The Hare Moon

Today is rather magickal, for not only does it herald the new Hare Moon, but also a solar eclipse, albeit, it could not be seen from the UK.
The hare was a sacred animal to the Celts and was symbolic of fertility. They thought that as the earth was warming up during this lovely month, then so were human passions. Both sun and moon are in the sign of Taurus so what better time for celebrating earthy and sensual pleasures!
The photograph of Pan (who better to illustrate earthy pleasures?) was taken outside the Witchcraft Museum in Boscastle in Cornwall and is currently on loan to them. Well worth a visit if you're in that part of the world.
Meanwhile enjoy all that the Merry Month of May has to offer!
Read more 'Mrs Darley's Moon Mysteries'

Eclipse Changes

What a potentially exciting month June promises to be! The New Moon came into being at 22.15 GMT last night which coincided with a partial solar eclipse and although the eclipse wasn't visible from the UK, its effects are still felt across the world.

Eclipses and solar ones in particular, always herald change and this time that change is going to be particularly noticable for those born under an air sign, namely; Gemini, Libra and Aquarius. The good news is, that as the eclipse forms a harmonious aspect to Saturn, which sits within the sign of Libra at the moment, then hopefully these changes will be positive ones for all concerned.

Other events this month which give us great topics of blog conversation include the full moon which also heralds a lunar eclipse and is visible from the UK, the summer solstice and the mid summer fires on the south west peninsular of Cornwall.

Enjoy the sun as He moves towards the height of his power in the northern hemisphere.

A Heavenly Treat

Today sees the last day of the Roman festival of Kalendae, a time when gifts of sweet foods and coins were exchanged to bring luck for the following year, a good excuse no doubt for us to eat up all the sweet meats that are left over from the seasonal festivities.

In the heavens, the next few days are particularly exciting, with a spectacular meteor shower visible tonight and tomorrow in the area of the constellation of Bootes, although it will be best after midnight.

Tomorrow (4th) there will be a partial solar eclipse visible as the sun rises in Northern Europe, Asia and Africa and of course for this to happen it has to be a new moon, a time of new beginnings. Also tomorrow two of the largest moons of Jupiter are visible with a good pair of binoculars; namely Callisto and Ganymede.

What a heavenly treat! Make the most of it, enjoy the view and prepare for exciting times ahead.

New Moon and Solar Ecipse

Tomorrow (10th July) heralds two important events. The first is a total solar eclipse at 20.32 and although it will only be visible in the Southern Pacific, Easter Island and parts of South America, its effects will still be felt around the world.

Eclipses are often seen as harbingers of doom and gloom, however this one indicates a time of opportunity, realisation and an awakening to economic, environmental and humanitarian issues.

The New Moon at 20.40 is in the sign of Cancer which encourages us to enjoy our homes and gardens; not too difficult a task at this time of year. It is a time for family get togethers in order to enjoy the pleasures of eating, socialising, talking and listening to each other.

The July moon was known by the Celts as the 'Wort Moon'. Wort was an infusion of ground malt and was combined with yeast to make beer. It was only made at this time of year as the summer sun provided the warmth required for fermentation. Under the Wort Moon movements of the heavens were noted and predictions made.

Lady of the Moon,

Keeper of Secrets,

In many guises,

Through many lifetimes

Have I drunk of your infinite beauty.

I lift my eyes to meet your gaze,

And see life reflected

Through the timeless mirror

Of your cyclic dance.

(From 'Keeper of Secrets' : Mrs Darley's Moon Mysteries)