For as long as I can remember, I've been fascinated by the moon. I remember as a child, riding in the back seat of my mom's car, I'd watch the moon follow us. It almost didn't matter how fast or how slow she drove, the moon was always there. Sometimes, it would hide behind the clouds, but I could still see its light shining through. Other times, it would play hide and seek on me and I'd find it out the side window instead of the back window. No matter where we traveled, on a clear night, the moon never let me down.
I've heard stories that the moon was made of cheese, I've heard of cows jumping over the moon, I've heard there is a man that lives in the moon and that sometimes, the moon turns blue. Of course, I'd nod my head like I agreed or open my eyes wide like I could hardly believe it. Truth was, I didn't believe it at all.
As I grew older, my fascination never dwindled. I enjoyed all things moon. My family knew how much I loved the moon and would buy me trinkets, jewelry, clothing with moon decals, tapestry, etc. As a graduation gift, I opened a beautiful full moon necklace. It was a painting of the full moon in all its glory, covered with a beveled glass giving it a 3D appearance, with an outer silver border etched with stars and my favorite part about it was that it was a locket. I was told the iridescent silver dust locked inside was actually moon dust.
Even through college, I felt at peace while moon gazing. I felt relaxed, I felt at home and I felt energized. It was almost like the moon, especially when full, gave me energy and power. NO, not super hero power, but inner power such as self-confidence, fulfillment, a sense of perseverance, empowered to be successful in any goals I've set for myself, and the power to never quit no matter how hard things may be.
Now that I'm an adult, I still fully enjoy the moon. In fact, I've taken my absorption of the moon's energy to a different level. While other people sun bathe (sometimes in the nude), I prefer to moon bathe (sometimes in the nude). I made sure when I found a place to live, it would be a place that had open skies but also offered privacy, a place where I could have small camp fires at night without too much attention, and a place that was quiet enough for me to absorb all I could in the tranquility of the night sky.
I found a duplex set on a side road in a little country town. This duplex was owner occupied but the owners live up north during the summer because they have family in New England. This duplex in Georgia is their investment property and a place for them to live comfortably during the winter months. I get a discount on rent for watching the place during the summer, keeping the lawn trimmed, gardens watered, and taking care of their fish tank.
Anyway, this condo has a deck that lead out of the bedroom, overlooking the back yard. The back yard is a huge field that was used to harvest sugar cane a long time ago. This is my open space where I can absorb all the moon I want. There is a house to the right, but the border is lined by a fence of sunflowers. To the left is another house, but that is separated by a row of white ash trees. I was allowed to build my own fire pit in the far back corner, by the edge of the old cane field. Honestly, I could not have asked for a better place to live!
This coming weekend is the next full moon. I must make sure I get enough wood to burn to keep the fire going for hours. I am expecting a clear night and warm temperatures, perfect for moon gazing with stars glittering in the night sky. I love to dance naked around the fire under the light of the full moon, with music in the background, sounds of bells, rattles and drums. This has almost become a ritual for me, something I do every month on the full moon. I have my scarves, beads, and chains ready as well as my music. This monthly ritual recharges my soul and gives me strength to face the next 30 days.
The time is here and I am ready. The sun has set, fire is blazing, music playing. I remove all but my silk scarves and bead, and start to sway to beat of the drums. My head falls back as I swirl in a circle, my scarves clutched in my fingers, absorbing the energy of the moon. My hips sway side to side, my breasts lift each time my arms raise over my head, my scarves gliding over my naked skin. I am in all my glory, dancing around the fire in circles, under the light of the full moon.
I have always been able to tune out the rest of my surroundings, focus on the moon and radiate with the glow of the fire. Something tonight is not quite right. The music is the same, the fire is the same, my scarves are the same but something is wrong.... I feel like I'm being watched! I don't understand it, I am totally secluded in the privacy of my back yard, but I feel eyes burning in on me... and I don't know why.
