Have you ever been moonstruck? It has been a long time since it happened to me. However, this week, I feel as if I have showered in a particularly powerful moonbeam.
I mentioned to a friend that since the full moon in July, I had been presented with many wonderful gifts. All of them beautiful and full of promise. The gifts were equally welcome, as sorely needed.
I have been sailing in the fog for far too long. And, after this past full moon, the fog shows signs of lifting. Seeds planted in the darkness of the new moon had taken root and were sprouting. The universe was listening.
Then, another friend shared with me, “The moon woke me up at 3:30 a couple days ago and entranced me until a passing cloud veiled it. I can’t shake the memory — well, I don’t want to.”
How myriad are the moon’s enchantments? It must be an infinite number, for not one person I know has ever escaped its embrace.
The moon evokes breathtaking beauty and potency. It pulls the seas creating the ebb and flow of tides. It hangs in the dark sky in the company of constellations and mythological tales. It reflects its beauty on rivers, lakes and ponds. When the moon is full its resplendent glow incites the creative, spiritual, magical, sexual, and lunatic disposition. The moon presides over conception and birth. She is the grandmother of all women. She orchestrates agricultural cycles of sowing and reaping over all living beings.
The near side of the moon is always turned earthward, and the dark side of the moon is always turned away. “Everyone is a moon,” said Mark Twain, for everyone has two sides, light and dark.
The arc of the new moon is crescent in shape. The word crescent comes from the Latin word crescere, to increase, thus the new moon is a time to make wishes and plant seeds. Prayers of gratitude for the increase of light over the dangerous “lunacy” of the dark moon are offered.
The landscape upon which we dwell is located within the Golden Crescent. The Golden Crescent refers to the shape of the shoreline from Charleston, South Carolina, to Cape Canaveral, Florida. It is bound by the sea on the east and the barrier islands to the west.
The first time I saw the term Golden Crescent used to describe this region was on a poster published by the Southeast Archaeology Foundation. The foundation commissions artwork to help the National Park Service – Southeast Archaeology Center interpret cultural life for public appreciation. The image “Seminole Rest” depicts life in the Golden Crescent, spring 800 A.D.
Abundant resources available by land and sea sustained indigenous cultures for centuries, thus supporting a “golden life.” We who live in the Golden Crescent are blessed to call this place our home.
People gathering to enjoy the gift of the moon is tradition in every culture. When the moon is full, I make my way to sea and I am far from alone. Many like-minded moon lovers gather along the shores of the Golden Crescent to observe and absorb the power of the moon. It is indeed enchanting to witness our maternal grandmother rise above the horizon shining her light through darkness.
Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No. 14 is one of the most recognized classical music pieces of our time. Now 222 years later, people are still enchanted by this three-part song written by Beethoven for a young Italian student whom he loved. After the death of Beethoven, writer Ludwig Rellstab described Sonata No. 14 as “a lake reposing in the faint shimmer of the moon.” The name “Moonlight Sonata” replaced Piano Sonata No. 14 forever more. Listen to Moonlight Sonata and close your eyes.
Just like the moon, Moonlight Sonata is powerful. The sonata introduction takes you to the depths of your soul and gently soothes your sorrow. Next, hope finds its way into your heart. Then, lastly bravado takes over and carries you forward. This sensual sonata moves you just like the light of the moon.
The energy emanating from a rising full moon can hypnotize you if you allow it. It has the power to pull you into a trance. When this happens, we say you have been moonstruck. Being moonstruck can affect your behavior, especially in a romantic way. Who can forget the iconic film “Moonstruck” starring Cher. “When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie… that’s amoree…”
On July 18, 2023, the new moon will provide us with the opportunity to gaze into the celestial heavens and witness shimmering stars take center stage. This is a perfect time to set your intentions for the month to follow.
As the light of the moon increases with each passing day, take a step in the direction of your intentions. When the full moon arrives on August 2, find a pleasant place to let the moon shine on you.
Reflect upon the steps you made toward your intentions. Offer gratitude for the gift of dwelling in the Golden Crescent. And, allow yourself to be moonstruck for it truly is one of life’s greatest pleasures.
It has been many moons since I’ve read such beautiful scientific poetry. It should soothe the souls of the lunatics and the lunacy we find in our world today.
Very good article..thanks!