The October 2018 Hunter's Moon Comes in for the Kill

At 9:45am PST on Wednesday, October 24, 2018, the full moon is in Taurus.

Known as the Full Hunter’s Moon (also the Dying Moon and the Travel Moon), this lunar phase marks the height of our autumnal bounty before the scarcity of winter sets in. We’ve been tracking our “prey” since the last new moon – and now, under this October 2018 full moon, we finally go in for the kill! As we claim what’s ours, we celebrate and express our gratitude for all the good things in our lives which are ready to be savored.

Reveling in nature’s bounty—if that isn’t Taurus, we don’t know what is! It only makes sense that, in the northern hemisphere, the full moon in this earthy sign lands right in the heart of the fall harvest season.

But full moons are also a time of deep release. And as a fixed earth sign, “letting go” isn’t exactly Taurus’ wheelhouse.

What Does the Full Moon in Taurus Mean?

Taurus likes what’s comfortable and familiar, and prefers not to dig too deeply beneath the surface. Naturally, this can make it difficult for us to express (or even acknowledge) the deep emotions that come up at this full moon. If we’re carrying around any emotional baggage, we’re likely to feel it in our bodies at this time. Find comfort and healing in embodied practices like yoga, massage, or—Taurus’ favorite!—some good old-fashioned lovin.’

Read now: Why Do I Feel So Crazy Right Now?

Emotions aren’t all that’s being released at this full moon, though. Taurus can put a lot of energy into accumulating things, and holding on to them long after their usefulness is outgrown. Sometimes we need to break the old forms down and free that energy up to create something new.

The sun in Scorpio (which opposes this full moon) will have no problem showing us exactly what needs to be cleared away in our own lives. Scorpio knows that nothing in the material world lasts forever, so it’s obsessed with stripping things down to the bare bones and getting to the root of what really matters.

What matters most to Taurus are the things that endure. This full moon teaches us that if our roots are deep and strong, they’ll remain planted firmly in the ground even after the leaves fall and the flowers die. Trust in life’s natural cycles, keep tending them through the winter, and eventually we will see them bloom again.

How does the moon affect you?

Horoscopes for the October Full Moon in Taurus 2018

Taurus Solid as a rock—that’s you, Taurus, and those who love you wouldn’t have it any other way. Through all life’s changes, it’s comforting to know they can always count on you. But why should they be the only ones who get to evolve? This full moon may stir up some resentment, but it can also inspire a self-reinvention that’s long overdue.

Gemini Job security may be an outdated concept, Gemini, but it’s something you value much more than you let on. And in today’s fast-paced world, you’ve got what it takes to stick around: versatility, adaptability, and a willingness to evolve. If you’re stuck in a rut at work, though, this full moon can show you where to make a change.

Cancer Your friends can always depend on you, Cancer. But how do you know who’s got your back? It’s not always the people you’ve known the longest or share the most history with. Someone you think of as a casual acquaintance could turn out to be your greatest ally… but only if you give them a chance. At this full moon, their loyalty may surprise you.

Leo The value of hard work isn’t lost on you, Leo. But what good is success if you never take the time to enjoy it? The challenge is knowing when to relax, and when to keep pushing yourself. At this full moon, it may feel like an uphill battle, but you’ll have to fight inertia to get things back on track.

Virgo There’s an explanation for everything, Virgo —and you’ll keep looking until you find one. But your habitual ways of understanding the world may not be much help at this full moon. What you see isn’t always what you get… so if you want to understand what’s happening in your immediate environment, you’ll have to dig a little deeper.

Libra Asking for help doesn’t make you needy, Libra —it makes you resourceful. After all, why go it alone when you’ve got plenty of backup? But it’s easy to get too used to depending on others… and that’s a hard habit to break. If someone lets you down at this full moon, it just means you’ll have to draw upon your own resources this time.

Scorpio Evolve or die, Scorpio: it’s a fact of life for our species, and also for our relationships. And you’re better than most at knowing when it’s time to let something die. Still, at this full moon, you may be reluctant to let go—even if it’s only letting go of control. Make sure you’re not resisting a change that really needs to happen.

Sagittarius We know you as the eternal optimist, Sagittarius. And it’s true—with your resilience and resourcefulness, you can make the best of any situation. But when you’re stuck in one place for too long, it can really get you down. Try to keep the faith at this full moon. Dig deep, and bloom where you’re planted… at least for now.

Capricorn “Me, myself, and I…” Sounds like your kind of party, doesn’t it, Capricorn? And we’re all for enjoying a little solitude now and then. But being alone all the time makes it easy to get set in your ways. At this full moon, try balancing me-time with some kind of group activity. (And yes, you can be the one to organize it.)

Aquarius “Sustainable energy” isn’t just for the environment, Aquarius: When you’re out there fighting the good fight, it’s a must for you as well. Having a home base, somewhere comfortable and safe to recharge your batteries, can make all the difference… especially at this full moon. Don’t think of it as being lazy; think of it as resting up for the revolution!

Pisces It’s totally understandable, Pisces, if you’re not a fan of small talk. Whatever’s going on in that head of yours, it’s definitely more interesting than what everyone else is droning on about! Go ahead and enjoy the silence at this full moon—just don’t rule out the possibility of a deep, transformative conversation. Maybe they’re just waiting for you to change the subject.

Aries No one tells you what to do with your hard-earned money, Aries. But doing things “your way” doesn’t always work out for the best. At this full moon, it’s actually in your best interest to ask for help. Advice from a professional (or a financially-savvy friend) can show you how to change your habits and set yourself up for long-term success.