Reflections: The Moon….
“See how nature – trees, flowers, grass – grows in silence; see the stars, the moon and the sun, how they move in silence…we need silence to be able to touch souls.” Mother Teresa of Calcutta
Reflections: The Moon.... Lunar Moon over The Parthenon...
The Moon by Emily Dickinson
The moon was but a chin of gold
A night or two ago,
And now she turns her perfect face
Upon the world below.
Her forehead is of amplest blond;
Her cheek like beryl stone;
Her eye unto the summer dew
The likest I have known.
Her lips of amber never part;
But what must be the smile
Upon her friend she could bestow
Were such her silver will!
And what a privilege to be
But the remotest star!
For certainly her way might pass
Beside your twinkling door.
Her bonnet is the firmament,
The universe her shoe,
The stars the trinkets at her belt,
Her diminutives of blue.
Some say a full moon brings out the madness in people, and a new moon gives us a chance to start afresh. I have a fascination for the moon; an admiration for that huge, bright, spherical planet in the sky, shimmering with light. On silent nights, I watch the moon and wonder what it would be like to go there; to escape the humdrum of our daily lives, the noise, the pain, the stress. Let’s enjoy the silence of the moon.
“When I admire the wonder of a sunset or the beauty of the moon, my soul expands in worship of the Creator.” Mahatma Gandhi
Reflections: The Moon.... Super Perigee Moon near the Lincoln Memorial
Suddenly In The Sky Appeared by Jalāl ad-Dīn Muḥammad Rūmī
Suddenly, in the sky at dawn, a moon appeared,
Descended from the sky
Turned its burning gaze on me,
Like a hawk during the hunt seizing a bird,
Grabbed me and flew with me high into heaven.
When I looked at myself, I could not see myself
For in this moon, my body, by grace, had become soul.
Full Moon Festival by Thich Nhat Hanh
Everyone is here at the Full Moon Festival.
Friend, what are you waiting for?
The bright moon shines above us.
There are no clouds tonight.
Why bother to ask about lamps and fire?
Why talk about cooking dinner?
Who is searching and who is finding?
Let us just enjoy the moon, all night.
We can view our lives in phases; like those of the moon… The phases of our life start from our birth through the various stages of development and growth; the ups and downs of our lives, the periods of tremendous growth and strength, through to the waning years, the fading years, and finally our demise. The Moon represents them all in its lunar phases: New moon, Waxing crescent moon, First quarter moon, Waxing gibbous moon, Full moon, Waning gibbous moon, Third quarter moon, Waning crescent moon, Dark moon… If we pay attention, we’d notice that different aspects of nature mirror the cycles of life. Let’s contemplate the beauty of moon. More below!
“May you have warm words on a cold evening, a full moon on a dark night and a smooth road all the way to your door.” Irish Blessings
Reflections: Enjoy The Moon.... Full Moon in a Red Blue Venus Haze
Reflections: The Moon.... A Full Moon
The Freedom of the Moon by Robert Frost
I’ve tried the new moon tilted in the air
Above a hazy tree-and-farmhouse cluster
As you might try a jewel in your hair.
I’ve tried it fine with little breadth of luster,
Alone, or in one ornament combining
With one first-water start almost shining.
I put it shining anywhere I please.
By walking slowly on some evening later,
I’ve pulled it from a crate of crooked trees,
And brought it over glossy water, greater,
And dropped it in, and seen the image wallow,
The color run, all sorts of wonder follow.
I was thinking about what post to share on a day I was feeling worn, spent, in need of air. The moon beckoned, whispering in my ear that it is natural to wax and wane, to feel some pain, to turn within, to seek this moon, to let my body, by grace, become whole again. And I did listen to the moon. Let’s embrace the blessings of the moon. What are your thoughts? Do you pay attention to the moon? What draws you to it? What do you know about moon phases? Do share! Thank you. 😉
Positive Motivation Tip: We can wish upon a star or look to the moon for answers… the answers are not there but inside us.
PHOTO CREDITS/ATTRIBUTIONS: All Photos Moon over Parthenon, in Greece, Perigee moon, Full moon, via NASA, Moon in haze, via Wikipedia
Until Next Time…
Ask. Believe. Receive. ©
Elizabeth Obih-Frank
Mirth and Motivation
Positive Kismet
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The Moon … a celestrial connection to a very long journey here on Earth. It inspires our imagination and fuels our sense of wonder. Nice post Elizabeth.
It does add to our sense of wonder and a way to regroup and refresh our body and mind. TY!
The top photo is incredible. Absolutely amazing. The colour of the moon hovering majestically above the Parthenon is beautiful. I really like the way you write too.
Isn’t that spectacular? It took my breath and pain away when I saw it and I’m glad you like it too. TY for your kind words! 🙂
It’s not the Parthenon, it’s the Lincoln Memorial. But it is an incredible photo.
The first photo is of the lunar moon over the Parthenon Petchary. The second photo is of the Lincoln Memorial. They were taken on different days and identified by NASA. Take a close look at both pictures; locations are not the same. TY for your feedback. 🙂
I can always see the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party in the moon (from where we are). I think therefore it has some link to my childhood for me.
The moon drives the tides – who knows what else it can drive on earth?
Interesting right? A lot of moon references and memories from my childhood too. Hm mm. 🙂
That first pic is gorgeous. Did you take it?
TY! No, I got both from NASA. They have amazing photos… TY! 🙂
Great post. Moon always amazes whether it’s there or not in the sky. You have shared some of the best moon photos out there, thank you! 🙂
TY Nandini! NASA has amazing photos and that is why I love visiting their site; plus the education too about our universe. 🙂
Me too! 🙂
I have more than 400 pictures from NASA. Always fascinate me! 🙂
Ditto! 🙂
Beautiful post. You reminded me of how I used to be so connected to the moon. I used to wonder if my faraway lover was also looking up at the moon… Now it shines in my window at night and lights my face while I sleep and dream of him.
Isn’t that amazing? I had the same fantasies and I’m always drawn to the moon when events happen in the world or around me. TY! 🙂
On my early morning walk last week, I stopped in my tracks to look at the moon which looked as if it was hanging by an invisible cord over a coconut tree. It was so beautiful – the night light mixed with the morning rays — I wished I had my camera with me.
Yes, the moon, especially a full moon, does draw us in. Thanks for this lunar reflection, Elizabeth.
The photos are indeed stunning, especially the one over the Parthenon.
Yes, I saw a huge moon, like the orange ones above; it was huge and inviting and I wished I had my camera too. 🙂
I love the moon and I love your post. The pictures, the poems, and the thoughts all call to me just as the moon calls. I don’t usually do this, but I wanted to point out a post I wrote almost a year ago, as i thought you might enjoy it. It’s called “The Moon Calls” http://lisawieldswords.wordpress.com/2011/03/21/the-moon-calls/
TY for sharing the link. I’ll check it out and add this one to the post as a related article. I do feel the call of the moon a lot… so fascinating. 😉
I’ve always loved the moon. Years ago a friend of mine and I would meet at the barn around 11 p.m. under a full moon and take a mid-night ride under it’s light. The peace and serenity of those night rides bring back fond memories. This was a lovely post. I love your photos and the poems. Great job!
Your story sounds wonderful… You should write a post on it too.. Midnight rides under the glow of the moon. WoW! 🙂
I could write a story, but have no pictures to post to accompany it. I have to say though, those moonlight rides were the best . . . no bugs! LOL. And of course, there was that beautiful full moon to light up the night sky. No way to go wrong as long as you stayed out in the open where you could see the path beneath your feet (and to avoid tree branches in front of your face). 🙂
Sure, it is a magnificent visual. As for photos, the NASA site has tons and they are available to the public as long as we give attribution. Check it out. 🙂
I will do that. I wish I’d taken a camera to catch some trail shots while we were riding. It’s a little late now. But ‘Old Timers’ hasn’t got the best of me yet, so I can still remember the fun we had. 😉 . I still have friends with horses, so opportunity might knock again before all is said and done. Who knows? In the meantime, if you ever get the chance, by all means, do a moonlight ride (assuming you like horses), you’ll never forget it.
Amen and I hope so! 🙂
Absolutely lovely, Elizabeth, thanks.
Oh TY dear one! 🙂
This is a lovely post. I love your moon photo as well as the quote from Mother Teresa 🙂
TY Gracie… it evolved from that quote and the rest is a lovely surprise. I do love the moon. 🙂
Being a ‘moon child’ I am constantly affected by the lunar phases. Your photo’s, as always, are beautiful Elizabeth.
Thanks!
b
TY Barb! All credit goes to NASA but I’m glad to share the photos. They inspired me too. 🙂
Beautiful! I do find my answers by being still, and I feel close to God when I stare at that wonderful orb high up in the heavens! Debra
Yes, stillness is a great gift… Moon gazing helps too. 🙂
There is something very magical about the moon. Like hiking in only moonlit landscapes, that brings out so many strong feelings and longings. I think it’s quite a mark to have in the night sky. It seems so bright and almost phosphorous, yet it is only reflecting light from the sun. The sister of the sun.
Yes, you say it beautifully! It is magical and I love your “The sister of the sun” line. 😉
To help my students remember the phases of the moon, I always play this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXK63GpwUqs
Check it out, Eliz!
TY Terri! I will take a look and enjoy it too. 🙂
Oh my goodness, the pull of that magic moon and so many lovely memories of life’s light from that glow . . .
TY Patti! I get what you are saying as I feel the pull of that glorious glowing orb too. 🙂
The very most special moon phase for me is when a tiny sliver of a new moon seems to cradle Venus as the evening star! It just seems to offer caring and compassion at that time!
Sounds precious… Now capture it in a photo someday, it would be awesome. TY! 😉
Thank you for sharing the beautiful photos. You’ve reminded me to look up more.
TY too and I do need to look up more often as well… So much magic in the skies. 🙂
There is something so alluring and mystical about the full moon! I certainly notice those more.
Same here… alluring, mystical, magical, healing, all come to mind. TY! 🙂
With our clear night skies, we see and connect with the moon a lot here in Jamaica. The most extraordinary one was last year’s “super moon” – so bright it almost hurt the eyes. I took dozens of photos of it. Thanks for this. I love to see the moon in the middle of the day too, like a white shadow…
That must have been amazing! Upload your pictures in a post so we can enjoy them with you. I love pictures of the moon too. TY! 🙂
Eliz, I don’ always pay attention to the moon, but when I find a lot of craziness around me, it is often when the moon is full. I like a full moon because I have trouble seeing at night and the pale glow guides me.
Yes, I’ve observed the craziness too. 🙂 Love the moon.
La Bella Luna! 😀
Mira, mira! 🙂
Oh, so beautiful Eliz! It would be nice to have a window that lets the moon shine on you while you sleep. As you can tell, I don’t have a window like that but maybe one day. 🙂
This also reminded me of the song about dancing in the moonlight. Sorry, can’t think of the artist who sang it.
Oh that sounds wonderful and brings back memories of when I had such a window… “Dancing In The Moonlight” is the title song on the 1973 King Harvest album.
Ahhh. 🙂
Yep, that is the song! 🙂
Who doesn’t love the Moon? 🙂
Gorgeous shots from NASA, Elizabeth! I love the paintings you can find too of what a landscape would look like with multiple moons or suns – such beauty – but nothing compares to the real deal and the beauty of nature.
I agree… nothing beats the beauty of nature captured with a fantastic camera… Love it. 😉
The moon is such like a mysterious being watching us from above. I love its comforting glow at night.
The glow is hypnotic and I love to watch too and wonder… TY! 😉
The moon inspires! I have a few draft poems on that wonderful enigma in the sky 🙂
Do share some soon. I love the moon and would happily read your poems. 🙂
Beautiful!
Nice read.
PS. I added you to my blogroll. I hope you don’t mind 🙂
TY Nelson. I have a blogroll page offline as I’ve been updating it for a while now… 🙂
Hi. This is a lovely blog, especially as it is on my favourite subject – the Moon. My captivation with it began a long time ago, but my fascination was piqued again last year when, in my bedroom one night, I noticed a full moon right outside my bedroom window. I couldn’t believe how big, and how beautiful she was. Now I keep a close watch on her, as I look forward to her visits. She has a mesmerizing hold on anyone who appreciates her.
I was notified by email that you had left a comment but I only saw a link to your site. hope I didn’t miss a written comment. I am new at WordPress, it isn’t as easy to manipulate and negotiate as I thought it would be. Thank you for stopping by my Blog.
Thank you, too, for sharing these lovely poetry.
Actually, your notification was right but somehow the comment vanished … to the moon! How strange. Anyway, I had said that your comment brought back memories of childhood days when I had a bedroom with windows that pulled in the moon. Lots of wonderful creative thoughts went though my mind back then… TY! 🙂