The Full Hunter’s Moon

The temperatures have cooled somewhat so the other day I decided to put the flannel sheets on the bed.  It is always nice to crawl into a soft warm bed rather than a crisp cool one this time of year.  It helps to make a nights sleep just a little bit more pleasant.  Of course though eventually one has to crawl out of this warm cozy place. 

 Winston insisted last night that I do this a bit earlier than I normally   would, lets say about 3 am in the morning.  He was determined to go outside and do his business.  I grumbled as I crawled out of my warm fuzzy place, slipped on a sweater and went to the back door to let him run a bit. 
 

As I opened the back door I was greeted with a very pleasant surprise.  I knew the moon was full last night, I watched her as she rose in the east.  Yet I was reminded again of how she has a wonderful way of lighting the nighttime.  This time of year she seems to be especially bright and clear.  I stood on the back porch for a bit admiring her beauty despite the cold temperatures.  I could see the ducks as they glided across the pond lit by her.  Winston ran around in his carefree manner like he was a bit unaware that it was still so early.  Or maybe he just wanted me to come out and see just how beautiful the moon was last night. 
 

This month’s full moon is referred to as the Hunter’s Moon.  Due to the harvest that has taken place in the weeks prior.  The fields do not have as many places for the wildlife to hide, therefore the hunter’s are keen in seeing their whereabouts.  It is also call, thus because it is a time where the days shorten and the temperatures fall, meaning winter is close at hand.  It is a time to start thinking of storing for the winter months ahead.  Samhain is just days away and then the new year.  It is a time of new beginnings and a time to prepare for the long months of winter when reflection and slower times come.  May each of you enjoy the coming days with joy and many blessings.

Behold the Super Moon

Be sure and take a look at the moon tonight

as she shines forth in all her fullness.

Tonight we are privileged to a rare occasion.

A Supermoon!

The moon will pass the earth at a distance of 365.600 kilometers

The is the closest it has been to earth in 19 years.

Making her even that more lovely.

Blessings

The Pink Moon of April

What a beautiful day it was yesterday. The wind blew somewhat yet that is simply Oklahoma, one gets used to it eventually. The wonderful thing is that as night begins to fall the wind usually diminishes and you are left with an enjoyable evening. Yesterday evening seemed to sit in perfect with this routine. I went out just as the sun was setting to put let Sunny & Sweetie into the garage for their nightly snooze. Yes, they are quite spoiled. Because of the occasional coyotes, I would much rather they spend a safe evening locked up in the garage then risk the possibility of being someone’s dinner. They do not mind it much either.

After they had been tucked in nicely I strolled around the yard at twilight. A wonderful time of the day. The moon was coming up in the East and although I knew that it would not reach its fullness until today, it still shone as if it were. I watched it for some time as it rose into the night’s sky giving its glow to the ground below. As day came to a close and night began, the whippoorwill began to sing its nightly song. The chill returned again without the warmth of the sun to help keep it away. Yet still it was difficult to pull myself away from the moment to return into the warmth of the house.

Today as the day began and the wind once more began with a vengeance, the quietness of last night is far away. The sun is full and with the stout south breeze that blows I know that the day will be a warm one. I am not sure that I will get much yard work done today, although I do need to. Vincent and I found a wonderful deal on some stone last weekend. The large pile that sits to the north of my house is calling to be used to line flower beds and more. I also have some new bedding plants that need to be planted as well as some excess seeds that I wish to sow. Although I have marigolds emerging everywhere it seems from the seeds I scattered last fall, I still have a multitude (2 gallon bags to be exact) that still need to be scattered. I am not sure if they will bloom as they are said to be an annual however the seeds that were tossed last fall have sprouted up nicely.

If by chance the winds prove to be too much to work outdoors today I can always return into the house and do several things. I have the finishing touches on the baby blanket for Nathan that I truly need to finish before I go out to Tennessee after the first of the month. I have a book that I have been reading that I just have a bit more to read until it is finished. I also have the experiements with the new recipes I have been trying out lately that I can always play with. So I do not have to worry about finding something to do.

Once again this evening I am sure I will once again venture outside as the day ends to catch a glimpse of the moon as she climbs the night sky in all her glory. The full moon of April is referred to as the growing moon or sometimes the pink moon. It is a name given because of the pink flowers that fill the meadows in spring, although here in Oklahoma they are mainly yellow and orange. Because of the many willows that inhabit my land and my love of the full moon, I am strongly considering creating a Moon Circle. Already I know the perfect place for it. Another item to place on my to do list. It is amazing how that list never seems to shorten although I am constantly completing tasks.

Be sure to venture outdoors yourself this evening and take a moment to enjoy the Moon as she shows herself in full form. Enjoy her beauty and the peace she brings. Blessings

Celtic Tree Month - Herbal uses of the Willow

ater is the element which represents the Willow tree. She is water seeking, thriving from her preference to reside next to lakes and streams as well as along low lying water meadows. Willow aids in maintaining healthy riverbanks by circumventing erosion. Water and the tidal movements are controlled by the pull of the moon. So it is no surprise that Willow is also connected strongly with the Moon…for it is the moon goddess that controls all waters.



In regards to the herbal uses of willow, Black Willow bark is used to treat gonorrhea and ovarian pain. The white willow contains salicin. This is the active ingredient found in aspirin. White willow bark is used for such things as arthritis, headaches, rheumatic complaints as well as fever. To make willow tea, steep three teaspoons of the bark in one cup of cold water for two to five hours. Boil for one minute and stain. Willow is also available as a powder. In this case, the dose is one teaspoon, three times a day in tea. Willow bark is usually harvested in the spring.

Monday Mumblings - Welcome March

Last night the moon rose and shone in all its glory as it always does when she comes in all her fullness.  The clouds passed over her occasionally hiding her from my sight yet for the majority of the night she managed to shine her magic brightly.  The full moon is always a wonderful sight  and always she brings the special magic that only a full moon can.  Such energy seems to be present at this time...

Truly the full moon came at a perfect time.  The ending of the month of February and the beginning of the month of March.  February seemed to be filled with clouds and snow for so many of us.  The sun hid from us on the majority of the days.  Its absence sent many of us into periods of being down and not necessarily knowing the reason for it.  Snow fell and kept many of us from doing the normal activities one would do at this time of year.  It was a bit of a time of frustration. 

Yet March comes in and almost immediately it seems to have changed.  The sun is till not present yet as I walked outside this morning to greet the day it felt different.  The east breeze welcomed me and although it was cold it brought with it a newness that felt of spring.  Glancing over to the pond I could see the mallard drakes chasing the hens around in the dance of courtship.  The trees are beginning to show the first signs of budding.  The tulips, crocus, daffodils and lilies are peeking further out of there sleeping places in the soil to where I can see them from a distance now.  Soon there colorful blooms will be everywhere. 

Spring is fast approaching and with it come a freshness of new beginnings.  Many of us are feeling the urge to pause for a time.. We feel the need to take some time to sit back and be quiet before the activity begins.  To sit and reflect as well as take time for other things within our lives that we may have been neglecting.  Self tending is always a good thing.  Something that too often we neglect to do.  Just as we tend and clean our gardens in late winter for the coming of spring and all the new growth that will come forth we must also do the same with ourselves.  Spring cleaning is not just an activity for the home or yard... It is also a much needed activity for the self. 

This week the weather looks to be nice... warmer tempertures which mean the chance to open the house up and allow the fresh air to come in and push out the old.  To sweep the dust that lays from past months out and to purify the home.  Likewise I hope to do some of the same with myself.  I wish for those of you who choose to do the same that your minds be opened to the great things around you.  That the things  you are being called to do are made clearer in your minds so that you can see them and realize the manner in which you are to achieve them.  That the cobwebs that have formed from the past months of bleakness be swept away.. making way for the fresh newness that is to come. 

Hoping all of you have a wonderful Monday.... enjoy the first day March....

The New Moon

Wishing all a blessed New Moon Evening

Take a moment to refresh yourself

Reflect on possible new beginnings you may wish for

Be thankful for all that has come your way.

New Moon Rising

There is a new moon rising tonight. And no I am not talking about the new Twilight movie. It is the phase of the moon where the moon is positioned between the Earth and the Sun. The three objects are in alignment and the illuminated half of the moon is on the back side, or the half which is not visible to us. Thus making it appear as if there is no moon at all.

Likewise at this same time a total solar eclipse is set to occur at the same time. A solar eclipse can only occur at the time of a new moon. July 21st not only marks the date of the new moon but also marks the date of the total solar eclipse. Unfortunately this eclipse will not be visible in the Americas but will only be seen by those in Asia and over the Pacific Ocean. It will occur at 9:35 pm Central time.

This will be the second new moon in cancer this year. The first new moon under cancer occurred on June 22. With this timing comes times of emotional sensitivity as well as deep thoughts and feelings in regards to the impressions of the heart. Examples: Family Personal history, etc. It is a time for self reflection on oneself and the discarding of things that may be harmful to us. This coupled with the occurring solar eclipse is sure to possibly be a turning point for many.

To many a solar eclipse is a time that brings about clear endings, as the new moon is a time for new beginnings. It seems only fitting that the two should join forces with one another. If you are accustomed to recognizing and celebrating the phases of the moon and/or eclipses, tonight would be a good time to rid yourself of anything that may be weighting you down. This could range from emotional baggage to a simple acceptance of a truth that you have been trying to avoid. It is important to come up with a ritual that has meaning to you. Don't worry so with following specific guidelines unless of course you are part of an organized group.

As with any spell the most important key to its success is to believe and to follow up. Find ways to keep your New Moon intentions in a place where they will be visible to your awareness on a frequent basis. Good examples of this are writing in your journal, a small note in your wallet, or something that represents your intention in visible sight.

The new moon represents new beginnings. An opportunity to start fresh and to cease bad habits or anything that may be unhealthy to us. This evening take a moment to be alone and acknowledge the moon and her wonderful ways, giving to her your worries and burdens so that you can start fresh. Remember that even as the light of the moon is hidden from us, the light is still there and will return in time.

Peace & Blessings

Raelin