Random Act of Metaphor: The Full Hunger Moon

Hmmm, how is it that have I come to take for granted the lunar majesty that holds court twelve times a year?

The full moon is riding the crest of the night sky tonight. It is a sight to behold in its stark rendering of ghostly white against a canvas of black. Yet I seldom take the time to notice it. I may momentarily admire how it burnishes the edges of ragged clouds or softens the icy fingers of a frigid winter night. But rarely do I take the time to give it homage.

For I did not know that the full moon occurs when the moon’s orbit takes it around to the point where sun, earth and moon line up. This triple synchronicity surely must bring with it mystical powers and perhaps even the ability to grant long cherished desires.

Nor did I know that Native Americans gave names to each full moon. The one I ponder tonight is the Full Snow Moon – so named because the heaviest snows were known to fall in February. It is also known as the Full Hunger Moon since harsh winter conditions made hunting very difficult.

Man has set foot on the moon. Perhaps that is why it has lost its wonder for us. We think we have conquered it. But in truth we have only, quite literally, brushed the surface of it. We brought back moon rocks but left behind its greatest secrets.

The Full Hunger Moon holding court over a bone chilling February night – a proud but solitary sentinel of galaxies untouched and a metaphor for the hunger for wonders beyond our imagining that keeps our hearts aflame.

~ Michael Robert Dyet is the author of “Until the Deep Water Stills – An Internet-enhanced Novel” – double winner in the Reader Views Literary Awards 2009. Visit Michael’s website at www.mdyetmetaphor.com or the novel online companion at www.mdyetmetaphor.com/blog .

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