I was looking at my calendar in preparation for the day’s schedule and noticed I had plugged in “New Moon”. I have cousins who are in the medical and fire fighting professions, so I had long heard stories about incidences that occur on a full moon. But the new moon threw me a bit. So, I guess I noted it in hopes of seeing if there was a similar lunar affect during that time. Not being a lunar expert, I did my usual research. Here’s what I learned:
The earth spins counterclockwise and rotates along with the other planets. The moon spins counterclockwise too and rotates as well. When the earth and moon hit certain parts of their cycle, you can see the difference. This is what we call “phases” of the Moon. Tip: the moon doesn’t give off light, it just reflects the light of the Sun.
FULL MOON
This is when the earth, moon, and sun are lined up in a row. The Earth is between the Sun and the Moon. So, the moon is on the opposite side of us. The only part of the moon that we see then is the part that is facing us. It’s the part receiving light from the sun and reflecting it back to us.
NEW MOON
This is when the moon is between the earth and sun. The three are lined up again. This time, the Sun is shining from behind the moon as we look at it.
Then, I had an idea. I found it interesting that I couldn’t find the words “full moon” in the Bible. It also surprised me that the word “moon” doesn’t even show up until you hit the New Testament. Hmmmmm. You will however, find “new moon”. But, it’s only mentioned once and it’s in the book of Colossians.
Col. 2:16 ¶ Therefore don’t let anyone judge you in regard to food and drink or in the matter of a festival or a new moon or a sabbath day.
That little passage led me to even more research, but we don’t have time for that today. If anything, I hope you feel a bit smarter on the subject as we enter into a New Moon this week.
Just my thoughts. AND…Happy 1st Day of Spring!
S.
