How To See October’s Supermoon From London’s Highest Point

Another month, another full moon – and this time it is very special. Here’s the history and meaning behind the Hunter’s Moon, why it is also the Harvest Moon, plus how best to see it.

Hunter’s Supermoon: History, Spirituality & How To See It

The Hunter’s Moon is the annual full moon that we see in October, taking its name from a Native American tradition. Also known as the blood moon or sanguine moon, the name can be traced back to hunting season, when the First Nations would track and kill deer under the bright full-moon light.

But in 2025, the Hunter’s Moon has a dual identity: it is also the Harvest Moon, which is the name given to the full moon that rises closest to the autumn equinox. Harvest Moon is typically the name given to September’s full moon, which rose on 7 September 2025, 15 days before the autumn equinox on 22 September. October’s full moon will rise 14 days after the equinox, making it the closer moon (and the latest Harvest Moon since 1987). Instead, September’s full moon was called the Corn Moon.

With autumn associated across time with the harvest, around this time of year the fields are clear and there are fewer places for animals to hide. Historically, people would hunt as many animals as they could, storing their meat for the winter months when prey became more scarce. Hence the name Hunter’s Moon. As for the Harvest Moon moniker, this dates back to farmers harvesting by moonlight – before the advent of artificial lighting of course.

Is There A Spiritual Significance?

The Hunter’s Moon is imbued with meaning across cultures and belief systems. It’s an ideal time for manifestation: harvesting the abundance of the Hunter’s Moon and the recent Harvest Moon and channelling it into your personal goals. Just as hunters focus on their pursuits, this time also encourages determination and clarity in achieving personal objectives – making it an apt time to set clear and actionable goals as well as manifesting them.

As the darker months and longer nights approach, many also view the Hunter’s Moon as a time to invoke protective energies, safeguarding yourself and loved ones as life gets a little tougher. But it’s also a time to embrace the dark: exploring the hidden aspects of yourself, also known as shadow work.

Away from spirituality, the Hunter’s Moon marks the transition from autumn to winter, and can be a welcome nudge to let go of the old and ready yourself for new beginnings.

When & How To See It

This year, the Hunter’s/Harvest Moon will rise in the sky on 6 October and cast its glow across the land. However the moment the moon reaches its fullest point is in the depths of the night: 4.48am BST on 7 October. If you’re a keen moongazer, the moon will appear full on both the 6 and 7 October.

October’s full moon will also appear slightly larger and brighter, as it is a Supermoon – our first in 11 months – because it is slightly closer to Earth. This is due to its location in the moon’s elliptical orbit around our planet. You can read all about what that means here.

(© Jason Hawkes)

The very best way to see the moon is always the same: high elevation and low light pollution, meaning countryside spots typically have the best view. If you would like to elevate your experience even further in 2025, The View From The Shard is hosting a very special event in line with October’s full moon. London’s highest viewing platform at 244 metres high, guests can see up to 40 miles from The View From The Shard, meaning it’s the ideal spot to see 2025’s Hunter’s/Harvest Supermoon. Join from 7 to 11pm for unparalleled views, photography tips from James Burns and astrology insights and moon readings from renowned astrologer Ruth Flanagan.

Details: 7–9pm, Tuesday 7 October 2025 at The View from The Shard (32 London Bridge St, London SE1 9SG). Tickets are £50pp.

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