FULL MOON LORE

The full moon in August was known among some Native Americans as the Green Corn Moon or the Grain Moon. Some called it the Red Moon because the rising moon would sometimes appear red through the summer haze. Another common name was Sturgeon Moon, because this was a time when the Great Lakes were full of fish.

This year there will be a partial lunar eclipse that will be visible from much of Europe, Africa and western Asia ... over three-quarters of the full moon will be covered by the Earth's shadow during the eclipse ... spooky and cool if you're lucky enough to be able to see it! The full moon this month is on the 16th.

Valentines Day

Ah, Valentine's Day. Some love it, some hate it (there is a growing tongue-in-cheek "hate Valentines Day" movement, mostly among those without a partner and young men who don't like being expected to buy presents!) I think it's nice to have a day just to celebrate romance.

Personally I don't care for the commercialization of any holiday, but you can look past that if you try and find the true meaning, a celebration of romantic love. And if you don't have (or want) romance in your life right now, why not give yourself some dark chocolate and a bubblebath!

MOON LORE

The Full Moon this month is called HUNTER'S MOON.
Full Moon is Thursday night!

Check out our "Celestial" collage sheet HERE (second row down).

The Harvest Moon is the moon closest to the Autumn Equinox (in September). The next one, usually in October, is named the Hunter's Moon.

The Harvest Moon and Hunter's Moon appear larger and brighter to some people, but they're really not. This time of year there is no long period of darkness between sunset and moonrise of the full moon, so the night seems brighter than usual. This allowed farmers to stay out and work in their fields by moonlight under the Harvest Moon, and later, under the Hunter's Moon, allowed hunters to see the deer and other animals that came out to browse in the then-harvested fields.

What is a BLUE MOON? When there are two full moons during one month, the second one is called the Blue Moon.

FAIRY MOON? When there are two NEW moons (dark moons) during one month, the second is called a Fairy Moon.