environgirl @ MindSay

Well it is the Harvest Moon or The Fall Equinox for you non-Pagans (of course I could argue that you are Pagan if you do indeed follow the celebration schedule of the Christian faith as it is simply a bit of a kidnapping of Pagan holidays re-named) I wont of course cuz that aint how I get down…This Harvest is the third of a celebrated triplicate of harvests Lammas and Mabon are the first 2…

Okay I am from a deeply religious family which I have shared notes on with you all many times and when we were of the farmer type of folks we FAITHFULLY followed an almanac for news of natures moods and made decisions based on her ebb and flow…if we were diligent and humble and good to her she would provide with a bounty at harvest. If we did not pay attention and care for her well then the yield would reflect our neglect…The Harvest Moon is a chance to celebrate our mother earths bounty by sharing our bounty with neighbors and continuing in our reverence for her rather than slavishly bowing our heads to the inanimate and material world…

The Harvest Moon is the full moon that appears nearest to the autumnal equinox. At this time, the moon rises at a point which is opposite to the sun, and is situated close to the eastern point of the horizon.

The harvest moon gets its name from the fact that farmers who were harvesting their crops at this time of year were able to use the extra light of the harvest moon to continue the work in the fields. In October, the full moon for that month can exhibit a similar effect, and is called the hunter’s moon. Like a hunter's moon a harvest moon is usually tinted yellow.

Now I will be comuning with the moon for a time this evening and saying a prayer for the continued sustenance and shelter. No matter what your faith there must certainly be room for praising the very ground that supports you and yours….

How about some peotry…here goes…(working up the nerve, nerve, nerve) Off to commune with sister moon.....

AUTUMN SONG

Now's the time when children's noses
All become as red as roses
And the colour of their faces
Makes me think of orchard places
Where the juicy apples grow,
And tomatoes in a row.

And to-day the hardened sinner
Never could be late for dinner,
But will jump up to the table
Just as soon as he is able,
Ask for three times hot roast mutton--
Oh! the shocking little glutton.

Come then, find your ball and racket,
Pop into your winter jacket,
With the lovely bear-skin lining.
While the sun is brightly shining,
Let us run and play together
And just love the autumn weather.—Katherine Mansfield