According to the folks at the Old Farmer's Almanac, the full Worm Moon,
the last moon of the winter season, reached its peak in the early hours of
this morning, Tuesday March 7th, specifically, 7:42 A.M. EST.
Photograph courtesy/
Madeleine Maria Meriwether
Also, according to the Almanac, if you have a little rain tonight in your
area, you might see a rare phenomenon called a "moonbow" which is
created by moonlight when it is refracted through water droplets in the air.
Moonbows only happen when the full Moon is low in the sky, so look
for one of these celestial delights just after sunset at twilight time.
The name Full Worm Moon refers to the earthworms which start to
come up through the thawing soil this time of the year. Along with the skunks
coming out of hibernation to mate, the return of Robin Redbreast at the
bird feeder, and clumps of cheery yellow daffodils in bloom everywhere,
these are all signs that spring is on its way!
Other names for this month's moon include: The Lenten Moon, for the religious
season of Lent, The Sugar Moon, credited to the Ojibwe Indian tribe as the
time when the sap of the sugar maples starts to flow, and the The Eagle and
Goose Moon (Algonquin and Cree) for the return of these birds in the springtime.
The Rising of the Moon
(An Irish Ballad)
Oh, then tell me Sean O'Farrell, tell me why you hurry so?
Hush me, buch-all, hush and listen and his cheeks were all a-glow,
I bear orders from the captain, get you ready quick and soon,
For the pikes must be together by the rising of the moon.
By the rising of the moon, By the rising of the moon,
For the pikes must be together by the rising of the moon.
Oh then tell me, Sean O Farrell, where the gathering is to be,
In the old spot by the river, right well known to you and me.
One more word for signal token, whistle up the marching tune
With your pike upon your shoulders, by the rising of the moon.
Out from many a mudwall cabin eyes were watching through the night
Many a manly heart was throbbing for the blessed warning light
Murmurs passed along the valley like a banshee's lonely croon
And a thousand blades were flashing at the rising of the moon.
There beside the singing river that dark mass of men were seen
Far above the shining weapons hung their own beloved green
Death to every foe and traitor, forward strike the marching tune
And, Hurrah, my boys for freedom, 'tis the rising of the moon.
Well they fought for poor old Ireland and full bitter was their fate
Oh what glorious pride and sorrow fills the name of ninety-eight
Yet, thank God, while hearts are beating in manhood's burning noon
We will follow in the footsteps at the rising of the moon.
"The Rising of the Moon"
John Keegan Casey
(1846-1870)
Irish poet and orator
"The Poet of the Fenians"
One of the central figures in the Fenian Uprising in 1867, John Keegan Casey
was later imprisoned by the British and died on St. Patrick's Day in 1870.
"The Rising of the Moon" is based on the Irish Rebellion of 1798
which was a major uprising against British rule in Ireland.
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