth House: Work and job (as opposed to career), daily life, attitude towards service and coworkers, helpfulness, pets, attitude towards routine and organization, how you refine and perfect your skills.

Seventh House: Partnerships, one-to-one relationships, marriage, the first marriage, the “significant other”, business partnerships, competitors, open enemies, lawyers, mediators, counselors, contracts, negotiations, agreements. clients/the public.

Eighth House: Transformations and crisis, your ability to meet and rebound from crisis and change, sexuality; sex, death and rebirth, rituals and personal growth, your partner’s resources, addictions, psychology, other people’s money, taxes, divorce/alimony, inheritance.

Ninth House: Attitude toward expanding horizons, religious beliefs and personal philosophy, higher education, long-distance travel, morals, foreign languages and cultures, personal truths, publishing, commerce, advertising, your sense of adventure.

Tenth House: Career and profession, your contribution to society, social status, public reputation, material success, how you carve out a public identity for yourself; attitude toward authority figures, parents, caregivers, bosses, governments, attitude towards responsibility, desire for achievement.

Eleventh House: Friends, groups, organizations; hopes, wishes, aspirations, personal goals; your philanthropic attitude, concern for the collective, humanity; like tenth, can bring recognition and honors for fulfilling hopes and dreams.

Twelfth House: What’s hidden beneath the surface, karmic dustbin, limiting childhood/past-life messages, self-undoing, hidden enemies, hidden weaknesses, dreams, secret affairs, lost items, hospitals and prisons, hidden strengths, spiritual studies and soul growth.

A  Sun: Our vitality and magnetism; self-identity, ego.
Roles: The Self, the Hero, the Performer, the King.

B  Moon: Intuition, emotion, nurture.
Roles: The Mother, the High Priestess, the Child.

C  Mercury: Mind; physical dexterity and mental agility.
Roles: The Thinker, the Communicator, the Student, the Trickster, the Merchant, the Thief.

D  Venus: Our capacity for pleasure, receptivity, creativity, and social connection. Also indicates our relationships, self esteem, and financial abundance.
Roles: The Lover, the Seductress, the Artist.

E  Mars: Desire, initiative, anger.
Roles: The Protector, the Athlete, the Warrior.

F  Jupiter: Luck, opportunity, expansion, higher learning, religion.
Roles: The Scholar, the Gypsy, the Traveler, the Monk, the Professor.

G  Saturn: Hard work, commitment, focus, inadequacy, leadership, suffering, loss.
Roles: The Task Master, the Grim Reaper, the Wise Old Man, the Builder, the Cynic, the Boss.

H  Uranus: Change, breakthroughs, upsets, discoveries.
Roles: The Revolutionary, the Humanitarian, the Visionary, the Snob.

I  Neptune: Imagination, spirituality, idealism, addictions, deception, compassion.
Roles: The Artist, the Romantic, the Guru, the Addict, the Martyr, the Victim.

J  Pluto: Transformation, power, psychological dynamics, helplessness.
Roles: The Terrorist, the Detective, the Psychotherapist, the Dictator, shady people.

a  Aries: Pioneering, competitive, selfish, impatient, courageous, reckless, independent, dynamic, domineering, “Me first!”

b  Taurus: Patient, stable, lazy, dependable, practical, sensual, stubborn, artistic, possessive, greedy, gentle, loyal.

c  Gemini: Intelligent, curious, adaptable, quick-witted, restless, clever, scatterbrained, lacking follow-through.

d  Cancer: Nourishing, intuitive, protective, moody, sensitive, maternal, domestic, childish, cautious, creative.

e  Leo: Proud, dignified, vain, expressive, romantic, generous, childish, overbearing, self-assured, creative.

f  Virgo: Perfection-seeking, practical, methodical, petty, critical, studious, discriminating, cautious, never satisfied.

g  Libra: Charming, sociable, peace-loving, refined, diplomatic, artistic, indecisive, apathetic, easily deterred.

h  Scorpio: Passionate, secretive, penetrating, resourceful, suspicious, manipulative, jealous, sarcastic, intolerant, determined, aware.

i  Sagittarius: Freedom-loving, philosophical, optimistic, enthusiastic, careless, impatient, talkative, a know-it-all, broadminded, athletic, honest.

j  Capricorn: Serious, responsible, practical, hardworking, stubborn, brooding, inhibited, status-conscious, domineering, unforgiving.

k  Aquarius: Progressive, individualistic, unpredictable, cold, intellectual, artistic, eccentric, shy, impersonal, scientific.

l  Pisces: Compassionate, intuitive, ungrounded, romantic, impractical, self-sacrificing, seductive, musical, artistic.