Full Harvest Moon - October 2009

October Full Harvest Moon

Lick Observatory Moonrise

(NASA) - Credit & Copyright: Rick Baldridge

The view from a well chosen location at sunset, October's gorgeous Full Moon rose behind Mount Hamilton, east of San Jose, California. Captured in this lovely telescopic view, historic Lick Observatory is perched on the mountain's 4,200 foot summit, observatory and rising Moon momentarily sharing the warm color of filtered sunlight.

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Scheduled to illuminate the landscape throughout the night October's bright Full Moon will also be called the Harvest Moon. Traditionally, the Harvest Moon is the Full Moon closest to the autumnal equinox.

In two years out of three, the Harvest Moon comes in September, but in some years it occurs in October. At the peak of harvest, farmers can work late into the night by the

light of this Moon.

The ‘Three Sisters’ Garden is a method of planting utilized by American Indian farming societies. The American Indian legends that tell the story of the three sisters vary from tribe to tribe, but some aspects are always the same. The three sisters represent corn, beans and squash, three crops that should be planted together, enjoyed together, and shared among the community.

Corn, pumpkins, squash, beans, and wild rice the chief Indian staples are

now ready for gathering.

October 6th-7th are good days for planting Beets, Carrots, Onions, Turnips, and other hardy Root Crops, where climate is suitable.

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Yesterday I was walking alongside the Niagara Falls and, as usual, I could feel the intense energy of the water then as I arrived home the Full Harvest Moon was visible. Mother Nature delivers a revitalizing energy while she shares her beauty with those who care to take the time to enjoy.

Priceless!