NOTES from. the universe // sturgeon moon

Nature is so much bigger than plants, people, or the earth we walk upon. It's also the connections with the sky, the cosmos, and the great unknown. This month we turn with the Sturgeon Moon.

This month’s full moon shone even brighter than the last and what a joy to see it rise above the sea from the far flung shores of Skyros. In the day I finally read Circe by Madeleine Miller, a book I had been saving for a time I would finally find myself on Greek shores again. A choice well made, a mind full of gods and goddesses, Helios and Selene, bringing the sun and moon over the horizon to illuminate the sea and the rocky and herb-filled landscapes beyond.

With nothing much else to do we gathered on the eve before the Sturgeon Moon’s predicted Supermoon brilliance to observe a sun-kissed amuse bouche of pastel pink, violet and yellow. The following night, 1 August, we were joined by a small throng of fellow moon gazers outside a local beachside tavern to watch the spectacle itself, Helios’ reflected fire turned up to a deep scarlet crimson upon the surface of this strange – if you stop to think about it – floating rock. We stayed for an hour or so and watched it get bigger and bigger over the water, its radiance spilling out across the sea and no doubt lighting it up for the fishes below.

Although sturgeons can be found in this area of the Mediterranean, this moon gets its name from the large number of this enormous, long-living, prehistoric-looking freshwater fish found in the Great Lakes at this time of year. Other names include the Corn Moon and Grain Moon for the abundant harvest of such crops, and the Dispute Moon nodding to the delicate balance of nature.

As I write the moon is waning again but not for long as August boasts also boasts a Blue Moon, where two full moons are found within the same month. It’s not such a rare occurrence, happening every two years or so, but to coincide the event with a series of super moons does make it that little bit more special, occurring every nine years. I for one will be enjoying its mystical glow.