~Some Moon Facts~ by ★Mystic♥Pagan★©

[Dept of PMM Artists & things]

Moon Facts
Diameter: 2,160 miles / 3,476 kilometers
Circumference: 6,790 miles / 10,930 kilometers

The moon rises around sunset when it's a full Moon, and sunrise when it's a new moon.
Moon months
Our months are linked to the movements of the moon. The moon passes between the earth and the sun every 29½ days - then there is a new moon. In Jewish and Muslim calendars a new month begins - all the months have 29 or 30 days.
Honey Moon
The June full moon was called the Mead or Honey moon. The name derives from the hives being full of honey at this time of the year. The honey would have been fermented and made into mead. Traditionally, a honey drink was taken after wedding ceremonies held on the Summer Solstice. This is the derivation of 'honeymoon'. Blue Moon
Due to the moon's cycle being 29½ days, there are occasionally - as in July 2004 - two full moons in one month (only happens on average every 2.7 years). Then the second moon of the month is called a 'blue moon'.
There will be two blue moons in 2018.
Dark Moon
When two new moons occur in a month, the second is called a 'dark moon'.
The new moon is also sometimes called the dark moon - at this phase there is no illumination on the earth's side.
Harvest Moon

The full moon nearest to the Autumn Equinox is called the 'Harvest moon'. This is because for several nights it appears large and bright in the early evening, bringing farmers valuable extra time to gather in their harvest.
The Celtic year was once divided into 13 months - one for each moon occuring during the year.

Lunar eclipse

A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth passes between the Moon and the Sun. Because full Moons occur when the Sun and Moon are on opposite sides of the Earth - Lunar eclipses can only happen when the Moon is full. Though not as thrilling as a solar eclipse, the Moon can be seen to magically change colour, becoming coppery or even red - this is due to light being reflected from the Earth onto the Moon's surface (known as 'earthshine'). During the eclipse you can see the Earth’s shadow slowly reach across the surface of the Moon.


Lunar Planting

Many gardeners believe that planting during specific phases of the moon brings good results. Many calendars and almanacs carry moon phase planting guides.
Plants gain energy for growth from the sun, but they are also affected by the moon's changing phases. The moon controls tides, influences the groundwater tables beneath the earth and affects the movement of fluids within plants.

New moon - farmers and gardeners should prepare to sow seeds now. During the first quarter of the waxing moon phase the moisture level in the soil is at it's highest, so this is when you should plant seeds, repot plants, sow lawns. This brings rapid germination and growth.

Full moon - farmers should transplant now, when the lunar flowering force is strong. The moisture content becomes low during the waning moon phase and less sap is rising in the trees and shrubs, so it's a good time to do your pruning and attack weeds.
According to lunar planting folklore root plants should go into the ground during a waning moon. It is also the best time to turn over soil.

[Dept of PMM Artists & things]

FULL MOON
The Full Moon lasts about three days. It is a very intense phase. Many women still ovulate with the
Full Moon. This is the time to apply the most powerful herbs. Use cayenne capsules to
treat infections of any kind. Goldenseal is a well-known herbal antibiotic. Echinacea and lomatium
are anti-viral. Dong quai is an excellent herb for female hormonal fluctuations.
Energy healing work during the Full Moon is very powerful. On the energetic level, it acts like a
magnifying mirror. The strong lunar energy pulls everything out of hiding and reflects it back at us.
This is often the time during an acute illness when people feel their worst. The Full Moon intensifies
whatever else is going on. Often people aren't even aware that they're sick until the Full Moon hits.
This is also an excellent time for psychological therapy. Emotions seem closer to the surface than
usual and social inhibitions melt away. Agendas that have been simmering under the surface tend
to come out under the light of the Full Moon. This is a time to strengthen relationships and reaffirm
bonds. Never underestimate the healing power of simply holding someone's hand and listening.
This is not the time for isolation or introspection . The Full Moon draws all of life toward it.
Even the solid ground rises several inches when the Full Moon passes overhead!