Today, not only does our youngest turn 16 (where does the time go?), but we also have a Full Crow Moon in Libra Lunar Eclipse (say that three times fast *grin*). Last year, as I began creating graphics for Witchy Wednesdays, I found this blurb on the Farmers’ Almanac website about my favoritest named full moon in March –
As the temperature begins to warm and the ground begins to thaw, earthworm casts appear, heralding the return of the robins. The more northern tribes knew this Moon as the Full Crow Moon, when the cawing of crows signaled the end of winter; or the Full Crust Moon, because the snow cover becomes crusted from thawing by day and freezing at night. The Full Sap Moon, marking the time of tapping maple trees, is another variation. To the settlers, it was also known as the Lenten Moon, and was considered to be the last full Moon of winter.
In sussing out the magical significance of this particular moon/eclipse combo, I found this excellent bit of astrological information on Elephant Journal. I highly recommend you check out the full article, End to Begin: Full Moon Eclipse by Emily Price – there’s lots of great stuff in it.
Think of the bright light of the Libra Full Moon as a spotlight showing us the truth of where we’ve been since last March and the divine trajectory of where we might be headed. The energy of this lunar eclipse is actually perfect for the Tax Season vibe we’re in the midst of here in the States. It is the moment for a full inventory—not just the two weeks since the Solar Eclipse, but the overarching cycle of the last year, and the mini-review cycles within that (such as retrograde periods).
Thorough review and assessment can be an arduous and tedious processes, but there is no doubt we will perform our work with greater ease, elegance and grace in the new cycle if we lovingly offer our precious time and attention to an honest look at our losses and gains. Making peace with the past is challenging, especially since the Libra Moon opposing Mercury in Aries might bring up a storm of conflict between the rational, more diplomatic mind and the hard-wired gut instinct.
As with most strong waves of emotion and awareness, knowing that the experience is temporary can help a great deal. Bringing awareness to what we are feeling and thinking without immediately acting upon it is a good lunar eclipse protocol for anyone. Much will be revealed to us, but emotions will be simultaneously running high. We can take some time to process and set our sights on April’s new moon for next steps.
Allow the storminess of the lunar eclipse to pass and trust that any upheaval is clearing space for fresh opportunities.
I also looked into the wisdom of doing spell work during an eclipse, as the topic has come up before in an online witchy community I belong to. I found this wonderful explanation from Patti Wigington, over at About Pagan and Wiccan Religions. Be sure to check out the full article, “Lunar Eclipse Magic & Folklore” since this is just a snippet.
In some modern magical traditions, a lunar eclipse is considered a sort of metaphysical bonus round – in other words, any spellwork you do during this period is amplified and has a bit of extra power behind it.
Lately, a few people seem to have latched onto the idea that it’s just plain dangerous to perform magic during a lunar eclipse, especially if you’re a “newbie Pagan.” There is absolutely no logical basis for this theory. If you’re worried enough about the state of your psyche that you believe it could be somehow damaged by doing magic during an eclipse, then you need to either (a) not do magic at all, or (b) learn how to ground, center and shield so you won’t self-sabotage any workings you do.
So, what kind of workings should you focus on during an eclipse? Well, remember, an eclipse only takes place during the full moon phase of the lunar cycle, so this is a good time to do rituals focused on personal growth and spiritual development.
Last, but not least, here is the graphic I created for the occasion, using a full moon picture I took in March 2015. Bright Full Crow Moon in Libra Lunar Eclipse blessings to all!
