(Adapted from a forum post I made at C+F)

I am on a distribution list for a Pagan "thought for the day" and I thought I would share my thoughts on the note I received yesterday.

How often do you look up into the sky and see the Moon? Do you know the names of the phases? Do you know what phase the moon is in today? Can you tell just by looking whether the moon is waxing (phase moving toward Full) or waning (phase moving toward New)?

The moon's phases were an important way of noting the passage of time for much of our history, even in cultures that had calendars. Many of the calendars civilizations used (and still use) are based on the Lunar year rather than the Solar year.

And yet, at a time when our species' scientific interest in the solar system, the galaxy, and the universe burns intensely, many of us seldom look up at the night sky, and many of us no longer note the daily changes in the Moon's appearance, as it continues its billion-years dance with the Earth and the Sun.

So, whether you know the Moon's current phase, take a moment to look up tonight or tomorrow morning. Where is the moon in relationship to the Sun? What does it look like?

The moon has been faithfully marking the days for humanity for untold ages. It's figured in our mythology, our science, our philosophy, our dreams.

It's ok to wave, if you feel like it