In last Saturday’s post, Wishing on the Moon, I wrote about the inspiration behind my third multi-author anthology, Moonlight & Misadventure, and my mother’s belief that it was unlucky to see the full moon through glass. While I’m not quite as superstitious as my mother (though I do knock on wood, avoid going under ladders and have been known to throw salt over my left shoulder), as a Cancerian, I’ve always been fascinated by the moon.
Of course, urban legend has it that chaos and crime increase with the full moon. But did you know that the word “lunatic” is derived from “luna,” the Latin word for moon? In fact, in 18th-century England, people on trial for murder could campaign for a lighter sentence on grounds of lunacy if the crime occurred under a full moon.
What about lucky or unlucky? Well, that depends. In the Philippines, it is believed that no marriage should take place except during the period of the full moon, as good fortune comes only during that period. There’s also the superstition that exposing your newborn to the waxing moon will give the baby strength. Meanwhile, the Irish believe viewing the new moon through glass should be avoided, and that even the position of the new moon is important; for luck the new moon should be seen over the right shoulder, never the left. Many folks believe the new moon is also a time to set positive intentions for the month (I try to do that when I remember). Finally, it’s considered unlucky to see “the old moon in the arms of the new” or the faint image of the full disk while the new crescent moon is illuminated, especially if you’re a sailor—storms are predicted.
The moon also plays a part in the success or failure of your garden, at least according to The Farmers’ Almanac, which suggests that crops that grow above the earth, such as corn and wheat, should be planted while the moon is waxing, so the moon can pull them out of the ground as it grows bigger. Conversely, the Almanac tells us, root crops, such as turnips, carrots, and yams, should be planted while the moon is waning, allowing vegetables to grow deep into the ground.
Do you have any superstitions or fun facts about the moon? If so, leave a comment and I’ll add them to my collection.
And now, the Shameless Self Promotion part of this post . You can find Moonlight & Misadventure at your favorite retailer in trade paperback and digital formats:
And other retailers/library purchasing sources
I’ve never heard that phrase: “old moon in the arms of the new”. Digging deeper, I now know what it means. I’ve seen this before.
As a life-long gardener, I have heard about planting to the moon. I try to do this, but I sometimes forget. However, I’m inclined to be more vigilant next year.
I’ve been told that just like exposure to sunshine, we need exposure to moonshine (not the liquid kind). I wonder if any scientist has looked into what vitamin/mineral we get from its glow, similar to how we get Vitamin D from sunshine.
Hi Diane, I have never heard that about moonshine. Must investigate! And your garden pix are inspiring. Just imagine what they’d be like if you planted to the moon 🙂 Thanks for stopping by.
I give credit to my goats for my garden growth. It’s their manure and soiled hay that feeds the soil and makes my garden grow like it does.
Coincidentally, I was looking at moon calendars earlier today and considering buying one for 2022.
I didn’t know there were moon calendars. Must get one!
Interesting on the goats!
Search with keywords “planting by the moon”, and you’ll find many options.
thanks!