June Skies

Tonight (14) sees the beginning of the Lyrid Meteor shower, which should last until Sunday. It's not the best show of the year as it only produces around 10 per hour, but worth a look never the less high in the south.
If you want to see Saturn and His rings then the 19 is best as the moon passes just below and therefore acts as a good indicator.
The Summer Solstice is on the 21st at 6.03GMT in the sign of Scorpio and the full perigee moon is on Mid-Summer's Eve (23rd) - that should certainly be a sight worth seeing.
Here's to clear night skies and long warm days.

The Honey Moon

Today at 16.56 the Honey Moon, Blessing Moon or Mead Moon enters our skies. The three names come from the fact that the month of June was seen as a blessing from the Gods as it was a time of warmer weather and longer days. It was a time when many people chose to marry once May, the sacred month of the Goddess had passed and it was a time when honeyed mead was made. This was thought to be the heavenly drink of the Teutonic Gods and thus considered to have many medicinal and healing properties.
May this June Moon bring you many blessings.

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'

There will be Beltane celebrations a plenty this week throughout the world and according to where you are and what greenery is available the old custom of garlnd making is always a lovely thing to do, to hang on your or someone else's door on the 1st May.
You should however take care as to what greenery you choose for some plants carry a specific message.
Always use plum for those who are glum
Always choose pear for those who are fair
Always use gorse for those who are coarse
Always choose vine for those who are fine
And so it goes on....
Enjoy your garland making and the deeper meanings behind them.
Blessed Beltane
Read more 'Mrs darley's Pagan Whispers'

The earth is just about to move through the Lyrids meteor shower over the next couple of days and we should be in for a treat providing the skies are clear.
This shower produces dust trails which last several seconds and viewing is best in the NE after midnight.
On Thursday this week we also have the full Seed Moon partially eclipsed as it rises around 8pm, but be quick as the shadow will only last about 12 minutes.
This is a time of exciting change, of rare opportunities, make the most of it!
Read more 'Mrs Darley's Moon Mysteries'

The Seed Moon

In a few minutes the dark moon will be behind us and the new Seed Moon will be born. This was the moon the Celts waited for as it marked a time of movement, of increase and of the sewing of the crops.
Many people seem to have had their own personal battles to face through this long hard winter, be they to do with health, jobs, or finance and most people are now looking forward to bringing a little warmth into their lives both literally and symbolically.
I hope that the new seed moon brings a certain lightness to both your lives and your spirit.
Read more 'Mrs Darley's Moon Mysteries'

Spring skies

Everyone is waiting for the spring to arrive and with the dawning of April comes renewed hope that temperatures will slowly begin to rise. We do however need clear skies, (which often means lower night time temperatures) before we can see the spectacular heavenly sights which are on offer.
The new Seed Moon arrives in our skies on 11th at 10.35BST. Look out for the moon and Jupiter being close together on the 14th whilst on the 19th just before sunrise low on the horizon Uranus & Mercury are visible. On the 22nd we pass through the Lyrids meteor show, producing luminous trails of dust which can be seen for several seconds. Visible in the NE after midnight.
On the 25th the full moon rises at 20.11BST and will be partially eclipsed, but be quick as it will only remain eclipsed for about 12 minutes. At this point Saturn will be sitting just above the moon, but the best day to see Saturn fully illuminated is on the 28th.
What celestial gifts to look forward to! Read more 'Mrs Darley's Moon Mysteries'