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