Full moon on Beltane

Greetings to one and all this fine May Day, 

We send emails out every “cross-quarter” date–that is, the midway point between solstices and equinoxes. The solstices and equinoxes are the anchors of the solar year defined by Earth’s axis aligning directly toward or away from the Sun (solstice), or at a 90-degree angle to the Sun (equinox). These are physical realities that occur as the tilted Earth orbits our star. 

The cross-quarter dates are a little more nebulous, simply marking the in-between points and coming down to us from the Celtic tradition. This flexibility allows a nice opportunity for incorporating the Moon. For instance, I often align the celebration with the nearest new or full moon. I always like to find ways to mix the Moon into my timekeeping! I view the solstices and equinoxes as relating to the Sun, while the cross-quarters relate to the Moon: a nice balance of both in our lives. 

This is all to say that this May Day–this Beltane–happens to coincide with full moon, so today is ripe for celebration! If the clouds permit, I shall go out into the night to appreciate this full moon as the time of planting is upon us.

When last we wrote, Axis Mundi, Volume 1: The Order of the Cosmos was finished and we were scheduling film screenings. Last month, we took a trip to Hopi to give a private screening to the Cultural Preservation Office there and make sure they were happy with Hopi representation in Axis Mundi before any public screenings. We got the green light from them. The discussion we had afterwards was very interesting, with one member saying the film reminded him of what his grandparents would tell him. This is valuable and important information! 

Screenings for Axis Mundi, Volume 1: The Order of the Cosmos

• May 10, 2:30 pm, Kanab, Utah. Amazing Earthfest
• July 9, 7:00 pm, Clark Planetarium, SLC, Utah 
• July 21-28, We’re working to set up a screening at Calanais, Isle of Lewis, Scotland

And more screenings are in the works!

The other big piece of news on our end is a new job which entails a move. We will be the caretakers of Capitol Reef Field Station inside Capitol Reef National Park. We’re excited for this new chapter in our lives, living under some of the darkest night skies that our planet can boast. Zen is going to have a very unique childhood! 
Full moon, The Valentines