Spirit of the Seasons, part 5: When the Spirits of Summer and Winter Meet
- zhaawano
- Sep 26, 2022
- 13 min read
Updated: Sep 22
Waabaagbagaa-giizis / Waatebagaa-giizis (Leaves Turning Moon) - September 26, 2022
Updated: September 22, 2025
Boozhoo, biindigen miinawaa! Welcome back to part 5 of the Spirit of the Seasons series, where I link my storytelling art—along with the creations of fellow artists—to the ancient teachings of the Anishinaabeg Peoples. Today's blog entry, showcasing images of a painting and a bracelet crafted by the author, honors the first day of Fall in the Northern Hemisphere. On this day, the spirits of Summer and Winter meet.
It is the summer’s great last heat, It is the fall’s first chill: They meet. –Sarah Morgan Bryan Piatt
~~ THE ANISHINAABEG AND THE AUTUMNAL EQUINOX ~~
My ancestors, the Ojibwe Anishinaabeg from the Great Lakes region, did not measure time using the Julian or Gregorian calendar months, which are soli-lunar or solely solar-based. Instead, they tracked time by observing the seasons and lunar months. A month was defined as the duration from one full moon to the next.
My ancestors recognized 13 cycles as the earth travels around the sun through the four seasons. In a lunar year, there are 12 moons, but 7 times in 19 years, there are 13 moons. Although, according to the Gregorian calendar, a year is generally defined as 12 months, our ancestors added an extra Moon to align it with the seasons. The term miskw-dibik-giizis or "blood moon" is often used to describe four consecutive total lunar eclipses. The Ojibweg sometimes refer to this moon as Miskomini-giizis or Miskwiwmini-giizis — Raspberry moon; the seventh moon of Creation, marking the beginning of significant changes. This moon appears between the moons of June (Strawberry Moon or Blooming Moon as called by our Peoples) and July (which we call Halfway Summer Moon or Berry Moon). Then there is another moon that can occur in either July or August: Odatagaagomini-giizis (Blackberry Moon). This 8th moon is when we honor the blackberry, which yields an abundance of fruit once every three years. Odatagaagomin (also known as waaboozomin — rabbit berry — and makade-miskomin — black raspberry) was one of the first plants placed on Mother Earth, and its purpose is to protect the Sacred Circle of life by helping us recognize and understand the teachings from the Spirit World.*
The Anishinaabeg inhabit a wide region (known as Anishinaabe Aki) that spans present-day Canada and the United States. Various bands and tribes had their own preferences for naming the full or new Moons and the lunar Moons. The names assigned to a particular moon were usually aligned with the seasonal and/or cultural influences of a specific area, such as planting and harvesting activities, natural events, animal behaviors, and cultural customs and beliefs. In essence, each moon signifies changes in the environment. It is also crucial to recognize that each moon phase is linked to traditional teachings, offering guidance on achieving mino bimaadaziwin (Living Life in a Good and Healthy Way). Due to the vastness of the region inhabited by the Anishinaabeg, the moons might not have the same names across all areas.
Colonial Americans, who carried their traditions from Europe, incorporated some Native American Moon names into their calendar system (initially Julian, and later, Gregorian). While the Gregorian calendar is the one predominantly used by mainstream society in North America today, the Great-Grandmother-Great Mystery does not adhere to the Gregorian calendar. Our Peoples traditionally use their own classifications.
It is crucial to understand that our Moons do not align with the Gregorian 12-Month calendar, as ours consists of 13 Moons/13 full moons in a year. For instance, September is referred to by some of us as Waataabagaa-giizis, but it doesn't actually start until the middle or later part of September. At the beginning of September, we are still in what some of us call the Wild Ricing Moon (August).
The year can be divided in two distinct ways: meteorological and astronomical seasons. Meteorological seasons are determined by weather patterns, dividing the year into three-month periods based on annual temperature cycles. According to this system, fall begins on September 1 and lasts until November 31. In contrast, astronomical seasons are based on Earth's movement around the Sun or, as per our (Indigenous) lunar calendar, the moon's monthly phases. Typically, equinoxes, when the Sun is positioned equally over both hemispheres, signal the start of spring and autumn. Solstices, when the Earth experiences its greatest tilt toward or away from the Sun, mark the beginning of summer and winter.
During this period, we celebrate the arrival of Fall in the Northern Hemisphere. Between the 22nd and 26th of September, which our People refer to as Waatebagaa-giizis or Waabaagwagaa-giizis ("Leaves Are Turning Color Moon"), and depending on the region, also known as Biinaakwe-giizis (Falling Leaves Moon), Moozo-giizis (Moose Moon), Amanoozo-giizis (Rutting Moon), Gagakoone-giizis (Harvest Without Cutting Moon), Mandaamini-giizis (Corn Moon), and Manoominike-giizis (Wild Rice Harvest Moon), the Sun crosses the celestial equator. This marks the moment we recognize the meeting of the spirits of the last warmth of Summer and the first chill of Fall.
Astronomical fall starts on the day of the equinox. The term equinox comes from Latin, meaning equal night, suggesting that day and night are both exactly 12 hours long. However, this isn't entirely accurate. In most areas, the equinox day is slightly longer than 12 hours. The date when day and night are truly equal is known as the equilux. It occurs a few days before the spring equinox and a few days after the fall equinox in both hemispheres.
Indigenous First Nations do not follow the Gregorian calendar for equinoxes and solstices. For the Anishinaabeg Peoples, the equinox, marking the start of Fall, occurs on September 25th or 26th.
The September equinox, also known as the southward equinox, occurs when the Sun appears to cross the celestial equator moving south. According to Western science, because of the differences between the calendar year and the tropical year, the September equinox can take place between September 21 and 24. In 2022, it happened on September 22; in 2023, it started on the 23rd. In 2024 and 2025, it occurred — once more, as per the Gregorian calendar — on September 22.
The September equinox, also referred to as the southward equinox, happens when the Sun seems to cross the celestial equator heading south. Western science explains that due to the discrepancies between the calendar year and the tropical year, the September equinox can occur between September 21 and 24. In 2022, it took place on September 22; in 2023, it began on the 23rd. For 2024 and 2025, it occurred again, according to the Gregorian calendar, on September 22.
Indigenous First Nations, however, do not adhere to the Gregorian calendar dates for equinoxes and solstices. For the Anishinaabeg Peoples, the equinox, marking the first day of Fall, occurs on September 25/26.
The definition of the seasons and the precise timing of months and equinoxes vary based on cultural context. In the Gregorian calendar, which is based on the solar year, September is considered the ninth month. While most Anishinaabeg, who use a lunar calendar, also regard it as the 9th moon of the year, some who adhere to the Generations calendar believe the Moon of the Falling Leaves is the sixth moon of the lunar year.**
In the Anishinaabe lunar calendar, the Moon when the leaves change color and fall coincides with the onset of the Autumnal Equinox. This event marks when Giizis (the Sun) seems to cross the celestial equator, moving southward. The precise timing of the equinox's start is often debated. For instance, some claim that Monday, September 26, 2022, was the true equinox day, which did not align with the Gregorian calendar due to the Kepler Shift or a minor wobble in Earth's orbit around the sun.
The full moon in September is known as Mandaamini-giizis (Indian Corn Moon), and in 2022, it appeared on Sunday, October 9. On September 29, 2023, the last supermoon of that year signaled the conclusion of Waatebagaa-giizis /Waagaabagaa-giizis (Leaves Turning Moon) and the onset of Binaakwe-giizis for 2023. In 2024, the full moon on September 17 marked the end of the Ricing Moon (also known in various regions as Blueberry Moon, Raspberry Picking Moon, and Blackberry Moon) and the start of the Leaves Turning Moon; the Falling Leaves Moon will begin with the full moon on October 17.
Therefore, It can be said that the Anishinaabe Falling Leaves Moon roughly aligns with the month of October. The verb Binaakwe, meaning "(it) is autumn" (literally: "to lose leaves"), corresponds with the verb binibagaa, which means "leaves fall off," and the noun binaakwiig, sometimes used to refer to autumn. Another term often used to describe the fall season is dagwaagin — a verb meaning "it is autumn."
A LIST OF OJIBWE MOONS
Moon names reflect local cultures. The differences between the various regions are reflected in a vast variety of the lunar orbits and Moon (month) names. This vast variety of Moon names (including the cross-cultural, post-contact names) is mapped in below list:*
JANUARY:
Great Spirit Moon
Gichi-manidoo-giizis
(According to the Anishinaabe lunar calendar, "leap month" happens in the December-January time frame).
Start of the Winter Moon
Maajii-bibooni-giizis
New Winter Moon
Oshki-bibooni-giizis
Long (Shining) Moon
Giinooji-giizis/Genoji-giizis
Halfway Winter Moon
Aabitaa-bibooniwi-giiz(h)is
Welcoming Each Other Moon
Anamikadaadiiwi-giizis: a Westernized, post-contact name
FEBRUARY:
Suckerfish Moon
Namebini-giizis
Bear Moon
Makwa-giizis
Groundhog Moon
Akakwijiishi-giizis/Akokojish-giizis
Moon when the bear cubs begin to be birthed
Makoonsag-gaa-nitaawaadi-giizis
Short Day / Shines Briefly Moon
Gaa-dakwaasiged-giizis/Gaa-dakwaasigej-giizis/ Gaa-dakoowaasigej giizis/Gaa-dakwegiizisoj-biisim
Big Moon
Gichi-giizis
Long (Shining) Moon
Ginoozi-giizis
Bald Eagle Moon
Migizi(wi)-giiz(h)is
MARCH:
Sugar Making Moon
Ziinsibaakwadooke-giizis/Ziinzibaakwadooke-giizis
Hard Crust on the Snow Moon
Onaabani-giizis/Onaabdin-giizis
Broken Snowshoe Moon
Bebookwedaagime-giizis/Pokwaagami-giizis
Crow Moon
Aandego-giizis
Goose Moon
Nika-giizis
Suckerfish Moon
Namebini-giizis
APRIL:
Sugarbushing Moon
Iskigamizige-giizis
Frog Moon
Omakakiiwi-giizis
Broken Snowshoe Moon
Bobookwedaagime-giizis /Bebookwedaagame-giizis/ Bebookwedaagiming-giizis/Pokwaagami-giizis/ Bookoogami-giizis
Loon Moon
Maango-giizis
Suckerfish Moon
Namebini-giizis
MAY:
Budding Moon
Zaagibagaa-giizis
Flowering Moon
Waabigon-giizis/Waabigonii-giizis/Waabigwanii-giizis/ Waawaasagone-giizis
Suckerfish Moon
Namebine-giizis
Loon Moon
Maango-giizis
Heart-berry (Strawberry) Moon
Ode’imini-giizis (term used by the Bodéwadmi Anishinaabeg (Potawatomi))
JUNE:
Heart-berry (Strawberry) Moon
Ode’imini-giizis/Odeyimin-giizis
Gardening (Planting) Moon
Gitige-giizis
Flowering Moon
Waabigwanii-giizis/Waabigwaniwi-giizis/Waabigonii-giizis/Waawano-giizis/ Baashkaabigonii-giizis
Budding Moon
Zaagibagaawi-giizis/Zaagibagaawi-biisim
Sweet Juneberry Moon
Bazagwaakomini-giizis/Zagaakominag-giizis/Zagaakominoog-giizis
Mud Turtle Moon
Mishiikenh-giizis[
Egg Moon
Waawano-giizis
(Meaning Unknown) Moon
Ozhibinigaawi-giizhis
JULY:
Halfway Summer Moon
Aabita-niibino-giizis/Aabita-niibini-giizis / Aabita-niibinoowi-giizhis
Blueberry Moon
Miini-giizis /Miin-giizis
Raspberry Moon
Miskomini-giizis, Miskwiwmini-giizis
Flying Moon
Baashkawe’o-giizis
Keeps Shooting Moon
Baapaashkizige-giizis
Hatching Moon
Baashkaawe'o-giizis
Be All Out in Leaves Moon
Giizhibagaawi-giizis /Giizhibagaawi-biisim
Unripe (Blue)Berry Moon
Ishkaninjiimini-giizis
There Are Many Blueberries Moon
Miinikaa-giizis
Picking Blueberries Moon
Miinikewi-giizis
Be Heard Shooting Moon
Madwezige-giizis
(Meaning Unknown) Moon
Opaaskowi-giizis, or -biisim
July Moon
Joolay-biisim[
8th MOON (the eighth moon can fall in either July or August, depending on the year):
Blueberry/thimbleberry(blackberry) Moon
Odaatagaamini-giizis
AUGUST:
Ripening moon
Aditemini-giizis/Aditewimini-giizis/Aditemini-biisim/Aditewimini-biisim
Haying Time /Reed or Rush Cutting Moon
Manashkosiwe-giizis
(Meaning unknown) Moon
Manizhigewi-giizis
Ricing Moon
Manoominike-giizis
Wild Rice Moon
Manoominii-giizis
Blackberry Moon
Odatagaagomini giizis
Blueberry Moon
Miin-giizis /Miini-giizis
Blueberries Moon
Miinani-giizis
Berry Gathering Moon
Miinike-giizis
Flying Moon
Basikwa’o giizis
(Meaning unknown) Moon
Omba'owi-giizhis /Omba'owi-biisim
Middle of the Summer Moon
Aabita-naaniibino-giizis
SEPTEMBER:
Leaves Turning Color Moon
Waatebagaa-giizis/ Waabaagbagaa-giizis
Corn Moon
Mandaamini giizis
Ricing Moon
Manoominike-giizis
Moose Moon
Moozo giizis
OCTOBER:
Falling Leaves Moon
Binaakwe-giizis/binaakwii-giizis/binaakii-giizis / binaagwewi-giizhis /binaakwewi-giizis/Binaakwiiwi(k)-giizis /Binaakwiiwi-biisim
Leaves Turning Color Moon
Waatebagaa-giizis/Waatebago-giizis
Freezing (Over) Moon
Gashkadino-Giizis (Western dialect)/Baashkaakodin-giizis/Mshkawji-giizis (Eastern dialects)
Whitefish Moon
Adikamego-giizis
Trout Moon
Namegos-giizis/ Namegosi-giizis
NOVEMBER:
Whitefish Moon
Adikomemi-giizis
Freezing (Over) Moon
Gashkadino-Giizis (Western dialect)/Baashkaakodin-giizis/Mshkawji-giizis (Eastern dialects).
DECEMBER:
Little Spirit Moon
Manidoo-giizisoons
Spirit Moon
Manidoo-giizis
Great Spirit Moon
Gichi-manidoo-giizis [
Winter Moon
Biboon-giizis
Winter Arrives Moon
Biiji-biboon-giizis
Big Winter Moon
Gichi-bibooni-giizis
Feast Abundantly Days Moon
Magoshe-giizhigan-biisim/ Magoshe-giizhigani-biisim/ Magoshe-giizhigani-giizis/Magoshewi-giizhigan-giizhis/Makozhewi-giizhigani-giizis[29]
Big Church Days Moon
Gichi-anama'e-giizhigani-giizis/Gichi-anami'e-giizhigani-giizis
(THIRTEENTH MONTH/ "MOON OF CREATION":
Blue Moon (Ozhaawashko-giizis)/Great/Big Spirit Moon (Gichi-manidoo-giizis)) **
* Source: Zhaawano Giizhik, Dance of the 13 Moons
** Ozhaawashko-giizis (Blue Moon) is one example of a Westernized name (neologism) reflecting the solar (Gregorian) calendar of the invaders from Europe. A blue moon, in the context of the Gregorian calendar, has two definitions. A seasonal Blue Moon is the traditional (Western) definition of a Blue Moon and refers to the third full moon in a season that has four full moons. A second definition is a monthly Blue Moon that refers to the second full moon within a single calendar month. Yet another definition of "blue moon," in the context of the Ojibwe lunar calendar, is the 13th moon cycle (month) in a natural year.
~~ THE HARVEST MOON AND THE CORN MOON, AS KNOWN AMONG THE VARIOUS PEOPLES OF TURTLE ISLAND ~~
In Anglo American and Canadian cultures, the full Moon closest to the fall equinox (September 22 or 23) is referred to as the “Harvest Moon.” Unlike other full Moons, this one rises at approximately the same time — around sunset — for several consecutive evenings, providing farmers with additional moonlit nights to complete their harvests before the fall frosts set in.
Typically, September’s full Moon is called the Harvest Moon. However, if the full Moon in October is closer to the equinox than the one in September, then October’s full Moon is named the “Harvest Moon.” In such a scenario, the full Moon in September is called the Corn Moon.
During this period—transitioning from late summer to early fall—corn is typically harvested in many northern regions of Turtle Island (North America). Consequently, various Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island traditionally refer to the Moon of either August or September with some version of the name “Corn Moon.” Examples include the Corn Harvest Moon (Dakota) and the Corn Maker Moon (Western Abenaki).
Other Moon names for this month exemplify how September is the transitional period between summer and fall:
· Leaves Are Turning Color Moon or Falling Leaves Moon (Ojibweg)
· Autumn Moon or Freeze-Up Moon (Ininewak/Cree)
· Moon of Brown Leaves (Lakota)
· Yellow Leaf Moon (Nakoda/Assiniboine)
· Nut Moon (Aniyvwiya/Cherokee)
· Time of Much Freshness ( Kanienkehaka /Mohawk)
· Corn Is Harvested (Hopi)
Among certain Indigenous Turtle Island Peoples, animal behavior is a prevalent theme. For example, the Child Moon (Tlingit) signifies the period when young animals are weaned. The Mating Moon (or Rutting Moon) and Moose Moon (Ojibweg), Animal Fatting Time (Mi'kmaw), and Birds Flying Moon and Snow Goose Moon (both Ininew/Cree) denote the times of the year when specific birds and animals, such as geese, moose, elk, and deer, are migrating, fattening, or seeking to mate.***
~~ WHAT MAKES OUR LUNAR CALENDAR UNIQUE? ~~
As mentioned earlier, a lunar year consists of 12 moons, but 7 times within a 19-year period, there are 13 moons. This additional moon is sometimes referred to as a giizisoons (little moon; leap moon/month). In this regard, the Anishinaabe calendar resembles other soli-lunar calendar systems. The Anishinaabe lunar months span from Full Moon to Full Moon, which makes the Anishinaabe calendar unique, as other soli-lunar systems typically go from New Moon to New Moon, or from the sliver crescent after the New Moon to the next. The leap month occurs in the December-January period (the New Year starts with the Full Moon on or after the Winter Solstice).
In Lower Peninsula Michigan and in southern Ontario, these are the names of the 12 full moons and one leap moon:
January: Namebini-giizis (Sucker Fish Moon: Full Moon on or after the Winter Solstice) (For the majority of Anishinaabeg, January 1 marks the start of the New Year) February: Onaabani-giizis (Snow Crust Moon) or Webinige-giizis (Throwaway Moon) March: Ziinzibaakwadooke-giizis (Sugar Making Moon)(For some Anishinaabeg, March 28 marks the start of the New Year) April: Waabigwanii-giizis (Showing Buds Moon) May: Gitige-giizis (Planting Moon) June: Ode'imini-giizis (Heart Berry Moon) July: Miini-giizis (Blueberry Moon) August: Odatagaagomini-giizis (Blackberry Moon) Note: The eighth moon can fall in either July or August, depending on the year) September: Mandaamini-giizis (Corn Moon) October: Binaakwe-giizis (Falling Leaves Moon) November: Gashkadino-giizis (Freezing Over Moon) December: Gichi-bibooni-giizis (Big Winter Moon) January: Oshki-bibooni-giizisoons (New Winter Little Moon; leap month; the 13th moon or leap month is usually placed between the 1th and 2th moons of our lunar calendar)
Then there is another full moon called Ozhaawashko-giizis (Blue Moon). This is how some Anishinaabeg call the second or third full moon in a calendar month; others use it to denote the thirteenth moon of a lunar year.
Other names in use are Miskwi-dibik-giizis (Blood Moon) and Miskomini-giizis (Raspberry Moon).
Miskwi-dibik-giizis is a moon that is fully eclipsed, especially during the summer moons.
The phrase "blood moon" is often used to refer to a sequence of four consecutive total lunar eclipses. The Ojibweg sometimes refer to this moon as Miskomini-giizis or Miskwiwmini-giizis, meaning "Raspberry moon." It is the seventh moon of Creation, marking a period when significant changes start. This time is dedicated to healing and restorative activities.
~~ THE OJIBWE STORY OF ZHEZHOOBII'IGED, THE SPIRIT PAINTER ~~
Ahaaw ningad aadizooke (Now, I will tell you a sacred story).**** Zhezhoobii’iged, the Spirit Painter, collaborates at night with his friend Ningiigwagi, the Frost.
Together, they add color to the leaves, preparing Ogashinan (Mother Earth) as she adorns herself in her most beautiful attire.
Ogashinan performs her annual dance for GICHI-MANIDOO, the Great Mystery, and all Earth's children. This is a time of abundance. Leaves are at their medicinal peak and are harvested for ceremonial purposes.
Zhezhoobii’iged and Ningiigwagi bring color to the dried leaves and plants, using hues derived from the juices of roots, plants, and fruits. Zhezhoobii’iged applies these colors to the plants with corn tassels.
Their reward is the joy they bring to Creation and all people.
As the leaves start to change, Zhezhoobii’iged, the Spirit Painter, is diligently applying these vibrant colors to the plants. Ogashinan is preparing for her final dance, which takes place annually during Binaakwe Giizis, the Leaves Falling Down Moon.
In her most splendid and colorful dress, Ogashinan dances until all the beautiful leaves have fallen. She completes her sacred, yearly task and is ready to rest, to sleep peacefully and quietly, with dignity, happiness, and satisfaction, knowing she has fed, nourished, and provided for all her children...
This is the sacred story of Zhezhoobii’iged, the Spirit Painter.
Ahaaw sa. Mii sa ekoozid. Miigwech gibizindaw noongom. Ok, that is the end of the today's story. Thank you for listening to me. Gigiveda-waabamin wayiiba, I hope to see you again soon! Mino bimaadizin! Live well!
> Read the next episode of the Spirit of the Seasons series: Mother earth and the 13 Moons of Creation.
IMAGES:
Mother Earth and the Spirit Painter, storytelling art print by Zhaawano Giizhik (2022)
Circle Dance of the Corn Plants, sterling silver storyteling bracelet designed and handcrafted by Zhaawano Giizhik.
NOTES:
*Source: Muskrat Magazine
** Followers of this calendar believe that the Nookomis/Grandmother calendar, as understood by the Anishinaabeg Peoples, has been significantly altered due to the European invasion, beginning as early as 900 CE with the arrival of the Norsemen, and continuing with the full-scale invasion of the Americas starting in the 15th century. This theory differs from the lunar calendar followed by most traditional Anishinaabe Peoples, which states that a month has 28 days. Instead, it suggests that the Grandmother-Moon orbits the Earth-Mother every 29 days, 12 hours, 44 minutes, and 2.8 seconds. Thirteen months of 28 days total 364 days, which is one day short of the Earth-Mother's orbit around the Sun-Father. The Generations Calendar theory posits that this discrepancy would cause the Nookomis/Grandmother calendar to be off by half a month in 14 years, eventually leading to Gashkadino-Giizis or Baashkaakodin-Giizis (The Freezing Moon) starting on the summer solstice. The Generations calendar acknowledges this difference, stating that 12 moons/months of their calendar equal approximately 354 days, which is 11 days short of the solar year. Every three years, this amounts to 33 full days, prompting the addition of a 13th moon/month. According to the Generations theory, the calendar cycle starts and ends with a 13th moon, accounting for the extra time by having two consecutive 13 moons. Then, every 76 years (an average lifetime), the 10th year of the cycle includes a 13th moon, known as the "Great-Grandmother-Creator Moon." Unlike the traditional Anishinaabe belief that the calendar starts in Gichimanidoo-giizis or Maajii-bibooni-giizis (Great Spirit Moon/The Beginning of Winter Moon/the Month of January), the lunar year, according to followers of the Generations or Medicine calendar, begins when the Earth-Mother is reborn, typically during the moon when the Vernal equinox occurs (in Zaagibagaa-giizis, the Budding Moon, or the Month of May). This would redefine the Moon of the Falling Leaves as the sixth, not the ninth, moon of the lunar year.
*** Source: Almanac
**** Narrative loosely based on an aadizookaan (traditional story), taken from the Anishinaabe Almanac by Edward Benton-Banai.
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