Falling Leaves Moon

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Bnaakwii Giizis - the Falling Leaves Moon

Tonight at 11:48 pm under Bnaakwii Giizis - the Falling Leaves Moon, the land prepares for rest. The leaves release their hold, spiralling to the ground like quiet prayers. In Anishinaabe teachings, this is a time to acknowledge balance - to honour both what we’ve gathered and what we must let go of.

If you’ve been reading my full moon newsletters since January you will have realized long ago that in my culture we live as nature does and we take our life lessons and cues from her.

I sit and write this on a hot and humid day that doesn’t feel anything like autumn.

But, the light is different.

The sun is not scorching on the skin.

The leaves are changing and falling.

Nature is preparing for rest and that is what many humans do too. We make our jams and jellies and prepare our homes for the cold. For humans it’s a time to reflect on what to keep in our lives and what to let go of that no longer serves us.

“The trees are about to show us something we’ve known all along — resilience is beautiful.” - Unknown

Ways to connect to the Falling Leaves Moon

Notice the leaves:

As your feet crunch on a forest walk, take the time to notice all of the life that the leaves support. From fungi to insects to soil bacteria, these leaves that were once a part of the tree are now supporting other life by becoming food for it. It’s a quiet lesson in resilience and reciprocity.

Visit the water:

Did you know that water changes structure based on what messages it receives? Speak kindly to her and to yourself since we are mostly made of water. In my culture water is sacred and alive and the women sing songs to her. When you visit the water you can whisper messages of gratitude and offer a fallen leaf or sprig of cedar as thanks.

Curl up with a book:

For this moon I suggest the book ‘The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World’ by Robin Wall Kimmerer.

The Falling Leaves Moon reminds us that release is not loss - it is an act of trust. In letting go, we make room for what will come next.

Miigwech (thank-you),

Jennifer