January 13, 2011

Luna Crescens.

Even though I stated in my previous post that I take the significance of my zodiac sign lightly, the fact that the crab is ruled by the moon is indeed accurately reflected in my endless attraction to this celestial body.
I am infinitely fascinated by this natural satellite of the Earth - there is simply nothing more ethereal, almost hypnotic, then the cool shine of the silver disc as it floats so effortlessly in the night sky.

I view the moon as utterly mysterious and extremely feminine. At all times I experience a transcending connection to its presence in the ebony blue velvet above me and I watch it appear and disappear with an awe that only grows as I grow older. No mater where I am, no matter what I do, as soon as the moon rises in the heavens, it holds my undivided attention, sending me into a trance like state where nothing else exists  but my connection to its significance.

And indeed, it carries a significance that most of us very rarely contemplate. The way it rules our waters through tidal effects, the way it mesmerizes us through the lunar eclipses and the importance with which this silvery orbiter has impacted our lives through history. Not just in fables and beliefs, forming our cultures and traditions, but also as the symbol of our dreams. A strong desire to explore the outer space, in order to gain an insight into the enigma that is the universe, perhaps unlocking the key to life itself.

These past days the moon has been Waxing Crescent  - in Latin; Luna Crescens - and has just reached the First Quarter. In about six days it will be full for the first time this year- instigating my favorite time of the month. The week leading up to full moon - or in Latin, Luna Plena - is when I feel the happiest and look my best.


To those of you who are interested, here are some fun moon facts:

• The Moon makes 1 rotation and completes a revolution around the Earth every 27 days, 7 hours, and 43 minutes.  That's about 28 days.

• The moon is about 1/4 the size of the Earth.

• Only 59% of the moon's surface is visible from earth.

• From Earth, we always see the same side of the moon; the other side is always hidden – it is also know as "the dark side of the moon".

• It is possible to have a month without a full moon. This occurs in February, but either January or March will have two moons.

• When a month has two full moons, the second full moon is called a blue moon. Another definition of a blue moon is the third full moon in any season (quarter of year) containing 4 total full moons.

• When Neil Armstrong took that historical step of "one small step for man one giant step for mankind" it would not have occurred to anyone that the step he took in the dust of the moon was there to stay. It will be there for at least 10 million years. 

• The prevailing hypothesis today is that the Earth–Moon system formed as a result of a giant impact: a Mars-sized body hit the nearly formed proto-Earth, blasting material into orbit around the proto-Earth, which accreted to form the Moon.

• Moon phases in Latin: luna nova, luna nascens, novilunium, interlunium, luna dimidia crescens, luna falcata, luna semiformis, luna plena, plenilunium, luna dimidia decrescens, luna falcata, luna semiformis

41 comments:

Ines said...

Good Morning, Zuzana-

still it´s a little bit dark here and the presence of the night and the moon not so long ago...

The best time for me and Madame Luna- before I go to bed. Then I am in the garden with my two sweet doggies for the last time. While they are walking around I look to the stars and I love it, when we have a wonderful moon. I love those clear and silent moments- it´s like, heaven and me- we are one...

It´s really important- this wonderful moon. And a great post for it :-)

Enjoy your day-

Ines

Richard Jesse Watson said...

Nice post Zuzana. Happy Still Pretty New Year. Hope you bask in the light of the both moon and sun. I wish many moon dogs and sun dogs to escort you on your journey.

Elizabeth said...

After a long day in the office another moon awaits you.

S. Susan Deborah said...

I don't know how many times I will say this to you but still. I also share a fascination for the moon. I never feel alone when the moon is around and often I even converse with it. Your moon facts were quite interesting and this has further added to my wonder at the moon. The Armstrong fact is just mind blowing. It is beyond my imagination.

Having seen one side of the moon, I yearn to see the other as well. But I know that it is impossible.

Sometimes I do think that I am a moony and loony person.

A lovely post, dear Zuzana. A topic I revel in.

Joy always,
Susan

tony said...

Hi Zuzana X
Yes, The Moon is indeed magic.But,the strangest thing,It is so visible, yet people forget /ignore it's presence.How Strange ........

Brian Miller said...

oy yeah i ama luna-tic...it sets the tides of my romantic heart...i could sit and stare for hours between it and the stars....sigh

Nessa said...

I, too, love looking at the moon and try to perform rituals that celebrate this luminescent body. Makes me feel connect to the universe.

Anonymous said...

Lovely photos. The moon is indeed mysterious and beautiful. I always think of the moon as a she or her...

Love those fun facts too!

Claus said...

Interesting! I've been watching documentaries on astronomy on the Discovery Channel for the past week, and while it amazes me how vast and enormous the Universe is, and how tiny Earth and the Moon is compared to other bodies, I was thinking I could never, EVER, be an astronaut! All that...nothing around scares me to my bones. Would you like to be an astronaut Zuzana? and have the opportunity to be on the mood?! You being a scientist, and a moon lover, my guess is yes, am I right?
have a lovely day!!

Jill from Killeny Glen said...

WE have had some BRIGHT and CRISP nights lately where the moon and stars shine SO BRIGHTLY. I go out to walk our dogs and it is so beautiful. Zuzana, you educate me on details that I can then mull over as I walk! Thank you!

Auntie sezzzzzz... said...

I too, love the moon. Thank you for your lyrical writing on Her. And for the facts, and the beautiful photo.

Gentle moon-hazy hugs... :-)

Myrna R. said...

I love the moon too. I get excited when I see the first crescent. My husband calls that a "Myrna Moon". When it's full, I love to stare at it and try to extact its secrets. I can understands why wolves howl at it. I've done that sometimes and its tons of fun.

A Lady's Life said...

I love the moon as well and fire also mesmerizes me. There is something about fire I think attracts most people.

Can you imagine if all the people had to move to the moon and it being 1/4 the size of Earth?
Now that would be a tight squeeze.lol

Calli said...

The Moon, she plays a wondrous part in my world as well. She is most definitely female in nature and strong and amazing to me the affect she has. There are many moments I stand outside at night and let her cast her glow as I take in whatever she wants me to see and feel and hear. Actually, it's quite hard to put into *words* her affect, though she always makes things *clearer* for me as the message seems to be highlighted, and very precise.

Excellent and timely post, Zuzana.
~Calli xxoo

Anonymous said...

Your photo is amazing...I love the deep blue shades. The moon and I are very good friends, too. She's always there and always intoxicating to watch.

Reading Tea Leaves said...

A few nights ago on a perfectly clear night I saw the most exquisite crescent moon, shining with a luminosity that literally took my breath away; as has your beautiful prose here.

Thank you dear Zuzana for this wonderful moon-gazing post.

Jeanne
x

Anonymous said...

LadyCat and I noticed the cresent moon the other night. When growing up, we called it a toe-nail moon.
Have a great weekend!
Lord Thomas of Wellington

Sandy said...

I always learn something from reading your blogs Zuzana. Very interesting post about our Moon. I wish I lived where I could see the stars and Milky Way in the sky without all the city lights hiding them. Once we were out West camping and we were stunned looking at the night sky and seeing the millions and millions of stars.

Sukanya said...

Ahh.. I love to moon watch too Zuzana. At times when Im down, I go to my terrace and watch the sky and stare at the beauty of the moon and the shining stars. They comfort me so well and talk to me silently and I talk back to them. A nice post with beauty tinged with science facts. :)

Cheers,
Sukanya

Paul C said...

Most interesting lunar observations. We have been enjoying some beautiful vistas of late with the crisp, brisk night sky.

bright star said...

Hello Zuzana, The moon has always had an hypnotic effect on me.I gaze at from my window or on my way home in the dark and I find it thrilling.It is difficult to describe how it feels to contemplate her but you have captured a lot in your post! love Angela

Gorgeous Glam said...

I love the moon and all her secrets! I always feel an awe and peace about the moon and it's wonder. Great post! xo

SandyCarlson said...

I share your respect of and awe for the moon. She is quite the lady, and very whimsical. Her light in winter is intensely beautiful.

adrielleroyale said...

What gorgeous pictures!! I bet you would love my "I am the moon" poem - I wrote it back in March of this last year! I didn't have my new camera yet though so the pictures are all from google and accuweather.com :)
Here's that link in case you'd like to check it out :)

http://adrielleroyale.blogspot.com/2010/03/i-am-moon.html

Velvet Over Steel said...

Very interesting post, Zuzana!! Love the moon too & can 'feel' it's presence.. esp. in the winter months!! Your pictures with this post are beautiful!!!

Have a wonderful weekend!!!
Love, Hugs & Many blessings,
Coren

Hilary said...

Beautiful photos of this mesmerizing orb.. and lovely writing. The deep blue of the sky is just incredible.

jean luc said...

Dear zuzana
thanks for all the explanations about the intruguing moon. I love watch her too , and i like when she hide the sun like some days ago. The day u will travel to the moon, just call me ;)
Kisses

Foxglove said...

Hello Zuzana,
The moon is so enchanting, to gaze at her splendour in the stillness of the night is wondrous, and to think how it has an affect on many different elements I find intriguing. I have loved reading your posts so full of such wise words and understanding.

Thank you for visiting my blog and leaving such beautiful words, I feel I have meet a kindred soul.
Have a glorious day and enchanting evenings. x

steviewren said...

There was a night last week, when the stars and the moon were so beautiful that I wanted to stay outside gazing at them. Of course, it was freezing. The night sky is always the clearest, brightest, most beautiful in the dead of winter. Why is that?

Love your facts about la bella luna.

Laura said...

Zuzana this is truly an exquisite moon image...I can imagine myself lying down in her cradle being gently rocked and comforted.

Phivos Nicolaides said...

Perhaps the zodiac signs are more fascinated than reality…

Sumandebray said...

I am amazed by the clarity of the sky .. in this part of the world the moon always stays behind a screen... a screen of dust or pollution.
enjoyed reading your post

Regina said...

Wow how amazing!
Regards.
Happy weekend.
xo

Unknown said...

Beautiful Zuzana!
Words and photo... Tonight while driving home( without my camera)the sun began to set behind a snow covered graveyard...The sky was a translucent pink/orange combination and it reminded me of sky Maxfield Parrish might have drawn inspiration from for some of his notable skies in his work. Love the " moon facts "
Deb

Anonymous said...

I feel worst at the full moon.
Those poor innocent dinners. lol
That is truly the dark side of the moon in my life. sigh.
Good news is, any other time of the moon process is perfectly safe

Unknown said...

What a fascinating post, Zuzana! One month before the tragic events of 9/11, I was very fortunate to have met and interviewed NASA Astronaut Frank Borman, Commander of Apollo 8. The photograph he snapped of the Moon from space has probably been published worldwide more than any other. Your wonderful post reminded me of that visit. I think of my meeting with Frank and the courage of his lunar orbital mission in 1968 every time I glance at the Moon! xoxo! :)

Baron's Life said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
sprinkles said...

I thought of you earlier today! I heard someone do a karoke version of Age of Aquarius - actually two different people, one after the other. The first person wasn't a very good singer in my opinion. The second one I could barely hear.

That song made me think of your last post.

And no, I didn't partake in any of the karoke fun if you were wondering.

Rajesh said...

Wonderful post. The facts are very interesting.

Unknown said...

since the moon is about 1/4 the size of the Earth, if there are people on the moon, the Earth must look totally awesome!!

Zuzana said...

Ines, Richard, Elizabeth, Susan, tony, Brian, Nessa, ladyfi, Claudia, Jill, Amelia, Myrna, Lady, Calli, LadyCat, Jeanne, The Bach, Sandy, Sukanya, Paul, Angela, Taj, adrielle, Coreen, Hilary, jean luc, Foxglove, Stevie, Laura, Philip, Sumandebray, Regina, Deborah, artswebshow, Michael, sprinkles, Rajesh and Doreen – oh, so glad to find so many kindred spirits that like to gaze at the moon, in all its phases.;)

I guess the addiction to the silver disc and its enigmatic presence in the sky is not solely connected to the sign of Cancer.;) And, as interesting as it is that the crab is ruled by the moon, in the light of recent events I no longer seem to belong to that sign of the zodiac any longer - imagine that.;)

Thank you all for your endlessly kind visits and words, they warm my heart at all times.

Xoxo
Zuzana