Tonight there will be a Super, Blue, Blood, Wolf Moon in our skies and since this has not happened for 152 years - I thought it was worth mentioning!

Its Super because it is very close to the Earth and so appears bigger & brighter; it's Blue because there are 2 full moons this month (none in Feb); it's Blood because it will be eclipsed by the sun and so appear red in some countries; it's Wolf because it is a January moon.

In the ancient calendar, the phases of the moon (New Moon, First Quarter, Full Moon, Last Quarter) were used as a measurement, not only of time passing, but also beneficial in informing farmers of the best times to plant specific crops, and then harvest them; in instructing sailors/fishermen of the times of high tides and safe passage; and, in informing women of their fertility cycle.

Most deities have a female Moon Goddess for this reason. As always, there are exceptions though.

The Full Moon in each month is given a familiar name - you may be aware of a Harvest Moon (September's Full Moon), and a Hunter's Moon (October's Full Moon). I particulary like a Strawberry, or Rose Moon, for August. Less romantically, the Full Moon at my birthday month is called a Worm Moon!

The date for Easter is calculated as the first Sunday after the first Full Moon after the Spring Equinox (around 21 March). The date of the Full Moon after the Equinox this March is: 31 March (also a Blue Moon!), so Easter 2018 has to be Sunday 1 April. Foolishly, I never ever knew how it was worked out, until now!

Also, while I'm imparting all this info, the definition of lunatic was initially given as: a demented person enjoying lucid intervals during the first 2 phases of the Moon & afflicted with a period of fatuity in the period following a Full Moon.

So, tonight especially, let's all be a bit looney and take a peek outside and gaze skywards?

On a lighter, nostalgic note, and if you've got a spare 5 mins, please look at External Link?