❍ Harvest Moon
September Supermoon
🤍 Symbolises gratitude, completion, and plenty
Date: Saturday 26 September 2026
Moonrise: 6.00pm
Book an exclusive one hour night-time session at our WildSpa sauna and plunge for up to 6 people when you stay at Westerlands during a full moon.
September 2026
Harvest Moon
Why It’s Special
The Harvest Moon is the full moon closest to the autumn equinox, traditionally signalling the time to gather in crops before the onset of autumn. This year, it is a supermoon, meaning it will appear slightly larger and brighter than a typical full moon as it rises near perigee. Its luminosity was historically invaluable for farmers, providing extra light to extend evening work during the critical harvest period.
What You’ll Notice
At Westerlands, the Harvest Moon will rise in the east at approximately 6pm, shortly after sunset. Low on the horizon, it may appear golden or amber, casting a warm glow over fields, hedgerows, and barns. As it climbs higher, its silvery-white light illuminates the countryside, highlighting the patterns of hay, crops, and autumnal trees. The combination of its size and brightness makes this full moon particularly striking in the early evening sky.
Folklore & Tradition
The Harvest Moon has long been associated with abundance and preparation. In Sussex, farmers historically relied on its extended light to gather cereals, fruit, and vegetables efficiently, often working late into the evening. Its appearance also featured in local folklore, symbolising prosperity, the cyclical rhythm of the seasons, and the balance between work and celebration. Communities would sometimes hold festivals or feasts to mark the harvest, with the Moon serving as a natural backdrop for these gatherings.
Seasonal Connection
September marks the transition from summer to autumn. Days shorten, evenings cool, and the final crops are ready for harvest. The Harvest Moon provided an extra window of light for Sussex farmers to complete essential work, helping to ensure food stores were secured for winter. Its timing reinforced the link between lunar cycles and agricultural planning, highlighting the enduring connection between the Moon and rural life.
Tips for Viewers
At Westerlands, look east at 6pm to see the Harvest Moon rise. The low-horizon amber glow against the Sussex landscape is especially photogenic, illuminating fields, barns, and hedgerows. As it ascends, the Moon’s brightness and size make it ideal for photography or quiet evening walks. Observing the Harvest Moon offers a vivid connection to historical farming practices and the rhythms of the countryside, showing how the Moon guided rural communities through the critical season of harvest.