Pay enough attention to the lunar cycles and you’ll soon come to realize each full moon is named. Traditionally each culture, each society, chose names that clearly reflected what connections were relevant for them. This particular moon, the last full moon before Spring arrives, is known by many names, but my favorite is Full Crow Moon. Given that I’m a lover of all things crow and moon-related you’ll have no trouble understanding why this is a time of celebration for me.
As I was moving things around freshening up some of my altars, I couldn’t help but smile at this fabulous crow bowl a friend gifted me with several years ago.
Such a marvelous crow! Doesn’t he look mischievous? And no doubt he’s a smooth talker. And check out his at his slightly unkempt hair. Isn’t he someone you want to know? Don’t you imagine he knows mysteries? Has friends in every part of the world? Knows what’s important and how to laugh about it all? Yep – I think he does. And I love having him in my world where he can whisper reminders that it’s true about all of us.
No two full moons are ever alike, but I always find it interesting to pay attention and see what shows up. One way I like to think of the full moon is as the apex of the cycle. Each cycle begins at the new moon and moves to the full as the inbreath. Following the pause of the full point, the cycle continues as the outbreath; and then begins anew with the next new moon.
Adding another layer of cycles in which the lunar cycles exist are those of the seasonal wheel. Winter is a time we travel down and inward, and as we’re coming to completion of this cycle we’re beginning to turn our attention to what’s ahead. We’re casting forward while simultaneously wrapping this winter journey up.
I think Crow is a perfect companion to have during this time. Crow is clever and is connected to the sacred realms and the underworld, AND Crow knows how to have fun.
I recently re-read a prose poem by Aimee Nezhukumatathil entitled Crow Joy about how the gold leaf on the domes in Kremlin was scratched off by crows sliding down the roofs. That image makes me laugh. It seems so utterly crow-like — the dance of the sacred and the profane.
Here’s another corvid friend.
Rosie Crow is one of my studio mascots. She was carved and painted by folk artist Toni McCorkle from reclaimed wood. I’m afraid the photo doesn’t do her justice as there is a glare, but I can’t manage a better picture because she hanging up so high. Which is where she likes to be with a bird’s eye view of things.
Listening to the crows cawing outside and surrounded by crow friends inside, I’m delighted to be celebrating this Crow Moon.
As I’m wishing on this full moon, I’m certainly wishing for more joy, more laughter, more crow-inspired goodness. But I’ll also be invoking some of the beckoning forward energy of Crows..They call in no uncertain terms – they know how to have fun, but they’re very intelligent and keep an eye on the big picture; they’re steeped in the mysteries of life and transformations; they bring a bit of their trickster energy to remind us to stay alert and flexible and ready to be surprised.
Above all, I wish for all of us, that this moon brings some beautiful bits of shiny wonderfulness! What about you? What are you wishing for? What energies are you feeling pulled by? Do tell, you know I love to hear.
Happy Full Crow Moon! She was at full illumination here around 6;30ish this morning. Such a lovely way to greet the day. I think I’ve told you about the huge flock(s?) of crows that fly over each morning and evening. They’re coming from their nesting grounds in the hills of Moorpark and fan out over the valley to the parks and neighborhoods that back up to open space. There are a few families that live here, as well. They nest in the tops of the pine trees that line our neighborhood along the road. The babies are adorable, squawky and awkward. They come to my little birdbath, under the watchful eyes of their parents, to get a drink and splash around. I so enjoy having them as neighbors.
Having finished ‘the book,’ which I can share on Thursday, as Hannah had more photos to include and wanted me to put them in for her, I’m looking to welcome Spring with some cleaning and clearing, inviting in fresh creative energies and enjoying whichever projects come next. Still playing along with my 100 Day stitching project with Ann Wood, and feeling the joy of not having to be precise with measurements and placements. LOL! Talk with you soon.
It delights me knowing you’re on the crow’s path – I hope you say hello to them from a Chicago friend. Baby crows are truly funny little charmers – all blue eyes and croaky awkwardness.
I love your invitations for Spring, and I can’t wait to see your book. May the full moon shine brightly on you and bring luminous blessings!
That is a gorgeous bowl! A book that my daughters loved was called “Rainbow Crow” and I wish I had kept it for my grandsons. I didn’t realize that all full moons were different and that they have names. I learn something new every day!
Oh, you’ll definitely have to get a copy for your grandsons – they’ll love it no doubt, escpecially knowing their mother loved it. I have a hard time keeping hold of a copy for myself – I’ve given away so many. I like being an ambassador of crow love. 🙂
Hi Deborah – I love reading your posts … we still have our symbolism out in our countryside – though much needs to be recalled … fortunately our records still abound for researchers to find. Crow Joy – I was hoping to find the poem … but couldn’t easily … I’d hoped to read it today to friends … but I have Nightingales from eras so can read their story – John Clare has particular notes. Cheers and here’s to our changing world – it develops while the moon at least stays with us. Hilary
I’m sorry I didn’t see your comment earlier, Hilary – I seem to be having difficulty with notifications. The Crow Joy poem is published in Aimee Nezhukumatathil’s Miracle Fruit book. Perhaps you can get hold of a copy. But I’m glad you had something else on had to read. I’m sure your friends enjoyed it.