The full moon tonight  (July 22 2013) coincides with the moon’s close approach to Earth.  However the rain has made it impossible to catch any good images of it this evening.  So what is a super moon and why do we take note when they arrive.    The super moon has a reputation for trouble.  It raises tides higher than normal up to 15cm in some places.  Not exactly a great flood but enough of a difference to be noticed.  It  makes dogs howl and the sky is 40% brighter than a normal moon.   The moon follows an elliptical path around the earth with one side of the orbit closer than the other.  It happens when the moon approaches Earth at the closest point during a new or full moon. You might hear experts call it a “perigee full moon”—perigee is the monthly event when the moon reaches its closest point to Earth.  The moon becomes 14% larger at this time.

The best time to look is when the moon is near the horizon.  It is at this time it appears to be extra large.  However even though it is 14% larger, when it is high in the sky it is hard to really see the difference.

Full moons are the basis of many tales.  People turn into werewolves, crime and accidents increase and there are more mental disturbances at this time than at any other time during the month.   Many Police and Hospitals don’t see this time as superstition.  To them the changes that effect people are real.  It actually is their busiest and craziest time of the month.

The idea that the full moon caused mental disorders was wide spread during the middle ages.   We even call people Lunatics, or their behaviour is considered lunacy.  In the past we sent people to the Looney bin who had gone a bit Looney themselves.  All these words are derived from the Latin word for moon.  It was strongly believed that the moon had super powers over our cognition and if you didn’t follow appropriate protocols then it would attack you and send you crazy.

It makes sense that if the moon regulates the ocean and water of the world and we are 60-70% water then of course it will effect us.  I am of the opinion however that you have to be a bit looney in the first place for the moon to effect you to such a degree.

Science today state their is NO correlation between the cycles of the moon and peoples behaviour.  As we mentioned Hospitals and Police officers tend to disagree with this theory.

Next full moon is
in about 29 days

Last Quarter Jun 30 05:54
New Moon Jul 8 08:14
First Quarter Jul 16 04:18
Full Moon Jul 22 19:15

The Full Moon

Full Moon is when the moon has reached its zenith, it forms a perfect silvery sphere in the sky. This is a time for spells that transform, increase psychic ability, for fertility spells and invocation to lunar goddesses. This is a time of strength, love and power.

At this time the moon represents the Goddess in her Mother aspect, give praise to Cerridwen, Isis or one of the other Mother Goddesses. The period of the Full Moon lasts from about 3 days before to 3 days after the actual full moon.

Full Moon Celebration

“Moon of Celebration”
Location: Moon is 180 – 255 degrees ahead of the Sun
Span:
Fourteen days to seventeen and a half days after the New Moon.

Attributes:
Time of the Mother Goddess. Anu, Hera, Isis, Demeter, Freya, Luna, Diana, Spider Woman, Chaos, Frigg, Morrigan, Ta – Urt. Beautiful, radiant MoonMother. LadyMoon.

Positive activities:
Very intuitive and productive time. Especially: Fertility; Magic; Dreams; Meditation; love; Matters of the home; Beauty; Money; Creativity; Psychic abilities. A time of heightened feelings. Not a good time for major decisions for they will be colored with emotional debris. Do not seek medical treatment, inoculations, operations are at its least favorable. Wounds bleed more, and the formation of scar tissue is more pronounced.

Goals:
Major workings should occur now. This is the climax of the obvious moon power. Relates to the Growing plant as it pierces the ground.

Moon Folklore

Full Moon Folklore
UK Folklore for the 10 Days after a Full Moon.

Day 1
Said to be the best day after the full moon to consider starting a fresh enterprise or even better to actually get it up and running.

Be prepared for a lengthy illness if you happen to fall prey to sickness on this day though. Happily this does not apply to the new born, as any child born on this day it is said will enjoy a long healthy life, and prosper in the process.

Day 2
Whether you run a company, operate a cottage industry or plan to have a garage sale traditionally the second day after the full moon is a very positive day to sell your wares. By the same token it is a good day to buy, probably being able to find items at reasonable prices.
Good fortune will come to those interested in gardening as it is said that any plant sown or bedded in on this day will flourish. Likewise those involved in agriculture will have an easy time of ploughing the land.

Day 3
Those who find their property fell prey to the felon’s eye on this day can at least gain some small comfort that the thief is also likely to be caught within a short amount of time if not the very same day.
It was traditionally believed that any child born on this day would be prone to illness, and therefore was believed to have a short life expectancy.

Day 4
Well, this is definitely the day to start building that extension or barbie, or going for a fresh look in decoration in the home, which of course includes repairs. This is said to be a positive day to commence any new project that involves construction design to your property. If you’re planning this try to get out on the second day after the full moon to pick up those last minute bargains from the sales;).
Keep an eye on the education and social life of any child born on this day as their intended aim be to develop a career will most likely move towards politics. The career will be prosperous and auspicious but only if those early days are firmly supported.

Day 5
If you are trying for a child, then according to folklore this is said to be an ideal time to conceive…and of course if you are not…be careful :).
Regarding weather omens it is said that whatever happens on this day, be it rain or shine, then the rest of the month is likely to follow suit.

Day 6
This is reputed to be a very good day to book a holiday, and take a rest. If you can get away on this day even better as you are likely to have a wonderful time. For those interested in fishing or hunting it is said that this is a day when you might catch the big one!

Day 7
Little is said about this day except that if you are unattached and looking for a partner then today, the seventh after the full moon, will provide many opportunities to find the perfect lover. Falling in love is the order of the day, so enjoy, enjoy, enjoy.

Day 8
This day is connected to the first after the full moon, as it was traditionally believed that anyone falling ill would be unlikely to recover, and those fortunate to survive the illness would remain weak for some considerable time.

Day 9
Close the curtains when you go to bed and avoid looking out of a window at the new moon on this day if you want to retain your beautiful looks. The moon light was believed to have the power to change facial features and even thought at one time to cause temporary madness.

Day 10
Be patient with the child that is born on this day as it is said that the spirit of the child is likely to be uneasy, resulting in a restless ‘free spirited’ or hyperactive child.