Last week we looked at the sky during the day, in particular, the clouds. I took a photograph from the same spot each morning last week and was amazed at how different the sky looked each day.
In his book, Simon Barnes says that another way to rewild yourself right at home is to go out at night. Your place is like a different world once the sun sets. If you’re lucky and there’s not too much light pollution, the moon and stars are visible. It’s often quieter, making it easier to hear subtle sounds. And, the animals come out to play (or feed), especially bats, owls, and toads; more likely raccoons, skunks, and coyotes.
The moon is always mesmerizing, what Maria Popova calls “our abiding nocturnal companion.” Its pull is so strong that it directs the oceans’ tides, so I can only imagine what it does to us. The stars evoke wonder like nothing else. They’re light years away yet visible to our eyes at night.
Being people who rely on light to see and to guide us, the night can seem a little scary. When my husband and I visited Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in California, we learned that the Village of Borrego Springs is recognized as an International Dark Sky Community. There are no stop lights in the town and nighttime lighting is kept to a minimum. (Wikipedia)
We went out to a restaurant for dinner one night and I couldn’t see my feet as I was walking through the parking lot to the restaurant. It was unnerving, and made me realize my reliance on light.
Again from Maria Popova, quoting from Henry Beston’s book, The Outermost House, about a year on the beach in Cape Cod. In one chapter, he writes:
“Our fantastic civilization has fallen out of touch with many aspects of nature, and with none more completely than night. Are modern folk, perhaps, afraid of the night? Do they fear that vast serenity, the mystery of infinite space, the austerity of the stars? To know only artificial night is as absurd and evil as to know only artificial day.”
He then advises. “Learn to reverence night and to put away the vulgar fear of it, for, with the banishment of night from the experience of man, there vanishes as well a religious emotion, a poetic mood, which gives depth to the adventure of humanity.”
Practice
Try to let go of fear of the night and venture out, even if just outside your front door. Here are a few ways to experience the night this week.
Catch a sunset or sunrise.
Do some stargazing. How clear is the sky? Can you identify any constellations or planets? Interactive Night Sky Map
Track moonrise and moonset, as well as the moon phase. The Moon: our Satellite
Go for a night walk and look and listen. What do the trees look like? How is the soundscape different from the daytime? Do you encounter any animals?
Resources
Evening Sky Maps (downloadable)
My husband and I went out a few nights ago to view the Northern lights. It was late and it was dark. We needed to drive off the main road and park. It was definitely out of my comfort zone. I was afraid someone would run into my vehicle but remembered that I had reflectors that would show up if headlights approached. I was unsure on my feet. We did see the lights and my gosh all the stars.
The night sky has always fascinated me. I love the quiet and the beauty of night. I visited a Dark Sky Field in Cherry Valley, PA a few years ago, it was a great experience. The other star gazers shared their knowledge and experiences and I learned a lot just in a brief visit. I am fortunate to live in an apartment where I have a clear sky view of sunrise and moonrise. It provides a daily grounding and the constant changes offer moments for reflection and meditation.