Full Moon and Lunar Eclipse

The full moon and lunar eclipse occurring on 7 September 2025 mark a powerful and rare evening in the shamanic calendar, with profound opportunities for transformation and insight.

Astronomical facts and the shamanic calendar

This evening's full moon, occurring at 20:09, coincides with a total lunar eclipse visible across most of Norway just after moonrise. According to Sjamanistisk Forbund's lunar calendar, this full moon is associated with the reindeer, roseroot and the haugafolk (mound folk) – symbols rooted in Sámi and Norse tradition, where the reindeer stands for survival and roseroot for resilience. The lunar eclipse makes this full moon especially significant – in shamanic tradition, such events represent deep transition, release and spiritual cleansing.

Significance in shamanic practice

From a shamanic perspective, a lunar eclipse is a time to meet the shadows, both individually and collectively. When the earth's shadow falls across the moon, it is said that the veil between worlds grows thinner and the power to work with inner transformation increases. Many shamans use this evening for ceremonial journeying, cleansing, and to strengthen their connection to their ancestors and to nature. The full moon is at the same time regarded as a moment when energies are amplified, and during an eclipse this can mean that everything unresolved comes to the surface for healing.

Ritual recommendations and symbolism

In keeping with the traditions of Sjamanistisk Forbund, this evening may be marked by fire ceremonies, drum journeys and offering rites for the haugafolk – the subterranean ones – or for the spirit of the reindeer. Roseroot can be used as an offering or for burning, linked to wishes for strength through dark times. The lunar eclipse encourages rites aimed at releasing old patterns and asking for visions for the coming dark season ahead of the autumn equinox.

Times and observation

The lunar eclipse begins hidden before the moon rises above the horizon, but from approximately 19:31 the total phase can be observed in Southern Norway, with maximum at 20:12. For the best experience, there should be a clear view towards the east-southeast just after moonrise, while rituals and ceremonies can be timed to the moment of maximum itself.

This evening offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in shamanic practice, to connect with the landscape and the ancestors, and to work with personal and collective transitions in step with the great drama of the heavens.