For ages humans have wondered about the effects of a full moon on the planet. If tides are at their highest (and lowest) during this phase, wouldn’t anything that has a high water content, such as plant and animal life, be affected too?
Supposedly, timber isn’t harvested in tropical rainforests during a full moon as sap rises in the trees at that time. This phenomena attracts death-watch beetles, insects known to destroy timber. Does sap rise in the trees here too during a full moon?
There are nights when the wolves are silent, and only the moon howls.
~ George Carlin
Since a full moon is ten times brighter than a crescent moon, one would assume that nocturnal wildlife has more light with which to forage and hunt during the night hours. However, raccoon hunters often find their prey less active on full moon nights and some deer hunters believe that deer are actually more active at noon during a full moon. Despite all the research that’s been done, animal and human activity during this moon phase is still a mystery.
The two photos above were taken at 6 am this morning while the photo below was taken an hour later, half an hour before sunrise. It looks more like the sun than the moon is peeking out from behind the trees.
Full moons occur every 29.5 days and the next one will be on New Year’s Eve. Since it will be the second full moon of the calendar month, it will be what’s known as a ‘blue moon,’ an event that occurs, on average, once every three years.
When I admire the wonder of a sunset or the beauty of the moon, my soul expands in worship of the creator.
~ Mahatma Gandhi
Wonderful full moon pictures:)
How exciting, a Blue Moon for New Years Eve!
Thanks shelagh. Yes, I thought that was so cool too 🙂
Great shots and the quotes pair perfectly with them. I walked out to the barn last night, and thought, “Oh my, the moon is so bright.” It was magical. Love the second photo in particular–as if the moon were descending to earth. Thank you for these.
Now you’ve given me something new to ponder (about the sap rising). Hmmmmm. Lovely pics. Sybil
Thanks Sybil. That sap rising business has me wondering too. If the full moon does that to trees, what does it do to human beings?
The burning moon is stunning. I’m glad you got up – when we walked in the moonlight last night I promised myself to get up in time to watch it set over the Bay . . . and then slept in. Probably just as well. We’re having a gray cotton sky today. But I know what I’m doing New Year’s Eve . . .
Gerry, glad I got up early too 🙂
Your moon shots are hauntingly beautiful. My own (not posted yet) was taken in town, with electric wires instead of trees in the foreground. Oh, well. Thanks for the New Year’s Eve tip. I’m also glad to hear the moon still holds mystery, that the astronauts’ visit of 40 years ago didn’t answer all our questions.
Pamela, those electric wires ruin so many potentially great moonscapes.
Mystery is probably the moon’s most appealing quality.
Guess we were all taking moon shots! Your photos are gorgeous, all of them. How fascinating about the animal activities during a full moon. Didn’t know that at all.
Kathy, each full moon is even more of an event since you started identifying them with their native names.
So that’s where the phrase “Once in a blue moon” came from!
Beautiful photos, as always, along with really interesting information.
Thanks, Amy.
You’re welcome Joan. Glad you liked the post.
while I was driving to work (about 7 a.m.) I saw the full moon and was thinking exactly the same – what a phenomena it is.. I wish I had my camera with me. Maybe one day when I won’t be in a hurry.
Beautimous, wondermous…. :}
Justastroll and Cindy Lou, thank you for your comments. This moon was so amazing. It’s great that we can all enjoy it from our different vantage points.
Please stop by my blog at your earliest convenience. Something special for you there.
These are lovely Amy. I wonder about all the subtle nuances the Native Americans and other peoples who live close-to-the-land know, so to be able to give each Moon its name.
At Timberline Lodge, on Mt. Hood, in Oregon, there is a permanent display of each of the Native American Moons, and a banner with the current Moon is prominent when you enter.
I think modern people rush rush by, but wiser peoples know that there are special qualities to our Moon as well as to our Sun, with ramifications for our Health, as well as spirit.
My favorite Moon remembrance is shared with my daughter (while we were floating in a pool), at night in Taos, New Mexico, nearly a decade ago. It was life-changing.
Best to all — Em
Em, modern people don’t only rush by, they also spend a lot less time outdoors than in the past. We’re so disconnected from the sky and the earth, and probably one another as well.