Moonstruck

“Remember the moon, know who she is.”

Joy Harjo, from her poem “Remember”

Two nights ago, light coming from the sky drew me out to the deck. The night seemed nearly as bright as early dawn but with the soft texture of evening. I looked up to see the glow of the waxing moon, how it painted the clouds luminous. It made me want to dance. 

Today, in a group conversation about what it means to wonder, a friend said, “What I’m wondering about is the moon.”

This month’s moon offers us much for awe and curiosity. It’s Flower Moon, the name the Ojibwe call the fifth moon of creation when the plants demonstrate their essences. We can see it all around us here in the Northern Hemisphere—fields and trees and yards alive with vibrant color.

The light that drew me outside two nights ago and made me wonder is caused by this year’s Flower Moon orbiting closer to the earth, making it appear larger and brighter. And a total lunar eclipse early Wednesday will give the Super Flower Moon an orange glow. This is referred to as a “blood moon.” 

Don’t miss the chance: go outside tonight or tomorrow night, peer up at the Super Flower Blood Moon hanging in the sky. And dance, if you’re so moved.

Or howl.

Or do both.

But most important, give yourself over to wonder. 

Featured photo credit: Denver Astronomical Society member Ron Pearson of Evergreen