The hare moon: Ritual gone wrong
The Hare Moon is one of many names for the full moon that comes around in May, but in the “Chilling Adventures of Sabrina,” it is the perfect time for drama. The Church of Night coven members intend to celebrate renewal and drink in the full moon to restore their powers. Part of the ceremony has Sabrina setting a rabbit free in the woods while singing about the summer. Sounds like fun. There’s also a moon bath ceremony that involves rubbing oil and angel’s blood all over in the light of the full moon to absorb its energy. The entire coven shows up, but they soon learn they aren’t alone. Of course, nothing ever goes as expected in Greendale.
Moon Pie Mayhem
A mysterious group wearing masks is quickly revealed to be the pagan witches. At first, it seems like everyone’s just going to share this area of the woods peaceably. Circe and Hilda make small talk about knitting. Pan explains how he might want to put down roots in Greendale. It should have been obvious that an amicable chat between these two groups wouldn’t last long, though. Pretty soon, it’s clear they have theological differences. Nicholas Scratch killing a snake in front of the pagans isn’t great for PR either. Maybe giving them a moon pie will ease these Hare Moon tensions? Certainly, that couldn’t possibly lead to trouble later…
Moon Bathing
The Church of Night’s Hare Moon ceremony only gets about as far as sacred oil and laying in a circle on the ground. The coven members hold hands, and at first, it seems like this just might work…if bodies glowing blue are any indication. Unfortunately, as the pagans cut and eat the moon pie, the actual moon eclipses and the Church of Night members lose their connection to the moon and its power boost. Better luck next Hare Moon! They might think twice about giving out their pie in the future.
Hare Moons and Moon Rabbits
The Hare Moon is just one of the many traditional names for May’s full moon. It’s also called the Flower Moon, Milk Moon, and Corn Planting Moon. The name Hare Moon comes from associations with fertility and rebirth during that time of year, symbolized by the hare. Many cultures also have myths about a rabbit on the moon, since the dark patterns visible look a little like a hare.
Hare Moon Rituals Today
In modern Pagan practices, the Hare Moon is sometimes celebrated with rituals that honor renewal such as planting seeds, making moon water, and performing cleansing ceremonies. There’s a focus on personal growth and connection with nature. Moon bathing really does involve sitting or laying out under the full moon to cleanse oneself and benefit from its healing energy… It just doesn’t usually involve angel blood. I hear that’s hard to find.