In the Light of the Moon: Thirteen Lunar Tales from Around the World Illuminating Life's Mysteries

by Carolyn McVickar Edwards, Kathleen Edwards (Illustrator)

Throughout the year, as it moves inexorably through its phases, the moon is a source of wonder, inspiration, and knowledge for countless sky watchers. Now In the Light of the Moon, a companion to Carolyn Edwards' popular collection of stories about the winter solstice, presents thirteen lunar tales from around the world. Organized into four sections corresponding to the waxing, full, waning, and dark moons, the book collects stories from Australia, Britain, ancient Egypt, the Maya, Korea, Polynesia, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, India, and the Amazon, among other lands and peoples. By seeking to explain the origins and cycles of Earth's nearest neighbor and our relation to it, each story entertains, instructs, and inspires curiosity about the eternal mysteries of the natural world. Perfect for Halloween and October's Hunter's Moon, In the Light of the Moon's spirited collection of fascinating stories are also wonderful for any time of year.

Genres: Mythology, Nonfiction, Short Stories, Spirituality, Folklore

208 pages, Paperback

First published August 27, 2003

Reviews

[Justin Mann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy reading collections of stories from other cultures, especially when they center around a common theme like this. I enjoy comparing and contrasting, as well as being immersed in the stories. Reminds me of some of the sociolinguistic / anthropological studies from college, which I really enjoyed.

Serendipitously, this book satisfies Nappanee Public Library's 2025 Expand Your Horizons reading challenge, category: Read a book with a celestial object in the title.

[Nadia · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Moon is the original equal opportunity employer of the imagination. The moon shines on, whether we're in a group or alone. The is in one phase or another, no matter what the date. Any action on any day can be a ritual - as long as it's infused with intention and meaning...

Rituals:
Waxing moon-inviting-in; washing, bathing, grooming, planting, cleaning, weaving, making charms, cooking, writing, rhyming, coloring, molding, and carving.
Full moon-gratitude; decorating, gifting, feeding, watering, harvesting, baking, and feasting.
Waning moon-letting-go; washing, bathing, grooming, fasting, scrubbing, burning, breaking, burying, tearing, and tossing.
Dark moon-asking-for-wisdom; praying, I-Ching, tarot cards, rune stones, gazing into flame or water, visualization, meditation, and dream sharing." Part Four - pgs. 157-158

An illuminating (pun intended-:)) and heartening book that shares a lunar cycle of culturally diverse Wisdom Tales about the source of night time Magik, the Moon. With chapters arranged by Moon Phases, unfolding distinct stories from the Amazon, Korea, Jewish Folklore, the Bullanji People of Australia, and nine others, Carolyn offers a playful way to reconnect with our subconscious yearnings for Grandmother Moon. These tales reveal the reality that the enigma of moonlight is another aspect of Living on Mama Gaia that we all partake in and are striving to fathom. A sweet read, which expands you while taking you within.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the introduction to each of the stories. The background gave context to the story and was helpful. I did not like the little addition that she gave to each section about herself because I was not reading the book to find out about her, and so it was unnecessary. The way the stories were given made for a nice easy read.

[britt · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Suddenly, in the ocean-blue twilight over the freeway, the orange moon swallows me . . . . I stare into her pale gray, peacefully amused craters. For moments, I forfeit everything but gratitude. I am alive.”

a short and sweet ode to the moon and the many cultures who acknowledge it in their beliefs and folktales.

my personal favorites from the anthology were
• How Gidja Kept Singing
• The Thirteenth Jar
• The Masks of the Moon
• The Stolen Moon
• The Traveler’s Lantern
• River Moon Lily

actual rating: 3.75

[Alex Clare · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found too little emphasis on the storytelling.

[Mažena Demčenko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kiekvienoje šio rinkinio istorijoje slypi savotiška magija ir tai suteikia didžiulį skaitymo malonumą.

[Renée · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick and easy read, consisting of 13 lunar tales from around the world "illuminating life's mysteries"... I read this to educate myself further in the ways of the moon and traditional people's connection to this very important natural force, now overshadowed by city lights and a loss of connection to the cycle of the seasons...

Good writing and good read if you are looking to learn more about the moon and its connection to folklore and traditional culture's history of storytelling...

[Min · Rating 4 out of 5]

A captivating, and thought-provoking collection of folk tales best for adults for vocabulary and content, for some.
I enjoyed reading about other cultures' reflection of the moon's creation. So often, through an act of love does the orb shine upon us. Some nations have same sex siblings, some opposite sex. A few husband and wife pairs. More than a few include the Evening and/or Morning Star as a part of the family.

[Darceylaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like Edwards' style, and the tales she chooses. These are not children's stories. I also appreciate the short introduction for each story giving it context

[Sofia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful little book, full of some great stories from around the world. Lots of fun to read.

[Lori Rader-Day · Rating 3 out of 5]

Research book.

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

Restarted this 2 June after a couple months away from it.

It was decent.