Sturgeon Moon of Many Names Dusk Walk

Join us for the final of three Full Moon Dusk Walks to be hosted by deKoven Pelton, community member, nature admirer, Wild Church participant, and avid moon lover, this summer at the burial ground.

We invite you to take a moment to step away from the hustle and perhaps out of your ordinary routine to take a mindful walk under the dimming sky by the light of the rising full moon. This time to pause, reflect, share space with others, and connect with the elements we hope serves to nourish and revive.

The August full moon goes by many names - Corn Moon, Grain Moon, Fruit Moon, Red Moon, even Sturgeon Moon, for its coincidence with peak sturgeon fishing season, a once upon a time momentous occasion for indigenous peoples in the Great Lakes region. This August's full moon is notably a partial lunar eclipse and one that - also somewhat momentously - will be visible to us here in Central Virginia. While not a total lunar eclipse, over 90% of the moon will be covered by Earth's shadow and visible in the late night hours of Thursday, August 27 into the early morning hours of Friday, August 28. She will likely be giving off a reddish, "blood-red" glow, earning her that Red Moon moniker. Though we will be walking on the waning side of the peak of this moon, we will still benefit from her shine!

The walk will be approximately one mile - about half an hour - over uneven terrain through fields and woods and on gravel road. You are welcome to rely on the light of the setting sun and the rising moon to guide your way. We also recommend you bring along a bright flashlight or lantern just in case. Please wear sturdy shoes and if stability is a consideration for you, bring along a walking stick (or grab one on your way in from the kiosk by the burial ground). We will plan to convene briefly before and after as a group to share and receive reflections.

We'll meet at the barn. We'll carry on in light rain. Downpour or thunderstorms cancel. Please plan to arrive on time or a bit early even as it may be difficult to find the group if you arrive once the walk has begun.

This event is free and open to the public and welcoming to individuals of all ages.

"Find wonder in darkness," says Leigh Ann Henion, author of Night Magic. Which is exactly what we hope to do.

Til soon!