Oct. 26, 2026 by Julia Clemmensen (‘29)
The full moon in the constellation Taurus, called the Hunter’s Moon, is happening Monday night at exactly 12:12 a.m. Eastern Time, October 26th, 2026. But why is it called the Hunter’s Moon, and why should we even care about full moons anyway, specifically this one?
This full moon is called the Hunter’s Moon because, traditionally, hunting would take place around this time; when it is still relatively warm and before everything becomes super cold and desolate with winter approaching. This full moon is also particularly bright, like the Harvest Moon from the month before, which allows people to actually hunt at night, supporting hunters with a natural night-light in the sky.
Full moons in general are very valuable in astrology because they are considered the peak in emotional rollercoasters, alike in the way that they are the peak in the lunar cycle; which lasts typically between 28-30 days in total. Given that the lunar cycle is pretty much in sync with the rotation of days in a month, usually the full moon lies on the last few days of every month. The sun represents your outward identity and energy, and the moon represents the exact opposite; internal energies and personal emotions. As the sun becomes the exact opposite from the moon in the sky and the sun fully illuminates the moon for a few hours, there is a brief period of polarity affecting how you view yourself inwardly, and outwardly. This polarity creates time that allows you to hold both the sun’s energy and the moon’s, which is both conflicting but also very reflective.
This specific full moon; the Hunter’s Moon, is a lunar event happening in the sign Taurus (ruled by the goddess and planet Venus), which brings to the forefront of our focus the things that ground us, but also the things that need to exit our lives, as they cause us more harm than good. The planet Venus has been in retrograde recently, bringing with it confusions and complications specifically in relationships and confidence. Since Venus rules the sign that the Hunter’s Moon is positioned in (Taurus), Monday night can illuminate these confusions and complications that Venus brings. So, be sure to take time to also give grace and reflect on your relationships this full moon as well.
Full moons are always naturally a bit troublesome, but they do provide a great restart in your emotional journey and allow us to reflect on our current situations. So, despite the factors that can be discouraging, enjoy the Hunter’s Moon and make sure to mark your calendars for the next full moon in the month of November; the Beaver Moon, on the 24th.
Sources:
Full Moon October 2026: When to see the Full Moon, what it’s called | Mashable
What are the names of full moons throughout the year? | Royal Museums Greenwich
The 2026 Hunter’s Moon Is Coming—Here’s What It Means for Every Star Sign | Vogue
Relationships, resources and revelations ~ How to work with the Full M
Full Moon Meaning in Astrology: Release, Culmination and Rituals
What Is a Full Moon in Astrology and How Does It Affect You? | Astrology App