EARTHSHINE

 What is Earthshine

EARTHSHINE

"This is a smoky glow on the dark portion of the crescent Moon. It is caused by sunlight that reflects off the Earth onto the Moon's night side. Under the earthshine, the Moon's outline and its dark features can be seen, even though only a thin crescent is bright. We see the Moon because of reflected sunlight (the Moon does not generate its own light). At times, however, the dark part of the Moon glows.

Just after the new moon, the first crescent moon produces what we refer to as the "old moon" in the new moon's arms. This occurs a few days after the new moon just after sunset. The same things happens to the old cresent moon in early morning."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Leonardo-Earthshine.png

Tonight, Hoaka the Crescent Moon will probably be visible just before sunset in the sky here in the forest, if we have a cloudless sunset.  "Just after the new moon, the first crescent moon produces what we refer to as the "old moon" in the new moon's arms."  That line so aptly describes the feelings I have today.  The new energy of Mahina's arms cradles the old.  My son and I have been having incredibly powerful conversations as he discovers the geneology of his kanaka roots.  Things, people, family, names let to wait for remembering ... come now in the arms of old time, old choices.  I was raised at a time when deep cracks in the culture had my mother and her generation (most, though not all) fending off the past.  So much of the history of the old ways collected dust or worse during the times of cracks:  Ma did not want me looking 'back there.'  But, now my son lives where I was born and I live where he was born.  The shift is filling in the crack and I feel the new moon's arms enfold the losses so skillfully tucked out of reach until now...slowly, slowly, slowly, steadily, steadily, steadily.

Reflections and readjustments are key issues during these early moons of the New Cycle.  The direction of momentum seems slowed for a time during this first Anahulu, giving us here on Earth, time to decide whether our goals are well-suited.  The rocket fire speed of the Aries Moon just passed tempers a little, but will pick  up again. In terms of planting, once the Ku Moons begin, planting strong and up-right la'au ... like kalo with deep roots and shoots that are nourishing as well are a good choice.  I've asked my son to send us KI logs (ti-leaf logs) so we can begin sprouting them and hopefully, plant them at a good time.  We could use some of that powerful mana and beauty in the forest and around our tiny homes.

What are you feeling as Mahina moves into Hoaka, and Earthshine reflects?  Are there adjustments to be made in your life?