Tonight, we are blessed with the glow of the Harvest Full Moon, a powerful celestial event that has long been honored by Indigenous peoples across Turtle Island (North America). This moon marks a time of abundance and gratitude, signaling the height of the harvest season when the earth generously offers her gifts before the cold months set in. As the full moon illuminates the night sky, it also sheds light on a story that has been told for generations: the story of the Three Sisters—corn, beans, and squash.
The Three Sisters: A Sacred Partnership
In many Native American traditions, the Three Sisters—corn, beans, and squash—represent more than just crops; they symbolize the power of unity, cooperation, and the balance of life. Each plant plays a vital role in the garden and the community, supporting one another in a way that nurtures the earth and its people. Corn provides a sturdy stalk for the beans to climb, beans enrich the soil with nitrogen, and squash spreads across the ground, shading the soil and keeping moisture in. Together, they create a thriving ecosystem demonstrating how mutual respect and collaboration sustain life.
The Three Sisters in Presidio, Texas
In Presidio, Presidio County, Texas, and the region known as La Junta de los RÃos, the Three Sisters have deep roots. Indigenous peoples, including the ancestors of the Lipan Apache and Native communities of La Junta, cultivated corn, beans, and squash for generations. This area, where the Rio Grande meets the Rio Conchos, is blessed with fertile soil and a unique environment where agriculture thrives, despite the challenges of the arid climate.
Here, the Three Sisters were grown using traditional methods that took advantage of the seasonal flooding of the rivers. The intercropping allowed these plants to support one another, conserving water and enriching the soil—an approach that mirrored the values of cooperation and balance central to Native teachings. This sustainable way of farming ensured food security and maintained a harmonious relationship with the land, an understanding that remains vital to the community today.
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Harvest Full Moon: The Moon of Gratitude and Gathering
The Harvest Full Moon, often occurring in September or early October, is the closest full moon to the autumnal equinox. For many Native cultures, this moon represents a time of gathering, celebration, and reflection. The light of the moon guides late-night harvesters as they bring in the last of the crops, and communities come together to share in the bounty of the season. The spirit of the Three Sisters reminding us to honor the gifts of the earth and the reciprocal relationships that sustain us.
The Connection Between the Moon and the Land
As the full moon rises high, it shines upon the fields where the Three Sisters grow and the trails where runners race, illuminating the interconnectedness of the natural world. This connection teaches us about balance, harmony, and the cycles of giving and receiving. Just as the moon waxes and wanes, so too do the cycles of planting, growth, harvest, and rest. Each phase is essential, and each has its own wisdom to offer.
Honoring Ancestral Teachings
Tonight, as we stand under the Harvest Full Moon, let us remember the teachings of the Three Sisters. Let us honor the stories of our ancestors who understood the deep relationship between the moon, the earth, and all living things. In Presidio, Texas, and beyond, these traditions continue to guide us in understanding the beauty of unity, the importance of nurturing one another, and the strength found in living in harmony with nature.
As we give thanks for the harvest, may we also commit to protecting and preserving the traditions, stories, and wisdom that have been passed down to us. The light of the Harvest Full Moon invites us to reflect on our place within the larger web of life and to find ways to contribute to its flourishing.
May this moon bring you peace, abundance, and a deeper connection to the earth.
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