Across the world last night the Hunter’s Moon rose high in the sky, illuminating the dark night.
The Hunter’s Moon, also known as a sanguine or “blood” Moon, traditionally refers to a full Moon that appears during the month of October.
Many full Moons have their own names based on the time they appear and October’s is known as the Hunter’s Moon but it is also called the Travel Moon or Dying Grass Moon.
The Hunter’s Moon usually appears in October, however once every four years it doesn’t appear until November.
The name harks back to the First Nations of North America.
During October, deers which had fattened up over summer were tracked and killed by hunters by autumn moonlight, in order to store food for the coming winter.
The first recorded mention of a “Hunter’s Moon” was in the early 18th century.
This year’s Hunter’s Moon was fully lit up by 5.45pm BST, appearing just below the horizon.
As it closely follows sunset, the Hunter’s Moon often appears red or orange.
Stunning images show the Moon glowing in the dark sky, creating eerie illuminations across the world.
In one image the Moon can be seen peering through the blades of a windmill, creating a spooky scene with some low hanging clouds.
Another depicts the nose of a plane just in front of the celestial body.
October is traditionally a month which is associated with death, as Halloween and the beginning of the Day of the Dead or Dia de los Muertos.
According to Mexican beliefs, Dia de los Muertos beginning on October 31 and ending on November 2 is a time when the living and the dead come closest together.
Some believe the whole month of October is a time when the veil between the living and spirit world is at it’s thinnest.
A host of feasts and festivals take place in October celebrating both the living and the dead.
Others believe that events occuring in Space can guide us for the future.
According to Sara Coughlin at Refinery29, the Hunter’s Moon is also a chance for people to embrace change.
She wrote: “With that in mind, you can spend October taking steps to safeguard your home and life against negativity, while welcoming in positive change.
“And the night of the full moon, with its expansive and illuminating energy, is the perfect time to perform such a ritual.”