In Hedge Druidry, the sun, moon, and stars each play a significant role. The sun’s cycles guide us through the year, marking agricultural festivals, solstices, and equinoxes. The earth’s orbit around the sun determines our year, while its tilt creates the seasons. Observing where the sun rises and sets in your local area can help you connect these cosmic events to your everyday surroundings. For example, you might notice the sun rising over a familiar landmark during the summer solstice. This practice can make astronomical cycles feel more personal and grounded.
Traditionally, there are 12 or 13 moons in a calendar year, each with a name that often reflects natural events of the season. These names can vary by region, but here are some common examples:
January – Wolf Moon
February – Snow Moon
March – Storm Moon
April – Growing Moon
May – Flower Moon
June – Mead Moon
July – Hay Moon
August – Corn Moon
September – Harvest Moon
October – Hunter’s Moon
November – Frost Moon
December – Cold Moon
Occasionally, there are two full moons in a single calendar month. The second is often called a “blue moon,” though historically, a blue moon is the third full moon in a season that has four full moons, rather than the usual three.
The Harvest Moon and Hunter’s Moon are especially notable. They rise on successive evenings with less time between sunset and moonrise, and often appear larger and redder in the sky. This effect is due to the Earth’s tilt and the way the moon’s light passes through the atmosphere at that time of year.
If you are able, you may find it rewarding to observe where the moon rises and sets. Notice how its path changes with the seasons and how it relates to the sun’s journey. Learning about the phases of the moon, as well as solar and lunar eclipses, can deepen your understanding. These moments are often considered powerful times for magical or spiritual work, especially in Hedge Druidry, which values these transitional, or liminal, periods.
In addition to the sun and moon, the stars are also important in the Hedge Druid’s Craft. The stars can be used for navigation or simply appreciated for their beauty. Some stars are visible year-round, while others appear only during certain seasons.
To find the north celestial pole, you can look for the North Star, also known as Polaris. Begin by locating Ursa Major, which contains a well-known group of stars called the Plough or the Big Dipper. The Plough is made up of seven stars that form a shape resembling a traditional plough or a ladle. In the northern hemisphere, these stars are always visible. If you follow the line formed by the two stars at the edge of the “cup” farthest from the handle, it will point directly to Polaris, marking north.
Polaris and other stars can be included in magical practices, but it is helpful to remember that not all stars are visible throughout the year. Some of the brightest stars in the northern hemisphere include Sirius, Alpha Centauri, Rigel, Betelgeuse, Aldebaran, and Regulus.
You may wish to consult a book or guide about the night sky to learn which stars are visible from your location. In urban areas, only the brightest stars may be seen, while rural locations offer a wider view. If you choose to perform magical or spiritual work at night, you might find it meaningful to connect with the energy of a particular star. While this can be done at any time, many find it especially impactful when the star is visible.
Before beginning your work, you might consider saying:
Star of (name the star),
May your light shine upon me and my work.
May I join in your dance, as you dance the starry round.
Fill me with your light, neither of sun nor moon,
But that of the silvery, mysterious light of the Otherworld.
