We are affected by the moon, no doubt. The ancients were fascinated by the silver orb. There are few scenes as beautiful as a full moon rising.
Moonrise Arches, Moab, Utah August 31, 2023.
Full Moon Rising Through Cottonwoods. Mule Canyon, Utah. August 30, 2023
The day after camping under the full moon in Mule Canyon we hiked to House on Fire. Inspired by the full moon. August 31, 2023
House on Fire. Mule Canyon, Utah August 31, 2023
Today is January 13, 2025. This evening at 5:27 p.m. EST the full moon will appear on the Eastern horizon. I’ll be looking but clouds are forecast. It’s pouring rain now. Who knows anymore about the weather, it’s anybody’s guess if I’ll be able to see it.
A few years ago as I delved into themes surrounding the philosophy of Radical Naturalism (#radicalnaturalism) the idea of following the lunar calendar as a curatorial prompt intrigued me. Radical Naturalism examines the concept of being informed directly by the natural world instead of generations of human-inspired filters. It seemed like an obvious fit.
Using the ancient names for the various moons could offer me some sort of curatorial scheme. At least the various moon cycles could prompt research along with moving us away from Eurocentrism. Threads would emerge. I played with the idea for months. Made binders and started sorting images and articles that related to each moon. Then I let the idea rest.
Radical Naturalism Lunar Binders. Studio Shot. January 13, 2025
Each cycle has a name. In fact there are many names for each full moons of the year. The first full moon of the calendar year is considered by many traditions to be the Wolf Moon. This idea is prompted by the howl of the wolf on those cold winter nights. Various traditions have the canine establishing his hunting territory for the oncoming spring season. Maybe that’s it. Maybe they are celebrating the return of the sun, shorter nights and longer days. Maybe they are looking for love. Regardless the name stuck. The January moon is the Wolf Moon.
During the last few years neither the Radical Naturalism philosophy nor the Lunar Prompts would leave my brain. I decided that the SubStack platform would be the perfect host for my moon-inspired musings. So if all things align I will post on each of the full moons for the year.
The wolf, Canis lupus, is a close relative of domestic dogs. They share more than 99% of their DNA. Wolves and their cousins evolved within close proximity to Homo sapiens. Many archeological sites around the world find canine species in their digs.
Canines are considered both man’s best friend and his worst enemy. The wolf becomes much maligned in cultural documents. Some consider the bad rap comes on the cusp of the agrarian movement. Wolves do tend to eat livestock. Natural history is teaching us that the wolf is a necessary predator within a healthy ecosystem.
The Wolf Moon. What does it mean? The image of the wolf brings forward several characteristics. Autonomy. Communication. Actualization. The time of the Wolf Moon brings about thoughts of using your intuition and listening to your dreams. It suggest you delve into ideas prompted by your unconscious mind.
My idea of the lunar prompts for the year 2025 could not begin on a better symbol. using the words I go on mental journeys through a labyrinth inspired by the wolf and by the moon.
Lupine at Cary State Forest 2021
As many of you know, a certain segment of the population is now referred to as “lunatics.” Instead of cowering in the dark shadows should we come into the light? What if we embraced the moon and all it has to offer? Should we wear our lunacy as a proud banner? Spend our lives seeking the ability to shine our light into the dark corners of the night? Be an inspiration to future generations? Let’s try.
At 5:27 this evening I hope to find myself outside even in the rain. Let the lunacy begin. Be inspired. Go places. Learn things. Point your chin to the heavens and HOWL.
I love the Cherokee legend about wolves!
Looking forward to the lunacy of radical naturalism in unnaturally crazy times!