The November moon is a time of quiet anticipation of the winter season ahead. The nights are ever so long and the cold winds brush the last of the leaves to the ground. I walked along the shores of Lake Michigan this morning. I could feel the season was on the edge of a precipice. It was a beautiful autumn this year and filled with many bright and glowing hours of warmth. The leaves fell slowly this season, holding on to their vivid oranges and reds before drifting lightly to the ground. Yet, as a wrapped my scarf around my neck by the lake this morning, I could feel the impending chill. The brown leaves crumbled beneath my boots above empty branches and my cheeks tinged pink as I walked on. The frost was coming and would hold its grip on Chicago for many months to come.

When I returned to my warm apartment, I turned on the kettle to make some camomile tea and I pulled out my tarot cards. I was not surprised when the Hermit appeared in my reading.

The Hermit suggests you are about to enter a phase of introspection as your focus turns inward. It is a time when you seek solitude and isolation from others. The Hermit asks you to grow and respect the spiritual wisdom within. Great advise for the beginnings of the winter season.

Below is a simple full moon ritual that can be performed to honor the Goddess.

November Moon Esbat Ritual

This is an Esbat in the Wiccan tradition with passages adapted from Hold an Esbat Rite by Patti Wigington and Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner by Scott Cunningham

This ritual is best performed outside under the full moon.

If your tradition asks you to cast a circle begin by doing so. Or, you can ritually purify the area by smudging or sprinkling salt water around the ritual space.

Place your altar in the center of the sacred space or if you are outside simply find a clearing and lay your tools down upon the earth.

You will need:

A bowl of water

A white candle

A black marker or knife to draw upon the candle

A cup of wine

A plate with a biscuit or cookie

Any additional lunar symbols such as images of the goddess, mirrors, white crystals and flowers, silver ribbons, etc.

Begin by carving or drawing a moon symbol or sigil onto the white candle. I drew the symbol of the triple goddess upon mine.